
Welcome!
Chicago Counseling Collective (CCC) is an interdisciplinary group psychotherapy practice founded in 2019. At CCC, our staff unite around our core values: Community, Collaboration and Connection. We aim to foster connection with 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, pre licensed therapists and postdoctoral fellows whom align with CCC's values and mission. We also are currently offering secure and HIPAA compliant teleservices. 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
*Limited availability for new clients*
In network with Aetna, BCBS, Cigna and USHIP
PSYPACT member https://www.psypact.org/psypactmap
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.
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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.
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Specialty Areas:
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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

Stephanie Dykema, Ph.D., SEP
Director of Clinical Training
Clinical Psychologist
pronouns: she, her, hers
*Limited availability for new clients*
In network with Aetna, BCBS, Cigna and USHIP
I use a relational-cultural approach to therapy, meaning we will explore relationship patterns and societal messages that 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, size, and sexual orientation (among many other identities) on our lives, mental health, and relationships.
I am also a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP). Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a body-oriented approach to processing trauma. I utilize SE to create emotional and relational safety, facilitate nervous system regulation, and release emotions and trauma that are stored in the body. I have experience helping clients heal from medical/surgical trauma, car/plane accidents, near death experiences, sexual assault, and developmental/family of origin trauma. I may integrate concepts from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to increase your coping skills and create movement towards your values.
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in the state of Illinois and I obtained my PhD in Counseling Psychology from the University of Akron in Ohio. I completed my APA-Accredited internship at Texas Woman’s University Counseling and Psychological Services and my Postdoctoral Fellowship at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago Counseling Services. As Director of Clinical Training at CCC, I am passionate about the training and development of pre-licensed mental health professionals, social justice advocacy, and feminist supervision.
Specialty Areas:
Early career professionals
Women’s mental health
Size/body/weight/fat acceptance
Cultural/racial identity exploration
Trauma and complex PTSD
Family-of-origin dysfunction
Medical/surgical trauma
Mind-body connection/disconnection
Near death experiences
Couples therapy and diverse relationship orientations

Kurt Stevens, Psy.D.
Clinical Psychologist
Supervisor
pronouns: he, him, his
*Waitlist for new clients*
In network with Aetna and BCBS
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
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
Staff Therapist
pronouns: she, her, hers
*Limited availability for new clients*
In network with Aetna, BCBS, and Cigna
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.
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Specialty Areas:
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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
Supervisor
pronouns: he, him, his
*Limited availability for new clients*
In network with Aetna, BCBS, Cigna and USHIP
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
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
Staff Therapist
pronouns: she, her, hers
*Limited availability for new clients*
In network with Aetna, BCBS, Cigna and USHIP
I am a bilingual Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. I provide individual therapy using an integrative, evidence-based, and warm therapeutic approach. I value creating a strong therapeutic relationship to support your growth and validate your emotional experience. I strive to empower you to create change, let go of behaviors that no longer serve you, and achieve your personal goals. I use a client-centered and relational approach to support you with adjusting to new life’s stressors, coping with interpersonal conflict, managing academic and professional concerns, and practicing self-compassion. I also integrate various theoretical approaches that are tailored to your specific needs, including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), to explore your values, reframe negative thoughts, and practice healthy coping skills. 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.
As a former international student from Italy, 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 clients’ unique experiences, beliefs, and marginalized identities. My professional background includes working in community mental health and hospitals, treating individuals with anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Additionally, I have trained as a group counselor, leading weekly therapy groups at an intensive outpatient program (IOP). 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 and Mid Career Professionals
Life Transitions
Relationship Issues
Adjustment Disorder
Identity Exploration
Stress Management
Anxiety Disorders
Mood Disorders
Grief
Trauma
Immigration Issues

