Welcome!

I'm Lauren Barney, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Sex Therapist who has met all requirements for AASECT certification and is pending board approval, based in Chicago. My journey in this field began in an undergraduate class called Psychology of Sex, where I received, for the first time, a formal sex education rooted in pleasure, connection, and a lack of shame. That class sparked my passion for the sexual health field, and my desire to help others feel safe in their own bodies and relationships led me to a career in therapy.

Since then, I've dedicated my career to helping individuals and couples navigate the parts of life we're often taught not to talk about: sex, intimacy, connection, and knowing one’s self. I believe that healthy relationships and fulfilling sex lives aren't about "fixing" what's wrong, but about creating space for honesty, curiosity, and growth. My approach is warm, direct, and rooted in the belief that everyone deserves to feel safe, seen, and understood.

When I'm not in session you can find me hanging out with my cats, listening to music, doing pottery, taking a peloton class, reading, or searching for some of the best food in the city.

Therapy approach & experience

I take an eclectic and humorous approach; I am person-centered and trained to think from a systemic and intersectional lens. I often draw from a range of therapy modalities such as CBT, Narrative Therapy, and attachment theory based on what you need. For couples, I bring extensive training in Pragmatic/Experiential Therapy and Gottman Method (Level 1). My practice is generally rooted in somatic awareness through mindfulness based interventions. Expect sessions that are collaborative, insight-driven, and tailored; not a one-size-fits-all script, but a process built around you.

While I have worked on a wide range of clinical concerns, some my more specialized experience is in the following:

  • Desire Discrepancies

  • Low sexual desire & sexual dysfuncation

  • LGBTQIA+ Exploration and Identities

  • Anxiety

  • Life transitions

  • Identity exploration and acceptance

  • Interpersonal relational concerns/conflict

My Credentials

Master of Science in Family Therapy from Thomas Jefferson University with a specialization in sex therapy.

Two year couples therapy fellowship at the Couples Clinic in Pragmatic Experiential therapy for Couples

Gottman level 1 trained

Bachelors degree in psychology with a double minor in human biology and human sexuality from Eastern Michigan University

AASECT (American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists) member, has met all requirements as a certified sex therapist, and is awaiting board approval.