Psychotherapist/Therapist Trainee

Xylem Psychotherapy is looking to hire a Psychotherapist/Therapist Trainee who is excited about working with a liberationist, depth psychotherapy perspective.

At Xylem Psychotherapy, we believe in providing affirming psychotherapy that honors the unique experiences of our clients, and supports the power and expertise people hold in their own lives. We know that high quality therapy draws from theory, and we practice from a Liberation Psychology and Depth Psychotherapy lens. Our therapists specialize in working with those who have historically been marginalized in therapy, including: LGBQ and Trans clients, and clients in the kink, CNM (consensual non-monogamy), and sex work communities. We support POC clinicians specializing in client experiences of racial trauma, and value community and culture as part of each person’s story.

Depth Psychotherapy: Depth psychotherapy believes problems have meaning, and underlying patterns, conflicts, and sources of distress are often communicating something deeper. Through collaboration and exploration, our therapists respect the expertise clients bring to their own lives and help them to gain insight. Through better understanding life’s challenges we learn to better trust ourselves.

Liberation Psychology: Liberation psychology is rooted in the principles of social justice, equity, and the importance of actively creating a better world. We understand that mental health is deeply interconnected with social, cultural, and political experience, and that without a deep self-awareness of power dynamics therapy risks just being yet another tool of oppression. Drawing on liberationist, feminist, and community movements, liberation psychology works with clients and communities to recognize their own power in enacting change.

Therapist Job Responsibilities:Establish supportive clinical relationships, providing ongoing psychotherapy to clients in an ethical and responsible mannerDiagnose and treat mental health symptoms and disordersCreate, document, and follow individualized treatment plansMaintain thorough and accurate notes and documentation of client progress in electronic medical recordsMaintain confidentiality, HIPAA compliance, and respect for sensitive informationEngage in weekly clinical supervision, examining own countertransference and challenges in the therapeutic relationshipCommunicate and maintain availability by phone and email with practice and clients as needed and appropriate, communicating coverage when unavailable (not a 24hr on call role)Actively engage in weekly supervisionProvide clinical referrals as appropriatePresent clinical cases for peer consultationEngage in ongoing continuing educationSeek additional support and consultation as neededCompleting reading and self-education on writings and topics as recommendedLimited administrative responsibilities including documentation and communication around client and secondary payer billingContribute to practice by accomplishing related tasks as needed

Work hours and benefits:Support in building to a case load of 20-30 DOS/weekCompensation in percentage of therapist earning, with opportunity for growthCombination of remote and in-person time with flexible hours and schedulingClinical supervision providedContinuing education providedTraining stipend provided

Qualifications/Skills:In the words of Burns & Burns-Lundgren (2015) “Psychotherapists are expected to be world wise and tolerant. They will be familiar with the extremes of human experience, hard to shock, and slow to blame” Strong interpersonal skills and awarenessStrong communication and listening skillsExcellent critical thinking skills, including ability to conceptualize case information from multiple theoretical perspectivesAwareness of group dynamics and ability to support clients, collogues, and peersStrength in recognizing, naming, and engaging with own limitations, biases, and growth edges as realized and/or pointed outSelf-motivated in seeking information and problem solvingAbility to engage with theoretical learning and academic writingAbility to reach out for support as neededDetail orientedStrong ability to manage time and prioritize tasksStrong commitment to professional values and ethics

Education, Experience and Licensing requirements:Master’s degree in social work, psychology, clinical counseling, or related fieldLicensure eligible in IllinoisCurrent with all applicable state licensing requirementsMultiple years of Clinical Experience and/or experience in an adjacent field or skillset

To apply, please send resume, clinical references, and a 500 word statement of clinical values to XylemTherapy@gmail.com