Daniel Hauff, MA, LCPC, CADC

Close-up of a middle-aged man with gray hair, a beard, and glasses with yellow frames, sitting indoors near a window with plants outside.

About Me

I’m Daniel, owner and therapist at Bright Birds Psychotherapy. I support adults navigating a wide range of challenges, with particular experience supporting LGBTQIA+ individuals — including transgender and nonbinary persons, as well as military personnel, veterans, and first responders, and addressing men’s issues. I also engage with a diverse array of adults beyond these populations.

My Approach

My style is warm, affirming, and collaborative, creating a respectful, judgment-free, and safe setting. I view clients holistically to develop goals based on their own values, taking an eclectic, person-centered approach that tailors treatment to each individual, drawing from mindfulness and cognitive behavioral, humanistic, and existential therapies. As an EMDRIA Certified Therapist, I frequently incorporate EMDR alongside other evidence-based approaches to help clients process difficult experiences and move toward meaningful change. Together, we can address trauma, anxiety, depression, addiction (substances, gambling, pornography, and problematic or compulsive sexual behaviors), life transitions, and grief—including pet loss.

Affirming & Inclusive Care

I strive to create a sex-positive, affirming space where clients feel comfortable discussing issues related to sexuality, intimacy, kink, desire, or identity — including topics that may feel difficult or stigmatized elsewhere. I also have experience working with diverse relationship structures such as polyamory and open relationships.

While these are key areas of specialization, I welcome clients of all genders and sexual orientations and proudly stand as a BIPOC ally.

Therapy with Humor & Humanity

Humor is a key part of my therapeutic style, helping clients feel at ease and supported as we work together on meaningful goals. Sometimes sharing a laugh along the way can help lighten the process. I believe therapy should be a place where you feel truly seen and heard, with space to explore your complexity, build resilience, and move forward on your own terms.

Pet Loss Support

The grief of losing an animal companion can be profound. For many, that pain is excruciating. I provide thoughtful and compassionate support for pet loss, helping clients honor their bond while navigating this unique and deeply personal form of grief.

    • Alcohol & Drug Use Issues

    • Addiction Issues

    • Anger

    • Anxiety

    • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

    • Autism Spectrum Disorder

    • Bipolar Disorder

    • Depression

    • Exercise Addiction

    • Gambling Addiction

    • Gaming Addiction / Video Game Issues

    • Gender Identity

    • Grief & Loss, Complicated Grief, and Pet Loss

    • Men’s Issues

    • Neurodiversity

    • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

    • Porn Addiction

    • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

    • Sex Issues, Sex Addiction, Sex Work, & Sexual Behavior Issues

    • Shopping / Spending Problems

    • Social Media / Internet Use

    • Substance Use Disorders

    • Trauma & Complex Trauma

    • Workaholism

    • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

    • Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

    • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

    • Existential Therapy

    • Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR)

    • Humanistic Therapy

    • Mindfulness

    • First Responders

    • LGBTQIA+

    • Men

    • Military / Veterans

    • Neurodiverse (ADHD, Autism, learning disabilities)

    • Open Marriages / Polyamory

  • Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) - #180.016691

    Regulated by: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) 

  • Certified Alcohol and other Drug Counselor (CADC) - #37331

    Regulated by: Illinois Certification Board

    EMDRIA Certified Therapist

    Credentialed by: EMDR International Association (EMDRIA)

  • Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School of Addiction Studies, Center City, MN

    • MA - Addiction Counseling: Integrated Recovery for Co-Occurring Disorders, 2020

    DePaul University, Chicago, IL

    • BA - International Studies: Human Rights & Social Justice, 2006

  • Coverage and eligibility vary by plan.

    • Aetna

    • Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)

    • UnitedHealthcare / United Behavioral Health (UBH) / Optum

    Out-of-network benefits may be available. I can provide a superbill (itemized receipt) for possible insurance reimbursement.

What’s in a Name?

Bright Birds represents the colorful, complex, and inherently valuable spirit within each of us. For our practice, the phrase is a symbol of hope and self-care — a reminder that tending to our own well-being with compassion and intention helps us heal, grow, and thrive.

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