Coco Sun, M.S., Pre-Licensure Therapist

I became a therapist because I believe every person deserves to be seen, heard, and understood, not only for the parts of themselves that are easy to explain, but also for the parts that feel painful, confusing, or hard to put into words. I believe every person is the author of their own life, even when pain, fear, or difficult circumstances make that sense of agency feel distant. I care deeply about helping clients reconnect with their own voice, strengths, and choices, while also honoring the relationships and experiences that have shaped who they are.

I see therapy as a space where you do not have to have everything figured out before you begin. You can come as you are, and we can take things one step at a time. My hope is to walk alongside you with warmth, curiosity, and care as we slowly make sense of what has happened and begin to create room for healing, connection, and change.

My work is shaped by Integrative Systemic Therapy (IST), which means I am interested not only in what is happening inside a person, but also in what has happened around them, in their relationships, family history, culture, community, and lived experiences. I may draw from Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), trauma-informed practices, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), narrative therapy, mindfulness practices. I always try to meet clients where they are rather than limit therapy into one specific model.

In my work with couples and families, I often help clients slow down conflict, understand the emotions underneath their reactions, and communicate in ways that feel less defensive and more connected. I am especially interested in helping people move from cycles of blame, withdrawal, anxiety, or disconnection toward more honesty, softness, repair, and emotional safety.

I am LGBTQIA+ affirming and committed to providing culturally humble, inclusive care. As someone who has lived across cultures and educational systems, I understand how complicated identity, belonging, family expectations, and major transitions can feel.

Although I work with a wide range of concerns, I am especially passionate about supporting clients around:

Anxiety, Stress, and Life Transitions

• Anxiety and overthinking

• Social Anxiety

• Academic, career, and life stress

• Perfectionism and self-pressure

• Major life transitions

• Building grounding, confidence, and self-trust

Couples, Relationships, and Families

• Communication and conflict

• Infidelity

• Intimacy

• Dating

• Emotional distance or disconnection

• Pre-Marital Counseling

• Parent-child and family stress

• Cross-cultural family dynamics

• Rebuilding trust, repair, and emotional safety

• Non-Monogamy Relationships

Identity, Self and Meaning

• Identity exploration

• Self-esteem and self-compassion

• Cultural identity and belonging

• Values, purpose, and personal growth

• Navigating expectations from self, family, and community

Trauma-Informed Care

• Depression

• Relational and developmental trauma

• Emotional regulation and safety

• Shame and self-criticism

• Grief, loss, and difficult transitions

Children & Teens

• School stress, peer relationships, and social confidence

• Self-esteem, identity development

• Emotional expression and regulation

• Parent-child communication and family transitions

• Building confidence, coping skills, and self-trust

EDUCATION/TRAINING

I earned my Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy (MSMFT) from Northwestern University. As part of my graduate training, I completed my clinical practicum at The Family Institute at Northwestern University, where I worked with individuals, couples, children, teens, and families navigating concerns such as anxiety, depression, relationship conflict, trust issues, life transitions, self compassion, and emotional regulation. During my time at The Family Institute, I completed over 480 direct client hours. This experience strengthened my commitment to relational, culturally responsive, and client-centered care, and helped shape the way I show up in the therapy room: with warmth, curiosity, humility, and respect for each client’s story and pace.

Before becoming a therapist, I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Rochester, where I double majored in Psychology and Digital Media Studies. The different places I have lived and the fields I have studied have all shaped how I sit with people, with curiosity, openness, and respect for the many ways a person’s story can unfold.

A LITTLE PERSONAL

I grew up in China and first came to Illinois as a high school exchange student. Later, I moved to Rochester, New York for college, and much of my own growth has happened while living, studying, and building a life between cultures.

Being an international student for many years has shaped the way I understand transition, identity, belonging, and the quiet pressure of trying to adapt while still staying connected to where I come from. It has also helped me appreciate how culture, family expectations, language, and environment can all shape the way people see themselves and relate to others.

Outside of therapy, I enjoy photography, cooking, spending time with my dog, and playing tennis. These parts of my life remind me that healing is not only about solving problems. Sometimes, it is also about the small moments when you feel a little more present, a little more connected, and a little more able to come back to yourself.

*Met all requirement for Associate Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (ALMFT); awaiting for official license to be issued.

Office:

30 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1217

Chicago, IL 60602

6232 N. Pulaski Rd., Suite 400

Chicago, IL 60646

Email: contact@concentricchicago.com

Website: https://www.concentricchicago.com/

Areas of Practice:

• Anxiety
• Attachment Issues
• Burnout
• Couples Therapy
• Emotion Regulation
• Identity Exploration
• International Students & Cultural Adjustment
• Life Transitions & Career Exploration
• Perfectionism
• Relationship Issues 
• Relationship With Family of Origin
• Self-Compassion & Self-Worth

Language(s) Spoken

• English 
• Mandarin

Insurance Accepted

• Aetna Northwestern University Student Health Insurance Plan (NU-SHIP)

• Aetna University of Chicago Student Health Insurance Plan (UC - SHIP)

• Aetna POS

• Aetna PPO

• BCBS PPO

• BCBS Anthem PPO

• BCBS Blue Choice PPO

• BCBS Blue Edge PPO

• UnitedHealthcare (UHC) / United Behavioral Health (UBH)

• UnitedHealthcare (UHC) / Optum

• We are in-network with some EAP plans.

• We accept insurance where we are out-of-network and file claims on client's benefits.