
Welcome!
Chicago Counseling Collective (CCC) is a group psychotherapy practice founded by Dr. Heather Frank in 2019. At CCC, our staff values connection as we aim to connect our clients, colleagues and the greater community by providing inclusive and accessible individual, couples and group psychotherapy. CCC continues to grow in many ways through building our team of dedicated therapists and postdoctoral fellows whom align with CCC's values and mission. I invite you to learn more about CCC and our experienced and compassionate staff. If you would like to be connected with one of our staff therapists please do not hesitate to reach out.
Dr. Heather Frank
Founder/Clinical Psychologist
Our Team


Heather Frank, Psy.D., CGP
Founder/Clinical Psychologist
Certified Group Psychotherapist
pronouns: she, her, hers
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in the state of Illinois. I earned both my Masters of Arts (M.A.) and Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) from the APA-Accredited Clinical Psychology program at the Illinois School of Professional Psychology. I completed my predoctoral internship at Pace University Counseling Center in New York and my postdoctoral hours at the University of Illinois Chicago Counseling Center.
I practice from an insight-oriented, collaborative, and individualized approach to meet the unique needs of each person I work with. I strive to provide a supportive and accepting space for my patients to feel heard and understood while also feeling challenged to experiment with new ways of thinking, feeling and relating. My hope is that therapy can be useful in providing tools to relieve immediate stress while also helping uncover the underlying meanings of unwanted or distressing symptoms, feelings and relational patterns in order to create lasting change.
I have extensive experience working with undergraduate and graduate students as well as early and mid career professionals. I also specialize in women's mental health and work with women across the lifespan. Additionally, I have specialized training in group therapy and am currently completing training in modern psychoanalytic group psychotherapy at the Center for Group Studies in New York.
Specialty Areas:
Graduate and undergraduate student mental health
Early Career Professionals (psychology, law, medicine and business)
Career related concerns and professional growth
Women’s mental health; prenatal and postpartum concerns; fertility concerns
Identity exploration
Sexual, physical and emotional Trauma
Family-of-origin concerns
Coping with being a caregiver to parents who are aging and/or have significant medical needs
Relational concerns
Life transitions (divorce, becoming a parent, changing career path)
Grief and Loss
Couples therapy

Lauren Scheuermann, M.A., LPC
Staff Therapist
pronouns: she, her, hers
As a therapist I bring an empathetic, authentic, and collaborative approach to therapy. I strive to create a safe and empowering space where you’ll feel supported to challenge and untangle thoughts, experiences, and behaviors that are no longer helpful. Using evidence-based practices, we’ll work together to develop tools and skills that will help you grow, heal, and self-regulate. I practice through a trauma-informed, integrated framework and strongly believe in a holistic approach, including the mind-body connection, to treatment. I gravitate toward therapeutic modalities that utilize mindfulness (DBT), explore past experiences (Psychodynamic), create awareness around thoughts and behaviors (CBT), and celebrate your strengths.
I earned my Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and my Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from The Ohio State University. Prior to joining Chicago Counseling Collective, I worked in a residential setting with a diverse adult population. I gained experience working with mood disorders, anxiety, self-esteem, emotional distress, identity development, substance use, trauma/complex trauma, eating disorders, self-injurious behaviors and suicide ideation, as well as relationship struggles. Before receiving my Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology, I worked for several years in marketing and advertising.
Specialty Areas:
Anxiety
Depression
Mood Disorders
Communication Difficulties
Trauma-Related Concerns and Experiences
Low Self-Esteem/Self-Worth
Stress Management/Lifestyle Balance/Professional Issues
Relationship and Peer Struggles
Coping Skills
Eating Disorders and Body Image Concerns
Family Conflict
Life Transitions and Change
Self-Injurious Behaviors
Identity Development
Women’s Issues
Substance Use and Addictive Behaviors

