Kayla Jiaxuan Zhang

张佳璇，AMFT

I believe that genuine connection is the foundation of meaningful therapeutic work. When we feel truly seen and supported, we gain the courage to explore, heal, and grow. My commitment is to create a safe, respectful, and collaborative space where clients can reconnect with their inner strength and navigate life with greater clarity and intention.

I grew up in Shanxi, China and later moved to the U.S. to pursue my undergraduate education. My experience as an international student and immigrant has deeply shaped my perspective, and I bring this lens into my work with clients navigating multicultural identities, transitions, and the complexities of belonging. I believe that our differences enrich who we are, and I’m dedicated to honoring each client’s unique cultural background and lived experience.

I offer therapy in both English and Mandarin, and work with individuals, couples, and families. My clinical practice is grounded in a systemic perspective, with careful attention to the impact of culture, power, and social context. I integrate evidence-based approaches including Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Family Systems, and mindfulness-based practices to develop personalized treatment plans that meet each client’s specific needs and goals.

I have a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Northwestern University’s Family Institute and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. I currently work at Empowered Connections Counseling, located in Chicago, IL.

Outside of my clinical work, I enjoy rock climbing with friends, making pottery at home, and camping in the forest!

我认为真挚的连接是任何治疗关系的基石，在这样连接的基础上，我致力于创造一个安全且勇敢的空间，让来访者能够探索、发现并重新连接真实的自我。

我在中国山西长大，本科来到美国接读书，我的个人旅程涉及在不同文化之间的转换，在这样的转换中塑造了我对于文化身份理解。我对于多元文化、交叉性和边缘化的经历充满了好奇。我始终坚信，差异应被视为优势，我致力于为每位来访者提供一个包容的空间，使他们能够拥抱自身的文化。

在治疗实践中，我提供英语和普通话两种语言的治疗服务，提供个体、伴侣和家庭治疗，并通过系统性视角来开展这些治疗。我的系统性方法借鉴了丰富的治疗模式，包括情绪聚焦治疗 (EFT)、认知行为治疗（CBT）、内部家庭系统治疗 (IFS)、正念治疗、以及接受与承诺治疗 (ACT)等。

我拥有西北大学家庭研究院的婚姻与家庭治疗硕士学位，以及威斯康星大学麦迪逊分校的心理学学士学位。目前，我在位于伊利诺伊州芝加哥市的Empowered Connections Counseling工作。

在工作之余，我喜欢和朋友攀岩，在家做陶艺，以及到森林里露营!

Office Location: 30 N. Michigan Ave. Suite 809, Chicago IL 60602

Email: kayla@empoweredconnectionscounseling.com

Website: https://empoweredconnectionscounseling.com/kayla-zhang

Phone: 608-213-4167

Areas of Practice:

• College Students
• International Students, Immigrants and other Identity-Related Struggles 
• Life Transitions and Adjustments
• Transgenerational Conflicts, especially for Immigrant Families
• Self-Acceptance and Self-Esteem

Language(s) Spoken:

• English
• Mandarin 

Insurance Accepted:

• BCBS PPO

• Blue Choice

• United Healthcare

• Northwestern Aetna Student Health Insurance

• Self-Pay