Welcome!

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 

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

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 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

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

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

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

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.

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. I have experience working with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, relationship problems, work-life balance concerns, familial troubles, grief and loss, life transitions and trauma.

In addition, I'm particularly passionate about working with college students and emerging adults. This time of life can be fraught with anxiety related to academic performance and career choices. You may be navigating the complexities of increased responsibilities and independence, new social and romantic relationships, and the impact of social media in terms of peer comparison. You might also be feeling a tremendous amount of pressure, stress, and uncertainty about what the future might hold for you. All of these various factors can make this life stage feel quite unpredictable and isolating, which is why I believe therapy is so important during this time. My goal is to help you gain useful tools and skills to not only help you navigate this life stage, but also to carry with you in the future.

I earned my M.A. in Counseling from Northwestern University and my B.A. in Psychology and Communications from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. I have previously worked in various community mental health and private practice settings.

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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

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 

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

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

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