Stephanie Dykema, Ph.D.
Director of Clinical Training
Clinical Psychologist
pronouns: she, her, hers
Welcome! I provide individual, couples, and group therapy at CCC. I use a relational-cultural approach to therapy where we will explore relationship patterns and societal messages that can result in shame, self-blame, and disconnection. My work with clients often explores the traumatic impact of systemic oppression and the importance of gender, race, and sexual orientation (among many other identities) on our lives, mental health, and relationships. I also use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help you understand any barriers preventing you from pursuing the life and relationships you seek and to help you connect with your emotions, body, and values. When appropriate, I incorporate Somatic Experiencing (a body-oriented trauma therapy) to process emotions and trauma, foster a mind-body connection, and to facilitate your body's ability to act on your needs.
I have extensive experience working with undergraduate and graduate students, young adults, and early career/emerging professionals. I obtained my PhD in Counseling Psychology from the University of Akron and my Master of Arts from Teacher’s College, Columbia University. I completed my APA-Accredited internship at Texas Woman’s University Counseling and Psychological Services, where I received specialized training in women’s mental health, multicultural counseling, and group therapy. I completed my Postdoctoral Fellowship focused on international students and the LGBTQIA+ community at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago Counseling Services. Currently, I am pursuing training in Somatic Experiencing through the Somatic Experiencing Trauma Institute. I have been a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in the State of Illinois since 2018.
As Director of Clinical training, I am passionate about the training and development of postdoctoral fellows, social justice advocacy, and feminist supervision.
Specialty Areas:
College students and young adults
Career concerns and professional growth
Women’s mental health
Size/body/weight/fat acceptance
Cultural/racial identity exploration
Trauma and complex PTSD
Family-of-origin dysfunction
Medical trauma
Mind-body connection/disconnection
Couples therapy and diverse relationship orientations

Hannah Payne, M.A., LPC
Staff Therapist
pronouns: she, her, hers
Hello and welcome! I provide individual, couples, and group therapy with a multicultural, client-centered, and psychodynamic approach. I am passionate about helping my clients find strength after experiencing adversity, learn more about themselves and accept who they are, and meet their goals for personal growth. I believe that our childhood experiences and relationships greatly shape who we are and the way we think. If we understand our past experiences, we can gain clarity about our present selves and become who we want to be and create the change we want to see in our future. While exploring ourselves, I also find it important to highlight how culture and our society impacts us and what we need in therapy. I believe that the many layers of an individual's identity - race, gender identity, sexuality, ability, age, citizenship, etc. - must be acknowledged, respected, and appreciated in therapy. As a therapist I create a safe space for my clients' identity to be fully explored and deeply understood. In sessions, I focus on empowerment, self-discovery, and adjusting to change. I enjoy working with clients who are willing to be vulnerable and motivated to transform. I hope to help my clients change their inner dialogues to create a more positive and meaningful understanding of self and the world around them.
I have my master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Loyola University Chicago, and undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Religion. While at Loyola, I completed a 1000 hour internship at Haymarket Center providing individual and group therapy for adults with substance abuse; I then went on to work at Haymarket Center full time before transitioning to private practice therapy. I also have completed an internship with Synergy Services where I was an advocate and case manager for homeless youth. I also am a certified Rape Crisis Counselor and volunteer medical advocate with Resilience. I have received additional training on trauma informed care, LGBTQIA+ clients, human trafficking, sex work, group therapy, domestic violence, systemic racism, HIV & Hepitits C, and childhood sexual abuse.
Specialty Areas:
Substance Abuse
Domestic Violence
Sexual Assault/Abuse
Relationships & Couples
Multicultural Identity & Mental Health
Strained Family Relationships
Trauma
Sex Addiction
Anxiety
Depression
Chronic Mental Illness
Self-Esteem & Self Compassion
Codependency
People Pleasing
Life Transitions
Sexual Dysfunction/Satisfaction Concerns
Stress Management & Coping Skills

Kurt Stevens, Psy.D.
Clinical Psychologist
pronouns: he, him, his
I provide individual counseling and group therapy at Chicago Counseling Collective. I have extensive experience working with undergraduate and graduate students, young adults, and early career/emerging professionals. I also have a strong personal interest and clinical competency working with middle-aged adults.
My therapeutic style is warm, relational, psychodynamic (processing past personal and relational experiences and exploring their potential connection to current personal and interpersonal functioning), and collaborative. As a clinician, I believe that the therapeutic relationship is paramount to establishing a safe, trusting, open, and interconnected space, which sets the tone for personal and interpersonal awareness, acceptance, healing, growth, and change to occur. I continually strive to provide an empathic, supportive, genuine, and collaborative space with my clients in which they can feel understood, supported, valued, and challenged to express their true selves in my presence, eventually (should they choose to do so) even those aspects of themselves that they generally hide from the majority of others in their life. I also believe that the focus of attention and discussion in a particular therapy session as well as the overall pacing of therapy varies by person with some clients preferring and benefiting from a more active therapeutic approach early in treatment, while other clients needing and/or preferring more time before they feel secure enough to delve deeper into their presenting concerns. As a result, I use my extensive clinical experience and strong intuition along with a collaborative approach to discern, discuss, and ultimately decide how to most effectively serve my clients in our therapeutic work together. If you feel like we could be a good therapeutic match, please do not hesitate to contact me.
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in the state of Illinois. I earned both my Masters of Arts (M.A.) and Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) from the APA-Accredited Clinical Psychology program at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. I have spent the past twelve years working and training in several different university counseling center settings. Specifically, I have spent the past eight years at the University of Illinois at Chicago Counseling Center as a staff clinician and more recently as the Center’s Assistant Director for Group Therapy for the past five years. In addition, I completed my postdoctoral fellowship at Princeton University Counseling and Psychological Services and my predoctoral internship at American University Counseling Center in Washington, D.C. I also previously trained for two consecutive years as an advanced practicum extern at DePaul University Counseling Services in Chicago.
Specialty Areas:
College Students (undergraduate and graduate) and Young Adults
Middle-aged Adults
Relationship/Interpersonal Issues
Family of Origin Concerns
Depression
Grief and Loss
Anxiety
Identity Development
Phase of Life Transitions and Concerns
Career and Professional Concerns
Low Self-Esteem/Self-Worth
Women’s Issues
Men’s Issues
Group Therapy

