Madison Gunter, M.A. (they/them), ALMFT

Therapy for Feeling “Too Sensitive,” Identity, and Self-Acceptance

Maybe you’ve been told your feelings are too big, you’re “too sensitive,” or you just don’t fit into the boxes others have made for you. It can hurt to feel unseen or unsure how to make sense of what you’re feeling.

What Is It Like to Work With a Therapist for Identity and Emotional Growth?

I work with people who want to understand themselves more deeply and feel like they can finally be themselves freely. Maybe you’ve been told your feelings are too big, you’re “too sensitive,” or you just don’t fit into the boxes others have made for you. I help people explore who they are, what they need, and how to live authentically without bending to arbitrary standards that don’t serve them.

When clients first reach out, they’re often feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or hurt. Sometimes it’s confusion, trying all the usual self-care tools and still feeling stuck. In sessions, you can expect a warm, conversational, and flexible space where we can dive into the deep stuff or just unpack your friend drama. I meet people where they are and encourage them to show up fully including all the clunkiness and chaos of being human. Clients often say they appreciate the space they feel to be themselves and how I balance matching their pace with gently inviting them to challenge themselves.

Therapy for Identity Exploration, Relationships, and Emotional Growth

I work through a relational lens, focusing on how our relationships shape how we see ourselves and the world. I often use attachment theory to explore how early relationships influence how we navigate closeness, conflict, and connection. Together, we look at what drives you, what fills you with passion and zest, and how to untangle your authentic self from expectations that don’t serve you. I also draw from my own experience as someone who always felt “too sensitive” and out of place, helping clients cultivate radical self-acceptance and peace with who they are.

Madison’s SPECIALTIES INCLUDE:

  • Navigating conflict, communication, and attachment in relationships

  • Managing neurodiversity in relationships

  • Queer-affirming care

  • Healing from relational trauma (past relationship trauma/abusive relationships)

  • Navigating gender roles & dynamics in relationships

  • Kink & sex positive therapy

Madison is a staff therapist at Empower Family Therapy who has received a Master of Arts in Couple and Family Therapy from Adler University. Madison offers in-person sessions in Lincoln Park and Oak Park, Illinois, as well as virtual sessions serving clients across Illinois. Madison provides individual, couples, and family therapy.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

What is it like to work with you?

Sessions with me are conversational, flexible, and warm. We explore your story, emotions, and relationships while also leaving room for humor or everyday life. I meet you where you are, encouraging authenticity and self-acceptance.

Who do you help best?

I work best with teens, young adults, and adults exploring gender, sexuality, or queer identity; navigating neurodiversity; or seeking support for relationships, including non-monogamous or polyamorous arrangements. I also help families, couples, and individuals seeking therapy for self-esteem, identity, or relational challenges.

What should I expect in the first session?

You can expect a warm and welcoming space where we get to know each other. We’ll discuss your goals, concerns, and what brought you to therapy, while establishing how we’ll work together to support your growth and self-understanding.

How do you approach therapy?

I use a relational lens, focusing on how your relationships shape your sense of self. I often draw on attachment theory to explore patterns in closeness and conflict, helping clients cultivate radical self-acceptance and live authentically.

Do you offer virtual sessions?

Yes, I provide virtual sessions in addition to in-person sessions at our Lincoln Park and Oak Park offices in Illinois, serving clients across the state.

What kinds of issues do clients usually bring?

Clients often come to me feeling stuck, misunderstood, or uncertain about themselves. Common topics include self-esteem, identity exploration, neurodiversity, relationship challenges, family dynamics, and navigating life transitions.