About Us

I am a passionate mental health counselor who is dedicated to empowering people in facilitating their healing. I strive to help people find their voice, draw from their strengths, develop effective coping skills, prioritize self-care, strengthen support systems, and create a more balanced life. My goal is to understand client concerns from their worldview to build a strong alliance. I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach; what helps one person meet their goals might not work for another.  

I believe that many factors contribute to a person’s wellness, which is why I take a holistic approach—considering psychological, sociocultural, and biological influences in the therapeutic process.  

Clinical Approaches: 

CBT-informed, Strengths-based approach, Attachment lens, Trauma-informed  

Interested working with: 

• Anger and stress management 
• Grief & loss 
• Self-esteem  
• Anxiety 
• Depression 
• Interpersonal Concerns 
• Trauma 
• Attachment  
• Emotional regulation 
• Individual counseling 

I have always been passionate about finding ways to support others in this ever-changing journey we call life. My goal is to cultivate a collaborative environment that recognizes your strengths and experiences. My approach is inspired by trauma focused cognitive behavior therapy. I believe that by channeling our strengths we can empower ourselves to create a life that we envision living despite the obstacles that may get in the way of that. Although I believe in an action oriented approach I also value individual differences which is why I want to meet you where you are and collaboratively set the pace for where you want to go.

My cultural background allows me to incorporate sensitivity and its importance in the role it plays in our life. I will intentionally work to incorporate your culture and see your world from with a nonjudgemental attitude. My aim is to create a safe and genuine environment where you feel heard and cared for.

Clinical Approaches:

• Culturally Responsive Cognitive Behavior Therapy,
• Client-Centered Therapy,
• Strength-basedapproach
• Mindfulness Therapy

Languages Spoken:

English, Hindi, Gujurati, Spanish

Tondalaya is a dedicated Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) with over 12 years of experience in the mental health and addiction recovery fields. She earned her master’s degree in social work from Capella University and has since devoted her career to helping individuals and families navigate the complexities of mental health and substance use disorders.

Therapeutic Approach:
Tondalaya employs a holistic and client-centered approach in her practice, focusing on building a strong therapeutic alliance with her clients. She utilizes evidence-based methods, including Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), to empower clients in their recovery journey. Tondalaya believes in the importance of addressing both mental health and substance use issues concurrently to promote lasting change.

Interested working with:

• Substance use disorder treatment and recovery
• Dual diagnosis (co-occurring mental health and substance use issues)
• Individual and group therapy
• Family therapy and support
• Relapse prevention and coping strategies
• Individual therapy
• PTSD and trauma recovery
• Stress management and coping skills
• Anxiety

Professional Experience:
Tondalaya has worked in a variety of settings, including inpatient rehabilitation centers, outpatient programs, Cook County jail, Cook County Criminal Court and community mental health organizations. Her diverse experiences have equipped her with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by individuals struggling with addiction and mental health issues, allowing her to provide tailored support and resources.

Personal Philosophy:
Tondalaya is passionate about fostering resilience and hope in her clients. She believes that recovery is a journey that requires compassion, understanding, and empowerment. Outside of her clinical work, Tondalaya enjoys traveling, outside festivals and spending time making memories with her family.

People come to counseling for many different reasons, and I see my role as meeting you where you are to support you to reach your goals. I am your partner on your counseling journey, offering insights and points to consider, while respecting that you are the expert of your life. I understand that talking with someone about challenges can be difficult so providing you with a safe, non judgmental space to heal, explore, and grow is very important to me.

I have spent over 15 years working with adults, children, adolescents, families, couples, and groups as their counselor and coach. My professional journey has allowed me to provide services in a range of settings including private practice, community programs, home services, residential treatment facilities, and through employee assistance programs. I understand that everyone’s needs are different and therefore utilize an eclectic therapeutic approach working from Adlerian, Gestalt, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Client Centered, Jungian, and Solution Focused among others.

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the state of Illinois, and a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) in the United States. I hold my Master’s Degree in Counseling and Organizational Psychology (MAO) from the Adler School of Professional Psychology.