Chrishane N. Cunningham, MA, LCPC, NCC
Staff Therapist
pronouns: she, her, hers
Chrishane Cunningham, MA, LCPC, NCC is delighted to join us at Chicago Counseling Collective. After receiving her B.A. from Boston University in Psychology, Chrishane attended The Family Institute at Northwestern University for her M.A. in Counseling, specializing in working with children and adolescents. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Counseling Psychology at Fordham University in New York City. Along with children and adolescents, Chrishane treats across the lifespan working with individuals, couples, and families. She specializes in working with people of colour, with particular attention to youth and Black mental health wellness.
Chrishane’s therapeutic approach is holistic and eclectic, including a mix of modalities attuning to her clients and their needs. Her therapeutic work is centered upon cultural humility and empathy, and she believes a strong therapeutic alliance is integral to successful treatment. Overall, Chrishane’s therapeutic work is highly collaborative and she works diligently to help her clients achieve wellness. She sees herself as a very encouraging and validating therapist and her goal is always to help her clients gain insight and make the changes they wish to see.
Specialty Areas:
ADHD
Adolescent Mental Health
Anxiety
BIPOC Mental Health
Black Individual Mental Health
College, Graduate Student, and Young Adult Mental Health
Communication Difficulties
Cultural/Racial Identity Development
Depression
Family Therapy and Family-of-Origin Issues
Life Transitions
Relationship and Couples Counseling
Self Esteem/Compassion
Therapists in Therapy

Jeremy Cohen, Ph.D.
Clinical Psychologist
pronouns: he, him, his
I like working with people to help figure out what keeps them stuck in certain patterns in their lives, and flexibly and collaboratively explore opportunities for change. I strive to establish a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship, tailoring the space to each unique individual by taking the time to understand the multiple layers of someone’s identities, experiences, and environments. My approach to therapy draws from multicultural, relational/interpersonal, psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and mindfulness perspectives, and I ground the therapy in a humanistic and affirmative core. I aim to help people find greater understanding and compassion for themselves while also fostering new ways to cope and navigate challenges. I provide individual and group therapy at CCC, and am humbled by the opportunity to join people in their lives in meaningful and authentic ways.
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in the state of Illinois. I received my Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Temple University in Philadelphia. I completed an APA-accredited internship at the University of Pennsylvania’s Counseling & Psychological Services and a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Delaware’s Center for Counseling & Student Development where I received specialty supervision in working with LGBTQIA+ individuals. I was a staff psychologist at the University of Delaware for 5 years and served as the Advanced Practicum Coordinator. Most recently, I was a staff psychologist at Northwestern University Counseling & Psychological Services and served as the Associate Director for Chicago CAPS where I coordinated outreach efforts and the postdoctoral fellowship.
Specialty Areas:
Graduate and professional students, early career professionals
Undergraduate students and college mental health
LGBTQIA identity
Identity exploration
Men’s Issues
Anxiety
Family of origin concerns
Interpersonal and relationship concerns
Life transitions
Low self-esteem/self-worth
Stress management, coping skills
Perfectionism