Haley Braun, PsyD
Clinical Psychologist
Supervisor
pronouns: she, her, hers
*Limited availability for new clients* In network with Aetna, BCBS, and Cigna
Hello and welcome! I believe that relationships can be a source of immense joy, growth, and healing and can also be at the root of deep pain and trauma. This is why I work hard to create an environment that feels warm, affirming, and authentic. I use a relational- cultural and interpersonal approach in therapy meaning that one of my top priorities is getting to know you as a whole person; this includes the many layers of your identity and experiences, and your joys, sorrows, and sense of humor. Together, we can explore, process, and better understand your patterns in relationships and work toward doing something different in those relationships such as setting boundaries, practicing vulnerability, and communicating wants and needs. I am intentional about attending to the roles that systems of oppression, power, and privilege play both in and out of the therapy room. I am collaborative and flexible and want to make therapy a space that meets your needs and goals.
I love working with young adults, undergraduate and graduate students, non-traditional students, and early career professionals. These phases of life comes with many unique challenges, transitions, and opportunities for growth. It has been one of the joys of my career thus far to work with folks from all over the world and together navigate identity, culture, adjustment, and all that comes with being an international student. I am also passionate about supporting survivors of sexual trauma. I recognize the impact and toll these experiences can have, and strive to make therapy a space that feels safe, connected, empowering, and that honors the strength and resilience of survivors.
I completed my postdoctoral fellowship at Northwestern University and my APA-accredited doctoral internship at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. I earned my Master’s Degree (M.A.) and Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology at the APA-accredited Chicago School of Professional Psychology. I provide individual and group therapy here at Chicago Counseling Collective.
Specialty Areas:
College student mental health (undergraduate and graduate, international students)
Young adults and adults
Relationship/interpersonal concerns
Sexual and relationship trauma
Intersectional identity exploration
Women’s mental health
Self-esteem
Grief and loss
Life transitions
Anxiety
Depression
Stress management

Danielle Bertini, LCPC
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
Staff Therapist
pronouns: she, her, hers
*Accepting new clients*
In network with Aetna, BCBS, Cigna and USHIP
I believe that the therapeutic relationship is at the crux of change. Through this lens, I offer a safe, warm, and empathic space for clients to explore their inner world. Counseling is not just for those experiencing a life crisis or a current difficulty—counseling is an opportunity to learn new skills, gain new insights, and position oneself for increased health and wellness.
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Although I practice through a foundation of psychodynamic therapy, I believe that every client is unique and needs something different from the therapeutic process. Pulling from a variety of modalities, I tailor techniques in a creative way to fit those needs. Through working together, I believe that I can help you find your way to the path for growth.
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I have experience working with adolescents and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, relationship problems, work-life balance struggles, familial troubles, grief and loss, life transitions and trauma. I specialize in working with the college-age/emerging adulthood population to navigate challenges unique to these life stages.
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Speciality Areas:
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Graduate and undergraduate student mental health
Emerging adulthood challenges
Life transitions
Anxiety
Depression
Relationship/interpersonal issues
Family of origin challenges
Low self-esteem/low self-worth
Identity Exploration

Constance Victor, Psy.D.
Postdoctoral Fellow
pronouns: she, her, hers
*Accepting new clients*
In network with Aetna, BCBS, and Cigna
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

Nabila Irizarry, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Fellow
pronouns: she, her, hers
languages spoken: English, Spanish
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Offering only Telehealth (virtual) appointments at this time
*Waitlist for new clients* Openings in Women of Color Group
In network with Aetna, BCBS, and Cigna
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:
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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
*Accepting new clients*
In network with Aetna, BCBS, and Cigna
“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