You have taken a wonderful first step in looking for support. Whatever brought you here, you can overcome.

I am a psychotherapist in Illinois with 20 years of experience. I specialize in delivering direct and personalized treatment to my patients. I enjoy providing emotional/ psychological support to patients so they can live the best way possible. I believe that, at times, individuals require support from someone outside their family environment to navigate the challenges they face. As a therapist I can provide that essential assistance, helping people recognize and understand the root causes of the conflicts in their lives.

I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Fully bilingual/bi-cultural English/Spanish.

Soy una psicoterapeuta en Illinois con 20 años de experiencia. Me especializo en brindar un trato directo y personalizado a mis pacientes. Disfruto brindando apoyo emocional y psicológico a mis pacientes para que puedan vivir de la mejor manera posible. Creo que, a veces, las personas necesitan el apoyo de alguien externo a su entorno familiar para superar los desafíos que enfrentan. Como terapeuta yo puedo brindar esa asistencia esencial, ayudando a las personas a reconocer y comprender las causas profundas de los conflictos en sus vidas.

Trabajo con mis clientes para crear un entorno abierto y seguro donde puedan compartir sus pensamientos y sentimientos sin temor a ser juzgados. Dar el primer paso hacia una vida más plena y feliz requiere valentía. Estoy aquí para apoyarte en ese proceso.

Born in Karachi, Pakistan, and raised in Chicago since 1998, I bring a unique perspective shaped by my experiences as an immigrant now calling Chicago home. I find joy in caring for my thirty-six plants and spending time with my large, loving family, which includes six siblings.

As a counseling intern, I focus on supporting minorities and underserved communities through culturally sensitive care and emphasizing the importance of healthy relationships. My approach is grounded in a systems perspective, recognizing the significant influence of family and culture on mental health. I strive to create a warm, collaborative environment where you feel understood and supported as you work to develop the life and relationships you desire for yourself and your family.

My research concentrates on the often-overlooked experiences of divorced Muslim women in the Chicagoland region. By highlighting their stories, I aim to challenge stigmas associated with divorce, empower Muslim women, and provide South Asian families with strategies for fostering healthier and safer relationships.

I believe that strengthening families and empowering individuals to promote healthy relationships can prevent harmful cycles and foster protective, nurturing environments for children and communities. My goal is to support you, respect your cultural identity and experiences, and help you face life’s challenges with resilience and hope.

I am a clinical mental health counseling intern who believes deeply in the power of connection, empathy, and authenticity in the healing process. I understand that reaching out for support can feel overwhelming or even a little scary. Whether this is your first time in counseling or you’ve been here before, taking that first step takes courage. My approach is rooted in person-centered therapy, and I strive to meet everyone exactly where they are with compassion, respect, and without judgement. I honor the unique experiences that shape who you are and view our work together as a collaborative journey. My goal is to create a safe and supportive space where you feel heard, valued, and empowered to move toward healing and personal growth at your own pace.

Hola! My name is Sonia and I am a bilingual trauma therapist, fluent in both Spanish and in English. I am culturally sensitive and have had history in the lower economic side of the spectrum. Because of this, I try to reach those that feel misunderstood like I once did. No need to change your language or terminology. Just say what you have to say.Let’s work today for a better tomorrow.

I bring in over a decade of Case Management experience with clients and way longer of finding resources. I have experience working in various environments including hospitals, community, substance use treatment, Non-for Profit organizations and private practice settings. My mission is to support the clients by processing their thoughts, feelings and behaviors in a healthy way by using a holistic approach on how to become survivors and resilient. I have a passion for working with marginalized populations.

I am Licensed through the Illinois Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), Certified Trauma Treatment Professional (CTTP) and a Certified Autism Informed Professional (ASDI). I am dedicated to the treatment of children, adolescents, adults, and families suffering from trauma. I am a fully trained EMDRIA-approved EMDR therapist who began using the therapeutic framework in early 2022. I graduated from Dominican University in 2017 with a Master’s in Social work with a concentration in Military Social Work in honor of all the service women and men that fought for our country including my two brave brothers. In 2022, I became certified not only to work with survivors of domestic violence but also with the perpetrators. I’m also joining forces with those who are attempting to end that vicious cycle of violence.

