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Ayesha Afridi
(she/her )
I focus on developing a strong therapeutic bond with my clients, as it is the foundation of healing and growth. With over 10 years of experience , I’ve worked with adults, adolescents and substance abuse clients. I believe all difficult roads lead to beautiful places if you have the right mindset. I worked as a crisis counselor for 4 years in the emergency department at Edwards Hospital in Naperville. I have worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings, providing individual, group, and family therapy to clients with acute mental illnesses and substance dependence. My experience includes treating depression, anxiety, ADHD, childhood trauma, religious/cultural trauma, chronic stress, adjustment disorders, mood disorders, substance abuse and other life transition problems. I combine different treatment approaches to develop an effective treatment plan for my clients which is uniquely tailored to their needs. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness, Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing (MI) , and Person Centered Approaches. My role as your therapist is to assist you with your challenges, mental health needs and to assist you in reaching your full potential/desired goals. As your therapist, I am honored to be a part of your healing journey.
I focus on developing a strong therapeutic bond with my clients, as it is the foundation of heali... Read More
Nia Barrow
I strive to create a supportive and nonjudgmental space where clients feel safe to explore their emotions, experiences, and identity at their own pace in a way that feels authentic to them. Many individuals experience periods of emotional overwhelm or feel stuck in patterns of thought that can be difficult to navigate alone. I aim to meet clients where they are in the moment, whether that involves slowing down, reflection, and space for processing thoughts and emotions, or support with communication and self-expression. My goal is to offer a flexible and collaborative space where clients feel understood, less alone, and empowered to gain insight into themselves as they work toward their therapeutic goals.
“I am built upon the small things I do every day, and the end results are no more than a byproduct of that.” – Kita Shinsuke, Haikyuu
This quote is a personal reminder I carry into my clinical work, and it reflects my belief that meaningful change is often built through small, intentional moments over time.
I strive to create a supportive and nonjudgmental space where clients feel safe to explore their ... Read More
Montiana Bew
Do your thoughts ever feel too loud? Maybe you find yourself overthinking, struggling with anxiety or depression, questioning your purpose, feeling stuck in negative thought patterns, or wondering why you react the way you do. Perhaps you’re exhausted from people-pleasing, have difficulty setting boundaries, or feel disconnected from your own needs and voice.
As a first-generation Black American therapist, I understand how cultural, family, and systemic experiences can shape our relationships, identity, and mental health. I provide a warm, nonjudgmental space where clients can explore their experiences, gain insight into their patterns, and reconnect with their sense of agency.
My approach combines CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and relational therapy to help clients navigate anxiety, depression, existential concerns, self-esteem challenges, emotional overwhelm, relationship difficulties, and life transitions. Together, we’ll work to challenge unhelpful thought patterns, develop healthier boundaries, strengthen self-trust, and create a life that feels more aligned with your values.
I believe healing begins when we stop judging our experiences and start understanding them. My goal is to help you quiet the noise, discover your strengths, and feel empowered to move forward with greater clarity, confidence, and authenticity.
Do your thoughts ever feel too loud? Maybe you find yourself overthinking, struggling with anxiet... Read More
Lupe Blanco LCSW, CADC, CODP I
Many of the clients I work with feel like they have been carrying a lot on their own for a long time. They may be navigating anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, or major life transitions while also feeling pressure to always be the “strong one.” Over time, these experiences can lead to feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck in patterns that are difficult to break.
As a bilingual Latina therapist, I strive to create a space where clients feel safe, understood, and supported in exploring these experiences. As a first-generation Latina, I understand how cultural expectations, family dynamics, and past experiences can shape the way we see ourselves and relate to others. In my work, I focus on helping clients better understand the patterns they feel stuck in and the experiences that shaped them. Together, we work to process difficult experiences, strengthen emotional awareness, and develop healthier ways of coping and relating to others.
I work with adolescents and adults facing challenges related to trauma, relationships, identity, and substance use. My background includes experience in community mental health, hospital-based care, and outpatient settings, where I have supported individuals with a wide range of needs—from life transitions to more complex mental health and substance use concerns.
