Lauren Buroker, M.Ed/Ed.S,LMFT (She/Her)
Intense Emotional Reactions in Relationships
If you’ve noticed that your reactions today don’t always match what’s happening right now or that certain relationship situations hit “too hard,” you’re not alone. A lot of people come to therapy because they can sense their past is still shaping their present, and they want to understand why and learn how to respond differently.
My Therapy Style
In our work together, I’m collaborative and active. I’ll help you clarify what you want to be different, break down what keeps getting in the way, and move toward practical change. I’m supportive, but I’m also willing to challenge you when it’s helpful, especially when old patterns are repeating and you feel stuck. Clients often tell me they appreciate how I help them see their problems in a new way, which opens up more choices and more relief.
A Relationship-Focused and Insight-Oriented Approach
My approach is grounded in the idea that early relationships impact how we show up in current relationships, how we handle closeness, conflict, trust, and feeling understood. Together, we’ll look at the patterns you’ve learned over time, especially the ones that used to make sense but don’t serve you anymore. I also bring in education and tools as we go, which can include learning more about anxiety, emotions, communication, relationship dynamics, and the strengths you already have that can support real growth.
Support for Anxiety, Life Transitions, and Relationship Concerns
People often reach out when they’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or uncertain, especially in the middle of a life transition, relationship anxiety, or a sense that they don’t fully understand themselves or the people closest to them. Therapy can be a place to slow things down, make sense of what’s happening, and build new ways of responding.
I work with individuals (15+) and couples, offering in-person sessions in Lincoln Park (Chicago) and virtual therapy across Illinois and Florida.
If you’re wondering whether we’d be a good match, I’d be glad to connect and talk about what you’re looking for.
You may be a good fit for my work if you:
Notice your past affecting your present reactions and want to work on that
Feel anxious in relationships or stuck in repeating dynamics
Are navigating a transition and want steadier footing
Want to understand yourself more clearly and make intentional changes
Appreciate a collaborative therapist who will also gently challenge you
Are open to learning practical tools and new ways of thinking about what you’re facing.
Lauren is a staff therapist and supervisor at Empower Family Therapy, as well as the Chief Operating Officer. She has completed her Master of Education & Education Specialist degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Florida, and her Master in Business Administration from the University of South Florida. She is a licensed marriage and family therapist in Illinois and Florida.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is it like to work with you?
You can expect a collaborative, active approach. We’ll focus on what you want to be different, talk honestly about what’s getting in the way, and work toward change. I’m supportive and warm, and I’ll also challenge you when it helps you get unstuck and move forward.
Who do you help best?
I’m a good fit for people who can tell their past is affecting their present reactions and want to work on that. I often work with individuals and couples dealing with relationship anxiety, life transitions, or feeling confused about themselves or the important people in their lives.
What should I expect in the first session?
We’ll start by talking through what brought you in and what you’re hoping will change. I’ll ask questions to understand your current situation, what’s been tried so far, and any patterns you’ve noticed. We’ll also talk about what therapy with me can look like and set a direction together.
Do you offer tools and practical strategies, or is it mostly talking?
Both. We’ll talk through what you’re experiencing, but I also bring in practical tools and education when it’s helpful. That might include understanding anxiety, learning new ways to communicate, making sense of emotional reactions, or seeing relationship patterns more clearly so you can change them.
Do you work with teens?
Yes. I work with clients ages 15 and up. With teens, we’ll focus on understanding what’s feeling hard right now, identifying patterns that aren’t working, and building skills for relationships, stress, and emotions in a way that feels realistic and supportive.
Where are you located and what states do you serve virtually?
I offer in-person sessions in Chicago, in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. I also provide virtual therapy for clients located in Illinois and Florida.