In August 2022, I became certified to work with the youth by becoming a mental health first aid worker. I graduated with my (2nd) associate degree in Trauma Prevention and Intervention. This is in honor of all affected by the pandemic of 2020 including myself. I, like millions, know the feeling of loss and grief of a loved one taken from us but I am here to support you by processing in a healthy way by using a holistic approach on how to become or reinforce your resilience.

Hello! My name is Gabriela Chavez, and I am a family and couples counseling intern. I am passionate about helping individuals, couples, and families navigate challenges related to connection, communication, and healing. My approach is rooted in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), which allows me to support clients in exploring patterns of attachment, rebuilding trust, and fostering secure emotional bonds.

As a bilingual therapist (Spanish/English), I am committed to providing culturally responsive care and creating a welcoming, nonjudgmental space for clients from all backgrounds. My areas of interest include relationship issues, attachment dynamics, trauma, and family conflict. I strive to walk alongside clients in their healing journey with empathy, authenticity, and collaboration.

I’m Sami Salmi (she/her), an LSW and therapist committed to providing affirming, person-centered care rooted in compassion, collaboration, and curiosity. I specialize in supporting clients through anxiety, depression, trauma, identity exploration, life transitions, relationship challenges, and experiences related to gender, sexuality, and body image. As a fat, queer clinician, I bring an anti-oppressive, feminist, and LGBTQIA+ affirming lens to my work, creating a space where clients can show up as their whole selves without judgment.

My approach is grounded in warmth, authenticity, and meeting clients exactly where they are. I draw from modalities such as CBT, DBT-informed skills, mindfulness, narrative therapy, and strengths-based practice, always tailored to each person’s unique needs. I believe healing happens in relationships, and I strive to build therapeutic connections that feel safe, collaborative, and empowering.

Before becoming a therapist, I spent years in theatre as a director and stage manager, work that strengthened my creativity, intuition, and ability to hold space for complex stories. My background in disability support and community-based work also shapes the way I understand care, dignity, and resilience.

Outside the therapy room, you can usually find me reading, needlepointing, or spending time in Chicago’s theatre and arts communities.

I am a bilingual (Spanish/English) therapist and social worker. My practices are rooted in decolonial, anti-oppressive, and trauma informed frameworks. I understand that healing is shaped by our identities, histories, and the systems we navigate. Because of this my work centers empowerment, cultural humility, and clients’ own lived wisdom.

My experiences serving the Latino and immigrant communities, children, youth, and families through nonprofit roles in Waukegan help me bring a deep understanding of community needs, cultural nuance, and the impact of intergenerational experiences on well-being. My approach is relational and collaborative, honoring the resilience and complexities that clients carry.

I integrate traditional talk therapy with holistic and non traditional modalities such as somatic practices, art and music expression, grounding rituals, mindfulness, and nature based connection. I believe healing happens through mind, body, and spirit and that clients deserve therapeutic options that align with their cultural, emotional, and intuitive ways of knowing.

I am especially supportive of individuals navigating trauma, identity exploration, burnout, cultural disconnection and experiences of marginalization. I strive to create a warm affirming space where clients can show up authentically, feel deeply seen, and move towards healing.

When I’m not working you can find me cuddling and playing with my dog Nyla, reading and learning, creating art and stories, doing yoga, or cooking. These practices help me stay connected and balanced to ensure I can be present with my clients.

I play a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth operation of our mental health practice. With a focus on creating a supportive and organized environment, I oversee administrative functions, manage scheduling and billing, as well as coordinating communication between our dedicated staff and clients. My passion for mental health drives me to provide a welcoming atmosphere where individuals feel valued and understood. I’m committed to ensuring that both clients and therapists have the resources they need to thrive. Through collaboration and attention to detail, I strive to contribute to the overall mission of promoting mental wellness in our community.