Benedetta Rossi, LCPC
Staff Therapist
pronouns: she, her, hers
Welcome! I am a bilingual Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, born and raised in Italy. I provide individual therapy at Chicago Counseling Collective using a multicultural, empathic, and individualized approach. I value creating a strong therapeutic relationship to guide you through your healing journey, to support your growth and validate your feelings. I strive to empower you to create change, letting go of behaviors that no longer serve you, and discovering your unique self. I use a trauma informed and client-centered approach to support you with balancing new life roles, coping with interpersonal conflict, exploring identities, and dealing with academic and professional concerns. I also utilize various theoretical approaches that are tailored to your specific needs and goals, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), mindfulness skills, and psychodynamic techniques.
As a former international student, I have firsthand experience navigating the immigration system and adjusting to a different culture. My personal background has shaped my approach to providing care, taking into consideration different identities, beliefs, and communication styles. I believe that therapy is a journey of self-discovery, where you will learn valuable skills that will serve you and empower you throughout your life.
My previous professional experience includes working at Thresholds, serving individuals with serious mental illnesses, including Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. I have also trained as a group counselor at St. Joseph Hospital Intensive Outpatient Program, using evidence-based practices, such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), to treat mood disorders, anxiety, relationship issues, and life stressors. Additionally, I have received training on managing high-risk behaviors and providing crisis intervention, including safety planning for suicidal and homicidal ideation, self-injury and aggression. I earned my Master’s degree in Counseling from Loyola University Chicago, and my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Dayton.
Specialty Areas:
Graduate and Undergraduate students, International students
Early Career professionals
Life Transitions
Identity Exploration
Trauma – emotional, physical and sexual abuse
Interpersonal issues
Mood Disorders
Anxiety Disorders
Self-harm and Suicidal Ideation
Personality Disorders
Psychotic Disorders
Stress Management
Group Therapy

Constance Victor, Psy.D.
Postdoctoral Fellow
pronouns: she, her, hers
Hello and welcome! It takes a lot of courage to begin therapy and I hope to encourage and foster this courage in our work together. I view therapy as a collaborative process. I integrate and draw from a variety of therapeutic approaches such as Adlerian, dialectical behavior therapy, existential, humanistic, narrative, person-focused, internal family systems, and positive psychology. Overall, I take a holistic and multicultural perspective, which means that all parts of your life are welcome and encouraged in our work together. I believe your identities and history are essential to who you are and how you navigate the world. You are the expert of yourself, and I collaborate with you so that you feel less alone and more understood. I offer genuine encouragement and help you recognize your progress.
I am passionate about working with individuals who have experienced physical, emotional, relational, and sexual traumas as well as working with individuals who are struggling with symptoms of depression and anxiety. In my therapeutic work with clients, I strive to create a safe and welcoming environment in which non-judgmental self-exploration can be fostered and encouraged to promote growth and change. We may explore how your early life experiences and family dynamics have influenced the messages you received, how your worldview was formed, and how you move towards your goals. We may also explore other facets of your mental health, such as community involvement, belonging, values, connection, and identity.
I received my Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) from Adler University’s APA-Accredited Clinical Psychology program. Prior to coming to my work at the Chicago Counseling Collective as a postdoctoral fellow, I completed my APA-Accredited predoctoral internship at Northern Illinois University’s Counseling and Consultation Services. I have also previously worked in community mental health, hospital, and additional college/university counseling settings in which I provided individual and group therapy.
Together we'll figure out the purpose of your symptoms, and how to better reach your goals. Progress may not be linear, but we'll get you to where you want to go, and we'll get there together.
Specialty Areas:
Adlerian Therapy
Anxiety
Boundary Setting/Asserting One’s Needs
Communication Difficulties
College/Graduate School Issues
Depression
Identity Exploration – Racial, Cultural, Sexual, Gender, Religious
Internal Family Systems/Parts Work
Life Transitions/Phase of Life Issues
Self-Esteem/Self Compassion
Stress Management
Trauma -emotional, relational, physical and sexual

Irina Rivera, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Fellow
pronouns: she, her
Welcome! I work from a relational paradigm because I believe therapy is a co-created, collaborative process. I bring to therapy my previous experiences working in creative environments, to help clients foster new perspectives and solutions that fit your unique issues, identities, and personality. Also, I have found that warmth and empathy from me helps clients relax and feel safe enough to explore parts of the themselves that may be hidden or unconsciously buried. I have worked with a diverse range of clients, many of whom have experienced abuse, loss, and/or marginalization. Areas of ongoing interest and research are in the experience of awe and spirituality. This is just a brief description of my work, so please feel free to ask questions so that you can decide if we are a good fit.
I earned my PhD in Clinical Psychology at Fuller Psychology & Marital and Family Therapy in Los Angeles, CA. My undergraduate degree is in Communication, Film Emphasis, from Loyola Marymount University. I completed my APA-accredited internship at University of Illinois, Chicago counseling center. Prior to coming to CCC, I worked at a private practice, community mental health center, and university counseling centers. I provide therapy for individuals, couples, and groups. I also have experience leading workshops on topics such as Compassion for Our Inner Critic, Unconscious Bias, and Perfectionism.
Specialty Areas:
Anxiety
Adjustment to College/University
Creativity Issues
Cultural Identity Development
Depression
Existential Issues
Grief and Loss
Parenting
Perfectionism
Religion/Spirituality
Stress
Trauma