Victoria Fombelle, MA, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
pronouns: she, her, hers
*Accepting new clients*
In network with Aetna, BCBS, and Cigna
Whatever challenges are impacting your life, you don't have to face them alone. That's where I come in – to help you heal, gain new insights and perspectives, and develop the tools you need to best care for yourself. At the heart of my approach is building an authentic, egalitarian therapeutic relationship where you feel safe, heard, and best able to work towards your goals in a supportive environment.
My primary population focus is LGBTQIA+ clients, and as a queer woman myself, I believe creating a safe, affirming space is key to successful counseling. I provide therapy that is culturally humble, trauma informed, and strengths-based. As a creative person, I am keen on customizing counseling to you and your passions in life. My integrative counseling approach combines humanistic/person-centered principles with techniques including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), creativity, and mindfulness. Since every client has different needs, goals, and nuances, the two of us will work together to develop a treatment plan that is as unique as you and able to grow with you.
I graduated from Roosevelt University with an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I completed my internship year at Renew You Counseling Center where I worked with a diverse array of individuals, couples, and groups ages 18-65. In my free time, I love playing guitar, rock climbing, going on nature walks, writing, performing stand-up comedy, gaming, and spending time with my loved ones and two cats. Reaching out for help is never easy, so my aim is to provide unconditional acceptance of all aspects of your identity and experience. My hope is to support you on your journey of healing and growth.
Specialty Areas:
LGBTQIA+ identity
Cultural identity
Anxiety
Depression
Neurodivergence/Neurodiversity/ADHD/ASD
Trauma, PTSD, and Complex PTSD
Group therapy
Couples and relationship therapy
Sex-positive, poly-affirming, and kink-affirming therapy
Relational concerns
Life transitions
Graduate and undergraduate student mental health
Size/body/weight/fat acceptance
Self-esteem, self-acceptance, and self-compassion
Stress management and coping skills

Briana Mitchell, MS, MA, CADC
Postgraduate Fellow
pronouns: she, her, hers
*Accepting new clients*
In network with Aetna, BCBS, and Cigna
As a first generation American with a multifaceted cultural background and personal identity, I understand just how unique every individual is. For this reason, I find it important to meet clients where they are at and create a supportive and safe space where they can be their true authentic selves. I use an integrative approach to therapy based in multicultural, person-centered, and psychodynamic frameworks. I enjoy using a narrative approach to empower clients to re-author their life story, make more informed choices, and create positive change that will help them to live in a way that reflects their true goals and values.
Collaboratively, we can explore and process your life experiences, consider the various aspects of your identity (race, culture, gender identity, sexual orientation, and more), and explore your many abilities, skills, values, and beliefs. Throughout the therapeutic process, I may incorporate Motivational Interviewing, CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), REBT (Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy), and Relational Therapy as needed to build coping skills and facilitate progress towards meeting your goals.
I graduated from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology with a M.A. in Counseling Psychology. Prior to attending TCSPP, I was an international student at the University of Greenwich located in London, England where I obtained a M.S. in Child and Adolescent Psychology. Prior to working in private practice, I have worked in residential facilities, community mental health outpatient/intensive outpatient (OP/IOP) treatment centers, and hospital settings. Through facilitating both individual and group therapy, I have worked with a diverse range of clients in different stages of life, from adolescents to older adults. Over the years, I have supported clients in their journey to overcome a variety of challenges such as, anxiety, depression, relational issues, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), ADHD, and other learning/ developmental disabilities.
Specialty Areas:
Women of Color
Identity Exploration (Racial, Cultural, Sexual, Gender)
Family of Origin Concerns
Substance Use
Trauma
Depression
Anxiety
Stress management/ coping skills
Life Transitions
Young adults and adults
College students (undergraduate, graduate, international)
Learning/ Developmental Disabilities

