How do I know if trauma therapy is right for me?

You do not need a diagnosis of PTSD or a single traumatic event to benefit from trauma therapy. If you feel emotionally overwhelmed, disconnected, stuck in recurring relationship patterns, constantly on edge, or find yourself responding in ways you do not fully understand, therapy may help you make sense of those experiences and move toward something different.

Do I have to talk about everything that happened?

No. Therapy moves at a pace that feels safe and manageable. Building trust and safety is an important part of the process, and there is no pressure to share more than you are ready to share.

What if I do not remember everything that happened?

You do not need a complete memory of your experiences for therapy to be effective. Therapy can focus on what you notice today, including your emotions, relationships, physical responses, and recurring patterns, without forcing memories or filling in missing pieces.

What types of trauma do you work with?

Courtney works with adults experiencing complex trauma, attachment trauma, childhood trauma, generational trauma, relational trauma, emotional abuse, grief and loss, sexual trauma, traumatic stress, and other overwhelming life experiences.

How long does trauma therapy take?

There is no single timeline for trauma therapy. Some people come to therapy with a specific concern, while others want to understand lifelong patterns or heal from more complex experiences. Goals can be revisited regularly as the work develops.

Is online trauma therapy effective?

Many people find online trauma therapy to be meaningful and effective. Through Therapy offers virtual therapy for adults located throughout Illinois and Wisconsin.

Can trauma therapy help if I do not have PTSD?

Yes. Many people seek trauma therapy because they notice recurring patterns in their relationships, emotions, or daily lives, even without a PTSD diagnosis. Therapy can focus on how past and present experiences continue to affect you today.

Can trauma affect relationships?

Yes. Trauma can shape how you experience trust, intimacy, boundaries, conflict, and emotional closeness. Therapy can help you understand these patterns and develop more secure and flexible ways of relating.

Meet Courtney

Relational trauma, complex trauma, chicago teletherapist, cptsd therapist near me, chicago therapist

Courtney Vogt, MSW, LCSW

Owner and Psychotherapist

Currently Accepting New Clients in:

Chicago and all of Illinois & Milwaukee and all of Wisconsin

Welcome

My name is Courtney, and I’m a psychotherapist licensed in Illinois and Wisconsin. Through both lived experience and clinical training, I’ve learned how transformative it can be to heal the relationship with oneself. Healing is not always easy; it can feel uncertain, intimidating, and at times overwhelming. Yet I believe it is essential to living a life filled with meaning, connection, and self-trust. I would be honored to support you in discovering what you need to build a life that feels rich, grounded, and fulfilling.

My Approach

I practice from a trauma-informed, relational, and depth-oriented approach grounded in compassion, curiosity, and genuine connection. Drawing from psychodynamic therapy, attachment theory, and experiential approaches, I believe that meaningful healing comes from understanding the deeper patterns, relationships, and life experiences that have shaped you.

I am LGBTQ+ affirming and committed to anti-racist, culturally responsive care, creating a space where all parts of you are welcome. My approach is integrative and flexible, meaning I tailor therapy to your unique experiences, strengths, and goals rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all model. Together, we'll work at a pace that feels manageable, helping you develop greater self-understanding, deeper emotional awareness, and more fulfilling relationships.

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Education & Professional Background

I earned my Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from Michigan State University and my Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the University of Michigan. Over the past decade, I’ve supported individuals across a range of settings, including residential treatment, partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient (IOP), outpatient therapy, and community mental health. My work has included assertive community treatment and therapeutic services for individuals and families impacted by systemic challenges such as incarceration and the Flint water crisis.

Areas of Focus

Trauma, complex trauma, and PTSD
Generational Trauma
Emotional abuse and neglect
Burnout
Complex family dynamics and generational trauma
Generalized and social anxiety
Relationship, intimacy concerns and attachment
Perfectionism
Identity and self-esteem
Life transitions and Stress
Grief

Courtney Vogt, trauma therapist milwaukee and wisconsin

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Outside the Therapy Room

When I'm not in session, you'll usually find me riding my bike, doodling, planning a backpacking trip, practicing yoga, knitting, tending to my garden, lifting weights, getting lost in a good book, or catching live music. Spending time in nature helps me feel grounded, and I'm certified in Wilderness First Aid.

I also share my home with an opinionated cat and a very stubborn dog, both of whom seem convinced they're part of the practice. They occasionally make a guest appearance during teletherapy and are still negotiating their official job titles.

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Therapeutic Philosophy

I believe that the therapeutic relationship is the cornerstone of meaningful healing. When we build a relationship rooted in trust, safety, and curiosity, therapy becomes a space where you can be emotionally honest, imperfect, and deeply human. Together, we create room for you to slow down, tend to what has been neglected, and begin prioritizing your mental health in ways that support the life you have worked hard to build.

Life is complex and often overwhelming. The painful thoughts, emotions, and behaviors we carry are adaptations, and at one point, maybe they helped us survive or “get through.” Over time, these same patterns can keep us feeling stuck, disconnected, or in conflict with ourselves.

Therapy helps us understand how we relate to the world and begin reshaping our relationships. This work can involve setting and strengthening boundaries, challenging old narratives, unlearning inherited patterns, and accessing the strengths that have always lived within you. My goal is to support you in building a life that feels more aligned, more authentic, and more your own.

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Evidence-Based Modalities

Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP) - Level 1
Attachment-based therapy
IFS informed
Psychodynamic
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Mindfulness-based
Motivational Interviewing
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Person-Centered
Strength’s-based

I’m genuinely interested in understanding each of my clients. Everyone is unique therefore it is important to blend elements of different therapeutic approaches to find a method that works best for you. Some of the evidence-based approaches and modalities I utilize in psychotherapy are:

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