Kayla Jiaxuan Zhang

张佳璇，AMFT

I firmly believe that genuine connection forms the bedrock of any therapeutic relationship. Upon the foundation of a deep bond, I am determined to create a safe and courageous space in which each client can explore, discover, and reconnect with their authentic self.

I grew up in Shanxi, China and moved to the US in pursuit of an undergraduate degree. My experience as an international student and immigrant worker in the U.S. informs my interest and appreciation for the challenges that clients face living in multicultural environments and forming intersectional identities. I have always maintained the belief that differences should be celebrated as strengths, and I am committed to offering a welcoming space for each client to embrace and honor their own cultural heritage.

I offer therapy in both English and Mandarin. The scope of my practice includes individual, couple, and family therapy, all viewed through a systemic lens with the consideration of social justice and systemic oppression. In sessions, I rely upon my intensive clinical training and experience integrating frameworks and tools from relational and interpersonal focused approaches, drawing from various models such as Family Systems, and Emotion-Focused (EFT), Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment (ACT), and Mindfulness-based therapies to design a integral, customized treatment plan for each client.

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 Connections Health, located in Evanston, IL.

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。

我在西北大学家庭研究所的接受过高强度培训，在获得了婚姻和家庭治疗硕士学位的同时精进了临床专业能力。我本科主攻心理学，在威斯康星大学麦迪逊分校获得了心理学学士学位。我目前在伊利诺伊州Evanston的Connections Health诊所工作。

Office Location: 1854 Sherman Ave, Evanston, IL 60201

Email: kayla@connections-health.com

Website: https://connections-health.com/kayla-jiaxuan-zhang/

Phone: 847-565-6416

Areas of Practice:

• Anxiety
• Body Image
• Cultural Issues
• Depression

• Family Conflict

• Gender and Sexuality

• Intergenerational trauma

• Life transitions and Adjustments

• Relationship Issues

Language(s) Spoken:

• English
• Mandarin 

Insurance Accepted:

• Aetna (NU-SHIP)

• Self-Pay