Alisha Hooda, M.A.
Postgraduate Fellow
pronouns: she, her, hers languages spoken: English, Hindi and Urdu
*Accepting new clients*
In network with Aetna, BCBS, and Cigna
If I had to pick three core elements to describe my therapeutic approach, they would be warmth, cultural humility, and honesty. When meeting clients initially, I endeavor to establish comfort and ease. With a foundation of emotional safety, we can explore issues more deeply and understand their root causes and origins. I primarily use a trauma-informed psychodynamic lens, which means increasing insight into our unconscious experiences while honoring individual uniqueness, cultural nuances, and complexity. We may also explore and process dynamics that show up in our therapeutic relationship in order to help you better understand your relationships with others and improve these relationships, including the one with yourself.
I enjoy working with BIPOC individuals (especially those that identify as AADPI and South Asian), first- and second- generation immigrants, LGBTQIA+ identifying individuals, men’s issues, and those with religious and/or spiritual backgrounds. I’m also interested in therapy with couples and intimate unions. I incorporate psychoeducation about trauma, relationships, and cognitive and emotional processes in order to empower clients and offer relief. I also draw from Adlerian, existential, and family systems theories. Additionally, I may incorporate behavioral tools from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and techniques from psychodrama.
I am currently a fellow at the Chicago Center for Psychoanalysis. I received my Master’s in Counseling from Northwestern University and have two years of clinical experience at The Family Institute working with clients from a range of backgrounds and presenting issues. I feel honored to do this work and I look forward to working with you.
Specialty Areas:
Trauma/PTSD
BIPOC (AADPI and South Asian)
First- and second- generation immigrants
Therapists in therapy
Men’s issues
Religion and spirituality
Depression and anxiety
Life adjustments
Grief and Loss
Couples and intimate unions
Polyamory/open relationships
Familial Issues
Relationships/Attachment
Students
Stress Management
Mood disorders

Beatrice Rothbaum, M.A.
Advanced Clinical Fellow
pronouns: she, her, hers
*Accepting new clients*
In network with Aetna, BCBS, and Cigna
I work collaboratively with clients from a relational, psychoanalytic perspective and view the therapy relationship as an opportunity to explore, bring awareness to, and transform patterns of relating to others and oneself. I remain curious, open, and engaged with my clients, whom I view as the authorities on their own lives. Together we will explore past experiences and relational patterns that may be holding you back, and situate current struggles in the context of your life history. Ultimately, the goal is to gain insight, create a broader range of emotional responses, and begin to live with more clarity and authenticity.
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I specialize in identity exploration, relationship issues, life transitions, creativity, gender and sexuality, substance use, depression, and anxiety. I enjoy working with individuals and couples of all ages, genders, sexual orientations, nationalities, cultural backgrounds, and I welcome clients from marginalized communities.
I earned my B.A. in English from Oberlin College and received my M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Teachers College, Columbia University. I completed my APA-accredited doctoral internship at Lake Forest College’s Counseling Center, and I am currently completing the 6th and final year of my PhD in Clinical Psychology at Adelphi University in New York.
Specialty Areas:
Identity Exploration
Relationship/Interpersonal Issues
Creativity
Anxiety
LGBTQIA+ Community
Depression
Trauma
Couples/Diverse Relationship Orientations
Grief and Loss
PTSD
Family of Origin Challenges
Emerging Adulthood Challenges

Brianna (Bri) Podgorski
Clinical Care Manager
pronouns: she, her, hers
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Hi all, and welcome!
I am the Clinical Care Manager here. I am a trained Social Worker with my Bachelor's in Social Work from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR) and have completed almost all requirements for my Master's in Social Work at Loyola University Chicago (LUC). In my education at LUC, I specialized in Clinical Mental Health and focused my studying and internship on clinical therapy. I have worked clinically with a wide range of folks within the community at community mental health organizations, the VA medical system, and medical case management with HIV+ folks who primarily identify as LGBTQ+. This background informs how I approach situations and assist folk in meeting them where they are. I find that incorporating a holistic approach is essential in making sure all your needs are addressed and met, as there is so much intersectionality in our worlds.
I enjoy and am interested in working with women's mental health, mood disorders, transitions, grief and loss, boundary setting, religion/spirituality, family of origin work, and identity exploration. I hope to greet all with warmth, kindness, and empathy. I look forward to getting to know you better, helping you find a therapist that will be the best match for your needs, and assisting you in navigating insurance questions.
Our Offices




Loop Office
Lawrence Office
Office Locations:
Loop Office:
155 N. Michigan Ave, Ste 707
Chicago, IL 60601
(location accessibility information)
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Lawrence Office:
2218 W. Lawrence
Chicago, IL 60625
Fax:
(312) 610-5703