Therapists in 60622

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and have been providing individual, couples, family and group counseling services in a variety of settings for over 17 years. I truly believe in the power of the therapeutic process working together to identify personal challenges and develop healthy solutions that utilize individual strengths. Whether a client presents issues relating to chronic mental health, stage of life changes, relationship conflicts or simply to maintain mental wellness, therapy is a supportive environment that facilitates personal growth.

Having been involved in the mental health field for over a decade, working across various setting (hospitals, VA, college) I now focus on those eager to enhance their creativity, community, and value-driven experiences. As the founder of an organization that has seen significant growth, my interest lies in supporting leaders—whether they are in creative roles, parenting, or mental health professions—who struggle with the demands of their work environments and the prioritization of their own healing. I believe relationships are formed in repair and I am useful to those seeking to deepen the interpersonal and cultural spaces.

Many days we want the fighting and yelling to stop, and it just feels like it won't. No one is immune to this struggle. Families, couples, siblings, and friends can all enter in to conflict day after day when really all they want is connection and peace. I walk alongside clients experiencing anxiety, depression, grief and loss, self esteem issues, identity, parenting issues, anger, and life transitions. I enjoy working with couples and adults, as well as adolescents and children using play therapy techniques. I also have experience working with blended families, infidelity, separation, and sexual concerns.

Most couples long for intimacy and connection and want to be heard, understood, and supported by their partner. Challenges such as changes in dynamics, betrayals, and unmet needs can take a toll on relationships. Sometimes, when these challenges arise, we lack the tools and resources to overcome them. Since most of us were not taught how to effectively communicate our needs, set boundaries, and resolve conflict, getting back on track can be difficult.

I have experience in working with adults and adolescents that have experienced trauma and grief. Majority of the clients I have worked with are uncomfortable with their daily life and are looking to process their past and find a way to move forward.

I work with a diverse group of clients. From my couples facing communication, connection and lack of intimacy, to my individuals having symptoms of depression, anxiety, trauma and self-esteem issues, I have worked with all. Moreover, I am open to working with clients from marginalized communities, being a BIPOC therapist, I work with a lot of empathy.

Trauma is an adverse emotional, mental, and physical reaction that individuals encounter when confronted with negative experiences such as abuse, sexual assault, interpersonal violence, emotional/psychological harm, neglect, disaster, terrorism, and war. In some cases, when trauma has occurred during early developmental stages, a person can experience complex trauma, which can result in severe posttraumatic stress disorder (e.g., intrusive memories, images, thoughts, dreams), including emotional dysregulation, acute depression, anxiety, dissociation/numbness, relational problems, and suicidal ideation.

The task of finding a new therapist to walk with you in your journey toward growth, hope, and healing can be so difficult! My style is relational and dynamic, meaning that I hold the past and present together as we work through your story to examine places you feel stuck or want to make changes. Your safety in the therapeutic relationship is important in order to facilitate the exploration of what can be painful thoughts, feelings, and memories. I integrate evidence-based techniques, cultural humility, and a nonjudgemental perspective to help you find your strengths and meet your life goals.

You might look for individual therapy because you experience obstacles that happen again and again; you are trying to figure out who you are and what you want in life. You might be looking for couples therapy because you feel disconnected from your partner or have difficulty communicating; you fight or have difficulty with being intimate. You might be looking for family therapy because you don’t know how to connect with your kids; there is conflict in your family and you don’t know how to resolve it. You might be a person of color, immigrant or second generation and struggle with issues mentioned above.

Life is tough, in therapy we learn to deal with painful thoughts and feelings so we can enjoy the meaning and beauty in life. As a biracial therapist with a mixed cultural heritage, I aim to create a safe environment needed for change for people of all backgrounds and experiences. It takes a lot of courage to take that first step towards change, so I intend to acknowledge your vulnerability by meeting you where you are. I have extensive knowledge working with people of diverse ages, backgrounds, and presenting needs due to my experience working in community mental health.

Life at times confronts us with problems we cannot solve on our own, like overwhelming or unmanageable thoughts or emotions. Any kind of change, even positive, can be difficult. Therapy can support you on this path and is an investment in yourself that is worthwhile and that you deserve. I provide customized, science-based, and trauma-informed therapy for adults struggling with anxiety, anger, depression, grief, loss, trauma, identity issues, or difficult life transitions. I can help you better understand and accept yourself and work on those pieces that keep you from living your desired life and that you would like to see changed.

From my perspective, therapy is the ultimate representation of "working smart, not hard." There is no question that life can be incredibly difficult, and we have all learned ways to adapt and bear our unique burdens. A therapist can be instrumental in making the weight you carry just the slightest bit lighter. Through the development of targeted coping skills and candid conversation, I aim to assist each of my clients in "doing life" just a little bit better.

I believe that approaching therapy is truly one of the bravest things someone can do. By cultivating a space of kindness, humanity, and empathy, I invite my clients to be curious about themselves. I value how everyone’s therapeutic journey is unique because of one’s own life experiences and coexisting identity memberships. I believe in connection and leaning into the therapeutic relationship as a crucial step in one’s healing journey. As a multiethnic, multicultural therapist who deeply cares about advocacy, equality, and accessibility to clients of all backgrounds, I greatly value working with clients from all walks of life.

I believe that we all have an inherent need to feel connected, seen, and understood and that is often where the growth, relief, and healing begins. My clinical work is based on a dynamic and relational approach that works collaboratively with clients to gain an understanding of how early experiences underlie behaviors, thoughts, feelings, and explore ways to connect with others. My approach is grounded in a social justice, sex-positive, and anti-oppressive lens, that posits an understanding of how systems of power and privilege manifest in individuals’ lives and impact individuals' ability to heal.

It is common for human beings who experience trauma and life stressors to feel like their lives are unraveling. My passion is bringing healing to people who have been through a traumatic/stressful experience and also improve their lives. I enjoy working with adults of all ages. I am fluent in English and Portuguese. As a client-centered and trauma-informed therapist, I view the therapeutic relationship as a collaborative space and a vehicle for change.

My therapeutic approach is to fosters a space where the past, present, and future intersect in a way that healing, empowerment, and clear direction can flourish. I understand that life can at times be challenging, change can be destabilizing, and loss will cause pain. Through these life transitions one may at times need a safe space to cultivate hope and grow. I employ evidence based practices, cultural sensitivity and awareness to assist you in achieving your therapeutic goals.

In a world that has become divided and disconnected, RIA Psychological Services offers a space for healing and growth, helping you rediscover how to connect to yourself and others. Connection with family, friends, community, and connection to nature is essential for our well-being. We are interconnected and must recognize that our physical and mental health is impacted by the health of our relationships, our environments, and our planet. I enjoy working with clients from all walks of life and take a collaborative approach in helping clients Rediscover Interconnected Awareness.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has experience working with adults who are experiencing anxiety, depression, major life transitions, stress, mood disorders, relationship challenges and/or low self-esteem. I assist clients to analyze the past and present in order to gain insight on how they can cope with their situation effectively. I utilize a holistic and collaborative approach by incorporating psychodynamic, strengths-based and cognitive behavioral techniques to tailor sessions in order to meet clients’ specific needs.

I offer a safe place to explore the current issues that are bringing you into therapy. I believe the therapy process works best when it is collaborative, non-judgmental, and empathetic. No matter whether your struggles are newer or longer lasting I aim to fully understand your issues and join you in the process for healing and recovery. It is my goal that you will feel heard, understood, valued, and empowered in order to improve your life, health, and strengthen your relationships.