Lauren Pretnar

Licensed Professional Counselor

Lauren draws from relational-cultural, existential, and internal family systems approaches to therapy. She strives to offer a safe, non-judgmental space where collaboration and authenticity can flourish. She believes that emotional growth takes courage and that prioritizing our own healing can be revolutionary, not just for us but also for our families and our communities. Lauren works with individuals and couples struggling with issues related to intergenerational trauma, attachment, life transitions, career, sex and sexuality, gender identity, parenting, anxiety, and self-esteem.

Lauren earned her Masters in Counseling Psychology at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She also has an MFA in Writing from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago and was active in the Chicago theatre scene for many years. Lauren worked in community mental health for over a decade as a crisis counselor and case manager, and she remains deeply committed to social justice and anti-violence work at the grassroots level. She is a library book enthusiast, a moderate runner, and loves adventuring through the city with friends and family.

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