Amy Wilhelmi, MA, LMFT

(she/heR)

Languages: English

* Welcome *

 Welcome to the transformative journey of emotional connection and healing in your relationship or future relationships. I'm Amy Wilhelmi, and I am an Emotionally Focused Couples, Family, and Individual Therapist. I also do EMDR and am Trauma and Attachment informed. I want to extend a warm and empathetic welcome to you and your partner as we embark on a path toward fostering deeper emotional bonds, understanding, and intimacy within your relationships.


* My Focus *

My goal is to help you navigate the complexities and work through the challenges that may be hindering your emotional connection. Relationships can be rewarding, yet they often come with their own set of unique obstacles. It's not uncommon to encounter miscommunication, feelings of distance, or issues that can create disconnection.

My approach is rooted in the belief that emotional responsiveness and a secure emotional bond are essential for a healthy and thriving relationship. Through a safe and supportive therapeutic environment, I will guide you in exploring the emotional patterns and attachment dynamics that influence your interactions with people and with the world.


* My Approach *

I am trained in Attachment-Focused EMDR and Emotionally-Focused Therapy. I believe that healing comes from digging deep and pulling up the roots of early attachment and relational issues- whether that be Family of Origin, or the choices you made earlier in life to help us navigate present-day problems. I believe in resiliency and practical lifestyle changes that make a big impact on mental health such as organization, sleep, exercise, nutrition, self-love, and transformative boundaries and self-care.


* My Philosophy on Therapy *


As an attachment-oriented therapist, I primarily focus on understanding and addressing the impact of early attachment experiences on an individual's emotional and relational development throughout their life. This therapeutic approach is rooted in attachment theory, which was initially developed by psychologist John Bowlby.

  • Assessment of Attachment Patterns: We will explore your early attachment experiences, usually in childhood, to understand how these experiences might influence your current relationships, behaviors, and emotional patterns.

  • Emphasis on the Therapeutic Relationship: We prioritize the therapeutic relationship itself as a tool for healing. In session, I aim to provide a safe and secure environment that mimics the secure attachment relationship, fostering trust and exploration.

  • Understanding Attachment Styles: I help clients recognize their attachment styles, such as secure, anxious, avoidant, or disorganized, and how these styles impact their current relationships and functioning.

  • Exploration of Emotional Regulation: I assist clients in understanding and regulating their emotions, especially those that stem from early attachment experiences, and help develop healthier coping mechanisms.

  • Repairing Attachment Wounds: Through the therapeutic process, I help clients heal from past attachment wounds by providing corrective emotional experiences within the therapeutic relationship.

  • Development of Secure Attachment: We work towards fostering a sense of security, trust, and healthy attachment patterns in relationships, allowing clients to form more fulfilling connections in their lives.

  • Mindfulness and Self-Reflection: I encourage clients to practice mindfulness and self-reflection helps them become more aware of their attachment-related patterns and responses in different situations.

  • Working with Families: We may also work with families to address relational dynamics, parenting styles, and the impact on adult children's attachment development.

An attachment-oriented therapist's goal is to help individuals understand how their early attachment experiences influence their present relationships and emotional well-being, and to facilitate healing and the development of more secure, healthier attachment patterns.



* Credentials & EXPERIENCE *

  • LMFT in Illinois

  • MA in Marriage and Family Therapy/ Art Therapy, Notre Dame de Namur University 

  • PhD candidate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

Before Coming on board with Practical Audacity, I owned and operated my own group practice in St. Charles, IL from 2012-2023


* MORE ABOUT ME *

I have been Divorced and am remarried to my current partner in 2021- I share this because it’s real and relatable and helps break down barriers of shame to my couples who are struggling with their relationships. I have a blended family- we share 5 kids on the same schedule and have healthy co-parenting relationships with our exes so I get to enjoy some alone/ adult time with my partner as well. My kids are very active and enrolled in Dance, Cheerleading, and Lacrosse. 

I am into lifting weights-I’ve competed Nationally in bodybuilding competitions in the Bikini Division but am taking a much needed break. I still go to the gym 5-6 days a week at the crack of dawn and love it. It’s my stress relief. 

I enjoy nature, reading, holistic health activities such as yoga, food, travel, and going to my kids activities. Overall, at my age and stage in life I very much value peace, calm, and family.