About
April Wang and her practice New Edge Counseling Services
During my interview for the Graduate Program at Northwestern University, I was asked the question what my growing edges were. This phrase, "growing edge" has since moved me from a mindset of strengths/weaknesses to opportunities/growth. We are all too familiar with thoughts like "I'm not cut out for this", "Am I being a good parent/partner/friend", or "I will never be able to (fill in the blank)". As a strength based and solution focused therapist, I see these thoughts as our brains' way of communicating that we have reached a growing edge and it's time to expand. These temporary pain-points do not define us as individuals but rather opportunities for growth and healing.
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What would it look like to work with me? While most therapists will tell you that they approach therapy in a collaborative and empathetic way, what sets me apart is that I don't simply provide talk therapy. I believe that insights alone are not enough to facilitate change. Together, we will work to identify problematic patterns that you may be stuck in and implement concrete strategies that you can practice to remove any barriers that hinder your growth. We will also address underlying causes of any problems you may be facing to begin your healing journey. And, as an added bonus, I'll crack a few jokes along the way. If you're ready to step into a safe and courageous space to grow some New Edges, please reach out for a free consultation.
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Background and Experience
April received her Bachelor of Arts in Family and Human Services from the University of Oregon with a minor in Special Education, and her Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Northwestern University. She is trained in Gottman Method Level 1 for couples therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for trauma, and is familiar with Internal Family Systems (IFS) to help clients explore their inner parts and patterns. Prior to opening New Edge Counseling Services, April received extensive training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), worked in a community outpatient setting serving under-resourced populations, provided crisis interventions focused on immediate symptom reduction, and supported individuals and families in a Partial Hospitalization/Intensive Outpatient Program (PHP/IOP) with a strong focus on ACT, CBT, and DBT to help clients move from crisis to stabilization.
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With over seven years of clinical experience, April practices from a trauma-informed, integrative approach, adjusting interventions to fit each client’s personality, treatment phase, and goals. She brings expertise in identifying complex interaction patterns, treating severe symptoms efficiently, and guiding clients through major life transitions and mental health crises while fostering genuine connection and lasting growth.
Qualifications
2023 - Present
Founder of New Edge Counseling Services
2018 - 2019
Staff Therapist at Community Counseling Center of Chicago (C4)
2020 - 2023
Family Therapist at Compass Health Center
2019 - 2020
2016 - 2018
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Integrative Systemic Therapy (IST) trainee at Northwestern University the Family Institute
Crisis Worker at Community Counseling Center of Chicago (C4)