Using evidence-based approaches such as EMDR, CBT, DBT, and trauma-informed therapy, I tailor treatment to each client’s unique needs and goals.
Therapy is a collaborative process, and finding the right fit is important. My goal is for clients to leave sessions with greater clarity, practical tools, and a deeper understanding of themselves—so they can feel more grounded, confident, and no longer carry everything on their own.
Many of the clients I work with feel like they have been carrying a lot on their own for a long t... Read More
Jenny Gonzalez
Jenny believes that every individual deserves a therapeutic environment where they feel safe, heard, validated, and empowered to grow. She is committed to making a positive impact not only in the lives of her clients but also within their families and communities. As a proud member of the Latinx community, Jenny is deeply passionate about addressing and reducing the cultural stigma surrounding mental health, while fostering an inclusive and supportive space for healing. Jenny utilizes a range of evidence-based therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Reality Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, and Mindfulness. She adapts these approaches to meet the unique needs and goals of each client, emphasizing collaboration, respect, and cultural sensitivity throughout the therapeutic process. Jenny works with adolescents, teens, and adults, supporting clients through challenges related to anxiety, depression, self-esteem, anger, and communication. She is dedicated to partnering with you on your therapeutic journey, helping you take meaningful steps toward enhanced well-being, self-understanding, and personal growth.
Jenny believes that every individual deserves a therapeutic environment where they feel safe, hea... Read More
Raman Kaur
As a South Asian woman and a graduate of NYU’s School of Social Work, I’ve built my career around one core belief: people deserve to feel seen, heard, and supported exactly as they are. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and over the years I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside individuals through some of their most vulnerable and meaningful moments across behavioral health, school settings, medical environments, and private practice. Working with clients from early childhood through older adulthood has deepened my understanding of how unique each person’s story is, and how powerful it can be to feel truly understood.
My path into therapy is deeply personal. I was drawn to this field through my own experiences of witnessing how transformative it can be when someone offers genuine empathy, patience, and nonjudgmental support. That experience stayed with me and continues to guide the way I show up for my clients today. I strive to create a space that feels safe enough for honesty, gentle enough for healing, and steady enough for growth.
As someone who comes from a South Asian background, cultural identity is not just something I acknowledge in my work—it is something I carry with me into every session. It strengthens my commitment to providing culturally responsive care and to honoring the many ways culture, family, and identity shape how we experience mental health and healing. I want every client to feel that their background is not something to explain away, but something that is respected and valued in the therapeutic space.
I am especially passionate about supporting children and adolescents who are struggling internally while feeling unseen or misunderstood externally. I understand how isolating it can be when young people don’t have the words—or the space—to express what they’re going through. My goal is to help bridge that gap by offering a space where they feel safe enough to open up, supported enough to explore their emotions, and accepted enough to begin building confidence in who they are becoming. Through patience, connection, and consistency, I aim to help them develop a stronger sense of self and the tools they need to navigate their world with more ease and self-trust.
As a South Asian woman and a graduate of NYU’s School of Social Work, I’ve built my career around... Read More
Gabriela Kuderski
I approach therapy with warmth, curiosity, and deep respect for your lived experience. I believe meaningful healing happens in spaces where clients feel emotionally safe, genuinely seen, and free from judgment. In our work together, I aim to create a collaborative and supportive relationship where you can better understand yourself with compassion rather than with judgement.
I work from a relational, trauma informed, and culturally-informed lens, with a strong commitment to anti-oppressive care. As a bilingual Polish American woman, I hold awareness of how culture, family systems, immigration experiences, and intergenerational patterns can shape identity, relationships, and emotional wellbeing. I strive to honor the many contexts that have influenced your story and to support you in exploring all parts of yourself with openness and care.
I work with adults navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, identity exploration, relationship challenges, emotional overwhelm, and life transitions. In our sessions, we may process painful or confusing experiences, build emotional resiliency, reconnect with your values and sense of identity, and develop coping strategies that feel sustainable and aligned with your life.
My therapeutic approach integrates evidence based modalities including CBT, DBT, ACT, Narrative Therapy, and trauma-informed care, always tailored to your individual needs and goals. I draw on experiences across outpatient (IOP/PHP), inpatient, residential, community mental health, and foster care settings, supporting adolescents, adults, families, and couples across a wide range of concerns.