Nabila Irizarry, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Fellow
pronouns: she, her, hers
languages spoken: English, Spanish
Offering only Telehealth (virtual) appointments at this time
Born and raised in Puerto Rico, I follow a culturally-responsive approach to therapy, acknowledging intersectionality and promoting fairness, equity, and justice. I incorporate constructivist, dialectical, and psychodynamic perspectives, which means we will work together to understand both personal and societal factors that contribute to your everyday well-being. My goal is to guide you towards healthier mental habits that can alleviate your suffering and enable a life-long journey of fulfillment. Through self-exploration of personal narratives (Constructivism), analysis of interpersonal experiences (Dialectical), and understanding of the intersections between our past and present (Psychodynamic), we become more in charge of our future and aware of how we occupy and share spaces with others in the world. I believe that therapy is a co-creation of a shared vulnerable space, and recognize that my position as a therapist requires intellectual humility, transparency, and empathy.
I obtained my doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from the APA-Accredited program at the University of Puerto Rico and completed my masters degree in Psychological Research at the University of Guadalajara. I specialized in psychodynamic psychotherapy, studying Lacanian Psychoanalysis in Quebec at the GIFRIC Institute. I have worked with a wide range of clients including adolescents, young adults, couples, families, and people who are incarcerated. I have helped clients understand how to communicate and regulate their emotions through the acquisition of interpersonal skills, the acknowledgement of unhealthy attachment patterns, and the implementation of self-regulating practices. I am committed to anti-bias/anti-racist practices (ABAR) and encourage my clients to address systemic issues as part of their therapeutic process, so they can feel more comfortable, empowered and self-assured in the space. As a former Montessori educator, I am aware of the importance of recognizing the needs of each developmental stage, and I strive to meet everyone where they are. I look forward to embarking on this journey with you!
Specialty Areas:
Racialized trauma
Women’s mental health
Women of color
Latinx population
Life transitions
Couples therapy
Attachment therapy
Neurodiversity
Identity exploration
Boundary-setting skills
Relational concerns
Mood disorders
Grief and Loss
Autism spectrum
Body dysphoria/dysmorphia

Rayna Narvaez, M.A., Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Fellow
pronouns: she, her, hers
Offering only Telehealth (virtual) appointments at this time
“Rigidity in the face of complexity is toxic” – Susan David
This quote characterizes the core of my therapeutic stance. I believe we move through the world with unique identities and backgrounds, and I strive to honor the complexity that we each bring to the human experience. I primarily use a relational and interpersonal approach to therapy, which means I believe relationships have an important influence on our development as individuals. I also practice from a feminist lens, recognizing the impact of systemic issues, power, privilege, and oppression on your daily life. Together we will explore your current relationships, family dynamics, and cultural identities (e.g., race, gender, religion, etc.) in order to create more flexible and balanced relational patterns.
I readily integrate solution-focused approaches, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I specialize in supporting clients in synthesizing thoughts, feelings, and experiences to be more understandable and less overwhelming. We will also prioritize identifying strategies and actions to make meaningful and productive change in your life. It is important to me that you feel safe to explore and share in our therapeutic space. I hope to facilitate that safety through a warm, empathic presence, collaboration and understanding your unique needs, and moments of humor and connection.
I received my Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Iowa and completed an APA-Accredited internship at University of Minnesota Student Counseling Services. I have enjoyed clinical experiences in a range of settings, including college counseling, community mental health, the VA healthcare system, and a neuropsychology clinic. I have experience leading interpersonal process groups, multiracial identity affinity spaces, grief and loss support groups, emotional wellness workshops, and women of color support spaces.
Specialty areas:
Anxiety
Attachment concerns
Boundaries (identifying and upholding)
Communication difficulties
Couples counseling
Existential issues (e.g. grief and loss, loneliness, and search for meaning)
Holistic wellness
Life transitions
Multiracial identity development
Perfectionism
Relationship concerns
Religious and spiritual exploration/concerns
Self-acceptance and authenticity
Self-compassion
Women’s wellness
Our Offices
Loop Office
Lawrence Office
Office Locations:
Loop Office:
155 N. Michigan Ave, Ste 707
Chicago, IL 60601
(location accessibility information)
Lawrence Office:
2218 W. Lawrence
Chicago, IL 60625
Fax:
(312) 610-5703