Terri Ammirati
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor & Certified Gottman Therapist
Clinical Specialties:
Couples Counseling & Relational Distress
Premarital Counseling
Neurodivergent Couples
Parent-Child Relationships
Emotionally Focused Therapy
Faith–Based Counseling
Hi, I’m Terri Ammirati! I’ve founded Ammirati Counseling Group to create a genuine, compassionate, and specialized therapy space—where every client feels truly supported by a therapist who is deeply committed to delivering the highest level of care.
We all long to connect, to feel cared for, loved, and understood for who we are. When we experience a disconnect in the relationships that matter most, something just doesn’t feel right. On our own, we often don’t know how to fix it. But the good news is, we don’t have to figure it out alone!
With the support of a professionally trained therapist—someone who offers both clinical expertise and the wisdom of real-life experience—you can reconnect with yourself and the people who love and care for you.
My Approach as a Therapist
I’m a Certified Gottman Therapist, specializing in the only evidence-based approach backed by over 40 years of research, considered the Platinum Standard in couples therapy. Whatever challenges you’re facing, I believe this approach provides the most effective path forward to strengthen and improve your relationship.
Whether I’m working with individuals or couples, my clients often describe me as direct, insightful, relatable, and genuine. I bring warmth and humor to each session while encouraging clients to reflect on what they truly want from therapy, helping them make meaningful, life-changing decisions.
How I Can Help You
My philosophy is that you are the expert in your own life. My role is to help you reconnect with your strengths and uncover the answers already within you. As a strengths-based clinician with a background in family therapy, I understand how our relationships growing up shape us, and how that insight can be a powerful tool for healing and growth.
I often say: “The past does not define us, but it does give us information about who we are, so we as adults can define our future”.
If you’re seeking support in your marriage, know this: the work of building a strong relationship isn’t about grand gestures. It’s about small, consistent steps that shift the way you move through life together. That’s what the Gottman Method teaches: “Small things often,” as Dr. Gottman says—and it works.
Education and Experience
License: Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor & Certified Gottman Therapist
Client Focus: Couples, Adults, Relational Distress
Years of Experience: over 30
Certifications: Authorized in the Gottman Love Lab Assessment | Art and Science Workshop Leader | Special Education – focus on Learning Disabilities
Education: Wheaton College – MA – Clinical Psychology – 1995 | Long Island University – MS – Special Education | Hofstra University – BA – Psychology – Minor in Education
Languages: English
Hobbies & Fun Facts
I love to cook and experiment with new recipes—being raised in a big Italian family that cherished food and entertaining definitely helped! I’d say I’m a pretty creative cook and a foodie at heart.
In the summer, you’ll often find me outside—either tending to my vegetable and flower garden or sailing on Lake Michigan. Being in nature and on the water helps me recharge and unwind.
I’ve been married for 18 years, and I truly understand that marriage takes “work”. While it’s not always easy, applying the Gottman principles in my own relationship has made a real difference.
What People Say About Terri
Start Counseling in Deerfield, IL
Looking for an experienced therapist in Deerfield, Bannockburn, or the North Chicagoland area? Taking the first step can feel overwhelming, but our team is here to guide you through it with care and understanding.
