Emma Bonanno, M.Ed, LPC, NCC

Emma approaches therapy with warmth, humor, and authenticity, centering an integrated, trauma-informed, and affirming framework. She blends psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, exposure-based, and DBT-informed techniques with strength-based, solution-focused, and multicultural perspectives. Guided by compassion and a deep respect for each client’s lived experience, Emma creates collaborative spaces that honor resilience while holding room for vulnerability.

With a strong emphasis on affirming work with the LGBTQ+community, Emma supports clients exploring gender identity, sexuality, and diverse relationship structures. She values social justice and believes that showing up authentically in the therapy room fosters trust and meaningful change. Her specialties include trauma, identity and gender exploration, relationship diversity, chronic illness and pain, codependency, and queer and non-binary experiences.

Emma’s path into counseling is deeply rooted in her background. She holds a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from DePaul University and a Bachelor’s double major in Psychology and Photography. Before her work as a counselor, she spent nine years in Colorado as a snowboard instructor and wilderness therapy guide. That experience continues to shape her belief in the healing power of nature, resilience, and adventure-based growth. Now living in Chicago, Emma finds joy in chasing any hill to snowboard, bringing the same sense of balance and exploration she promotes in her therapeutic work.

When she’s not with clients, Emma enjoys photography, cooking homemade Italian food, seeing live music with friends, being a dog mom, and an aunt to her nieces.