Madeline Hermes
I'm Madeline Hermes, a licensed clinical social worker based in Chicago. I work with adolescents and young adults navigating anxiety, burnout, life transitions, and relationship stress, especially those who are tired of being hard on themselves while feeling stuck in the same patterns. My practice is fully virtual with weekday and weekend availability, and I offer a space that's both supportive and practical: we'll build insight into what's going on and take small, meaningful steps toward real change.
First session
Our first session is really about getting to know you! There's no pressure to have everything figured out or to share more than you're ready to. We'll talk about what's bringing you to therapy, what you've already tried, and what you'd like to be different. I'll ask some questions about your background and current life so I can understand the full picture, and you're welcome to ask me anything about how I work. By the end, we'll start sketching out some goals together and you'll have a sense of whether we're a good fit.
Strengths
Clients often tell me I find a balance throughout our work together. This looks like warm enough that they feel truly heard, and direct enough that things actually change. I bring over eight years of experience working with children, teens, adults, and families, which means I've seen anxiety, burnout, and stuck patterns from a lot of angles and I know one approach doesn't fit everyone. I draw from CBT, IFS, and trauma-informed care, but I hold it all lightly: sessions are shaped around you, not a script. You can expect honesty, practical tools, and a steady, judgment-free space to figure things out.
Ideal clients
I work best with adolescents and young adults who feel stuck, in anxiety, burnout, self-criticism, or life transitions, and are ready for therapy that's both supportive and practical. My clients are often used to handling everything on their own and don't need to have it all figured out to start. They're looking to understand themselves, build coping tools, and make meaningful changes, not just talk in circles.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use CBT to help clients spot the unhelpful thought patterns that keep them stuck, understand how those thoughts drive feelings and behaviors, and practice more balanced ways of thinking. Sessions are practical and collaborative — you'll walk away with real tools you can use between sessions.
Location
Virtual sessions