Todd McCarty, MSW, LCSW

Finding a therapist is like starting a new relationship. You have to feel like this new person gets you, that you can talk openly about private matters without feeling judged, and you can learn things that will help you find life balance. These are the qualities my clients say they appreciate when working with me, and I hope you'd feel the same if we work together.

 

I graduated in 2019 from University of Chicago with a Master's of Social Work degree. In my early career, I specialized in working with people completing in-patient substance misuse recovery programs, and a couple years working in community mental health. I provided individual therapy for adults, ran DUI risk education groups, and led process groups for people in recovery. Over time, I moved away from the substance misuse field and now focus on working with adults dealing with mood disorders, like anxiety and depression, as well as people coping with life transitions. In addition to seven years of clinical experience, I have five plus years helping men learn emotional intelligence and communication skills.

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I also have an MFA in Creative Writing from Columbia College Chicago. I wrote and published poetry for over twenty years. I also produced community radio programs on poetry topics for four years, in addition to teaching college writing courses and poetry workshops. During my social work training, I also developed and ran a mindfulness creative writing group that helped people recovering from substance misuse to reclaim their life story through writing. 

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Nowadays, I like to play video games, go to the theater, and do ceramics in my off time. I’m developing my throwing wheel skills, so I have a lot of mugs and bowls laying around. I really love it though because it teaches me how to accept things out of my control and how to start over again, which is what therapy’s all about, too.