Inviting psychodynamic therapists in Chicago to join us!
Who we are
Fermata Psychotherapy is a psychoanalytically-oriented practice in downtown Chicago. We conduct long-term, in-depth work with adults of all backgrounds, most of whom are dealing with the aftermath of complex trauma, early attachment wounds, depression, anxiety, and challenges in the relationships with themselves and others. We strive to honor the uniqueness of our patients' experience and history, to welcome all parts of themselves, to keep a curious stance towards our patients, to consider our own impact on the clinical process, and to welcome all parts of our patients' experience and our own.
We are looking for clinicians with a demonstrated interest in psychodynamic theory and practice, and whose understanding of the clinical process is informed by a psychoanalytic sensibility and perspective. We are looking for therapists specifically interested in growing as a psychodynamic clinician, who are curious about their patients and about themselves, and who are committed to ongoing personal and professional development.
Feel free to browse our website to read more about our values, our approach, or if you’d like to know what a fermata is.
Role Responsibilities
Grow and maintain a full time caseload of at least 24 conducted sessions per week
Provide individual psychotherapy to adults; couples work can be available if therapist is interested
Handle all aspects of the relationship with patients (e.g., scheduling, working through payment issues)
Complete progress notes, treatment plans, and billing documents in a timely manner
Engage with patients in a timely and professional manner, responding to initial inquiries within 24 hours
Track and meet requirements to keep professional license active
Actively participate in individual supervision (if needed) and group consultation
Pursue further learning to develop understanding of psychodynamic theory and practice
Position Benefits
W-2 status with a flat rate per hour fee structure
Weekly psychodynamic supervision for pre-licensed clinicians (e.g., LSW, LPC)
Bi-monthly group case consultation (first and third Fridays of the month), including assigned readings
Flexibility to determine your own schedule
Training funds to participate in psychoanalytic trainings or events of your choosing
Medical health insurance with BCBS PPO, generously subsidized by the practice
Dental and Vision insurance, fully paid by the practice
401(k) plan with employer matching contributions
Paid Sick Time and PTO
Professional liability insurance
Opportunities to earn additional income (e.g., blogging, supervision)
Marketing provided by the practice, at both practice and clinician level
Electronic Health Records system provided by the practice to minimize paperwork
Back-office tasks, including interacting with insurance, handled by the practice
Fully furnished and equipped office in historic downtown Chicago building
Dedicated practice email and phone number
No "no-compete" clause if you decide to leave the practice - we will be happy to have been part of your journey
Required Qualifications
Holding or being eligible to hold a clinical license (e.g., LCPC, LCSW) or pre-license (e.g., LPC, LSW) in the state of Illinois
Availability to schedule enough weekly appointments (28-30) to meet full time caseload
Available to work two evenings and/or a weekend day
Available to work two days at our office to hold in-person patient sessions
Available to conduct telehealth (video) sessions from home with own computer, ensuring privacy, confidentiality, and reliable connectivity
Available to attend in-person staff meetings on first Fridays of the month
Curiosity and openness to examine and discuss countertransference during supervision and consultation
Interest in ongoing learning and professional development
Ability to work autonomously, remain consistently organized, and receive and incorporate feedback
Timely and professional communication, with openness, transparency, and integrity
Compliance with Fermata's policies and procedures
Preferred Qualifications
At least basic understanding of psychoanalytic concepts (e.g., unconscious, drives, transference, countertransference, defense mechanisms, enactment, object relations)
Demonstrated interest in psychoanalytic theory and practice (e.g., candidate has taken additional training or attended events beyond what graduate school provided)
People of all backgrounds, identities, and orientations, those personally familiar with experiences of otherness, and individuals with prior work experience (clinical or otherwise) are particularly encouraged to apply
Availability and intention to stay at Fermata for at least a couple of years
To Apply
Please send CV/resume, cover letter, and 2-3 professional references to Santiago Delboy, MBA, LCSW at santiago@fermatapsychotherapy.com.
In your cover letter, please make sure you describe our familiarity, interest, and experience with psychodynamic/psychoanalytic theory and practice
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions. We’d love to hear from you.
RESOURCES FOR CLINICIANS
Psychodynamic Diagnostic Manual (PDM-2)
Infographic of the P-Axis (Personality Syndromes) in Adults, including summary of PDM background, 4 levels of functioning, and 12 personality syndromes. Click here to access.
What People Want From Therapy
Research-based paper (published in 2021) showing that a significant number of people in the US intuitively know that there is more beneath the surface, believe that therapy is a process that takes time, and are willing to make that investment. Read the full article here.
What Have Others Read? A Psychoanalytic Bibliography
Compilation of 270 psychoanalytic references that clinicians deemed in their Top 3 titles (compiled in 2017). Click here to access.
Psychoanalytic Couples Therapy
Bibliography compiled from psychodynamic clinicians’ recommendations (compiled in 2020). Click here to access.
Psychoanalytic Papers on Race
Bibliography compiled from psychodynamic clinicians’ recommendations (compiled in 2021). Click here to access.
Banner photo credit: Pierre Bamin