Emma Gaydos
Emma Gaydos
Philosophy of Care
Emma believes that successful therapy begins with understanding the whole person. She works collaboratively with children, teens, adults, and families to identify obstacles that may be preventing them from living the life they want. Recognizing that emotional well-being is influenced by physical health, relationships, daily routines, life experiences, and personal values, Emma takes a compassionate and holistic approach to treatment.
Known for her warmth, humor, and genuine care, Emma helps her clients build resilience, recover from difficult experiences, and develop the confidence to face life’s challenges. Her goal is to empower each person she works with to move beyond fear and uncertainty so they can create a life that is meaningful, fulfilling, and aligned with their values.
Emma specializes in helping children, adolescents, and adults overcome anxiety disorders, OCD, phobias, trauma-related concerns, and other challenges that interfere with daily life. She uses evidence-based treatments, including exposure-based therapies, that have been shown to help people face fears, reduce avoidance, and regain confidence in their ability to handle difficult situations. She is committed to providing care that is both trauma-informed and culturally responsive.
Special Interests
Emma enjoys working with children, teens, young adults, and parents. She is particularly interested in helping individuals overcome anxiety, OCD, fears and phobias, and the effects of stressful or traumatic experiences. She is passionate about helping families build resilience and develop skills that support long-term emotional well-being.
Experience and Training
Emma is a doctoral student in Clinical Psychology at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. Her research focuses on the relationship between physical and emotional well-being in children, adolescents, and their caregivers.
Prior to graduate school, Emma worked in clinical health psychology research laboratories at Stanford University and the University of California, San Francisco, where she contributed to research examining the connection between mental and physical health. She continues to stay current with the latest research and evidence-based approaches to treating anxiety and related disorders.
Emma enjoys helping clients build confidence, face fears, develop resilience, and move toward a life guided by their values rather than by anxiety.
Specialized Training and Support
As a member of the Anxiety Treatment Center of Greater Chicago team, Emma receives specialized training and ongoing supervision in evidence-based treatments for anxiety disorders, OCD, phobias, trauma-related concerns, and other fear-based conditions. She is trained in exposure-based therapies and other proven approaches that help clients gradually face fears, reduce avoidance, and build lasting confidence.
Emma is part of a team that specializes in helping clients who have not improved with previous therapy or who require more intensive, individualized treatment. Through regular consultation and mentorship, she stays current with the latest advances in anxiety treatment to ensure that clients receive high-quality, compassionate care.
A Little More about Emma
Outside of the office, Emma enjoys playing tennis, writing, and exploring the Chicago area with her dog, Huck.
Session Fees
The initial intake assessment with Emma Gaydos is $150.00, and 60-minute sessions are $90.00. You will receive a written Good Faith Estimate before your first appointment.