AJ Fox, MA, NCC

AJ (they/them) is a clinical mental health counselor with extensive experience supporting young people and families across schools, hospitals, community programs, and crisis settings. They hold a Master’s in Counseling with specializations in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling, and their background includes play therapy with children, supporting adults with severe mental health challenges, and years of work on the 988 Suicide and Crisis Hotline. AJ has served as an elementary school counselor, facilitated groups for teens and adults in eating disorder and mood/anxiety programs, and led adventure-based camps for kids who have experienced trauma. Across all of these roles, they’ve built a practice centered on meeting young people exactly where they are—emotionally, developmentally, and in the real-world environments where their challenges unfold.

A core part of AJ’s work has always been partnering closely with families. Whether working in schools, hospitals, or community programs, they have helped parents and caregivers understand their child’s needs, navigate difficult situations, and build strategies that support healthier dynamics at home. Their passion for mental health comes from a genuine love of helping people, a curiosity about how humans think and grow, and a desire to share practical tools that truly make a difference. AJ was drawn to Wonder because of its commitment to supporting teens and families in real life—through movement, exploration, creativity, and hands-on experiences that make therapy more accessible and engaging.

Clinically, AJ is trained in modern psychodynamic therapy and integrates tools from ACT, DBT, and somatic practices. They help teens explore what’s happening beneath the surface, connect with their emotions, understand their body’s signals, and build skills to navigate life’s challenges. Their work is always individualized, using only the strategies that feel meaningful and useful to the young person. AJ specializes in supporting teens with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, trauma, and life transitions, with a strong passion for working with LGBTQ+ youth and helping families adjust to big changes together.

AJ’s style is warm, curious, and approachable—they believe humor, authenticity, and fun are essential parts of helping teens feel comfortable and open. They build connections by meeting teens through activities they enjoy, bringing therapy into real-world situations in natural, relatable ways. Outside of work, AJ loves spending time with friends and family, exploring Chicago, trying new restaurants and events, thrifting (especially for vintage lamps), and playing music. Above all, AJ is committed to making mental health support practical, engaging, and meaningful—helping teens and families develop skills, confidence, and connection in ways that truly fit their lives.