(he/him)
I'm Ken Markovic, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who believes healing happens through safety, curiosity, and genuine human connection. I work collaboratively with clients to help them understand their inner world, build practical tools for emotional regulation, and move toward a life that feels more authentic and sustainable. My approach is compassionate, integrative, and grounded in the belief that people already carry the wisdom they need — I am simply here to help them access it. In our sessions, you can expect a warm, non-judgmental space where we move at your pace and focus on what matters most to you. I have a deep passion for working with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, and major life transitions. I also enjoy supporting clients who are working through identity, self-worth, and building more fulfilling relationships. No matter what brings you to therapy, my goal is to meet you exactly where you are. Outside of the therapy room, I enjoy the spending time with friends and family, dog-walking and training, reading, Chicago sports, nature, and writing music. All of these help me stay grounded and remind me of the importance of connection — with self, and others. Taking the first step toward therapy is not always easy, so give yourself some credit for being here. Let's work together to help you build the life you deserve!
In our first session, you can expect a warm, collaborative, and nonjudgmental space where we focus on understanding what is bringing you therapy. There's no pressure to share everything at once. We'll go at a pace that feels comfortable for you. My role is to listen closely, ask thoughtful questions, and help you begin to make sense of your experience in a way that feels safe and manageable. We'll start identifying patterns, strengths, and areas you'd like support with, while also getting a sense of what has or hasn't worked for you in the past. I believe therapy works best when it feels like a partnership, so we'll begin shaping goals together - ones that feel realistic, meaningful, and aligned with who you are. By the end of our first session, my hope is that you feel heard, understood, and a little more grounded - like you don't have to carry everything on your own anymore, and that there's a clear, supportive path forward.
My strengths are my ability to build genuine trust, meet you where you are, and balance compassion with practical change. I combine deep empathy with clear structure, helping clients feel emotionally safe while also gaining concrete tools they can use daily in life. clients often tell me they feel truly seen and understood, and that therapy with me helps them develop insight, regulation, and confidence in a way that feels human and sustainable. I also try and keep things simple. The goals we set? I want them to be reachable. At the core of my approach is the belief that people don't need to be "fixed" - they just need to be understood, supported and given the space and tools to grow. My goal is to help you feel more confident in yourself, more connected in your relationships, and more capable of navigating life in a way that feels authentic and steady.
I work best with clients who are looking to better understand themselves and grow emotionally, especially those navigating anxiety, depression, anger, trauma, and life transitions. Many of my clients feel stuck in patterns—whether it’s overthinking, emotional overwhelm, relationship struggles, or difficulty with motivation—and want to learn how to manage their emotions in a healthier way. I work well with individuals struggling with addiction or compulsivity, who may be entering recovery or those exploring their relationship with substances. My goal is to help my clients "fill the void," not just abstain, while working on becoming more mindful. I am also a firm believer in attachment theory and early childhood experiences - so it has always motivated me to help clients process past experiences that may continue to impact their present life. I also have experience working with clients who are navigating leaving toxic groups (gangs, cults, etc.), or in the healing and recovery phases. My approach is warm, collaborative, and focused on helping clients feel seen, safe, and empowered to make meaningful changes.
Anxiety
Depression
Gambling Addiction
ADHD
Anger Management
Autism
Man
Adults (18 to 64)
Children (6 to 12)
Elders (65 and above)
Teenagers (13 to 17)
Illinois
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use CBT regularly in practice to help clients identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns, understand the relationship between thoughts, emotions and behaviors, and develop practical coping strategies. I incorporate tools such as cognitive restructuring, behavioral activation, psychoeducation, and skills-building, while taking a flexible, collaborative approach. I often integrate CBT with mindfulness, Somatic Awareness, and compassion-focused interventions to keep the work client-centered and applicable to real life situations
Psychodynamic
I use a psychodynamic approach to help clients explore how past experiences, attachment patterns, and unconscious processes influence present-day emotions, relationships, and behaviors. I focus on increasing insight, noticing recurring themes, and working with the therapeutic relationship itself to support lasting emotional change, while remaining attuned to each client's pace and readiness.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I use DBT interventions to help clients build skills in emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness. I emphasize practical, in-the-moment tools while balancing acceptance and change to support clients in navigating intense emotions and improving daily functioning.
1 rating with written reviews
March 9, 2026
Very well-rounded and relatable. His dynamic approach to healing is something exceptional. I am really looking forward to growing out of my latent experiences by utilizing his techniques.