Ultimately, my goal is to support you in feeling more grounded, more connected to yourself, and less alone in what you are carrying. Together, we can explore your internal world with care and begin to map it in a way that feels clearer, more compassionate, and more workable for your life while also building your capacity to experience and move through difficult emotions with greater steadiness and self trust.
I approach therapy with warmth, curiosity, and deep respect for your lived experience. I believe ... Read More
Melissa Lopez
(She/Her/Hers)
Sometimes life’s ups and downs can make clients feel stuck, unsure on the who, what, when, and where to begin. Major life transitions or even the day to day responsibilities of caregiving, single or coupled parenting, or the weight of juggling multiple roles at once may feel too heavy to manage alone. A sense of isolation during these times can have a lasting impact on relationships, community building, self image, and identity.
I utilize a direct and empathetic approach to address the client’s needs for support, to reach their individual goals in therapy. My approach is affirmative and mindful of every client’s unique cultural identity.
I strive to create a safe and inclusive space where clients can feel heard, understood, and respected. I value a therapeutic relationship that is built on trust, through honest and direct communication. I explore patterns with clients and supply them with the tools they need, so that they may work toward a fulfilling life. Together we can identify solutions and work through life’s many challenges, one step at a time.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and earned my Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Clinical Counseling from Capella University. For the past four years I have worked with incarcerated transgender women and cisgender men, teens and adults in residential treatment, as well as older adults in inpatient psychiatric hospitalization. I have extensive experience providing crisis intervention and supporting individuals with serious mental illnesses. In addition to my clinical work, I have also volunteered as a court appointed special advocate, and guardian ad litem for children in foster care.
Sometimes life’s ups and downs can make clients feel stuck, unsure on the who, what, when, and wh... Read More
Ashley Okooboh-Stewart
(She/Her/Hers)
Ashley understands that treatment is different for everyone and recognizes how important it is to identify all aspects of an individual’s life that impact their overall well-being. Ashley establishes rapport by creating a safe, non-judgmental space for clients to share their thoughts and work towards meeting identified goals. Ashley’s approach to therapy is warm, direct, and solution focused. She offers transparency, encouragement, education, creativity and humor in each session. Ashley enjoys collaborating with individuals, couples, and families in navigating through various life challenges. Ashley supports clients with focusing on current issues through self-discovery, relationship exploration, and the implementation of appropriate skills and tools. She also utilizes client strengths as a way to empower clients in making positive changes in their life.
Ashley is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and a DePaul University Graduate with a Degree in Community Counseling. For over a decade, Ashley has worked with diverse populations, addressing a wide range of behavioral, educational, financial and social issues. Ashley’s extensive background in counseling has equipped her with a solid foundation in evidence-based interventions, trauma informed practices, treatment planning, and goal setting. All of which have effectively supported clients in their journey towards holistic healing and growth.
Types of Clients: Ages 17+, Individuals and Couples
Types of Therapy: CBT, DBT, ACT, Gottman Therapy, Strengths Based Approach, Client Centered, Holistic Approach.
Issues: Anxiety, Depression, Adjustment Disorders, Grief and Loss, Emotional Regulation, Conflict Resolution.
Specialties: Low Self- Esteem/Confidence Issues, Communication Issues, Racial/Social Issues, Failure to Launch, Managing Life Stressors, Pregnancy, Perinatal and Postpartum Issues, Parenting/Co-Parenting Issues, Relationship Conflicts (including parental relationships), breakups/end of relationships.
Fun Facts: I am a huge Michael Jackson fan, I enjoy cooking and trying new restaurants.
Ashley understands that treatment is different for everyone and recognizes how important it is to... Read More
Kevin Pohlmann
Many people navigating major life transitions or individuals trying to manage everyday stressors feel stuck in survival mode. They may be struggling with trauma, addiction, disordered eating, anxiety, or depression, which can lead to overwhelming emotions. It may feel like the walls are closing in on them and they have lost control of their life. These patterns often develop into ways to cope, but over time can have negative impacts and can leave people feeling disconnected, isolated, and uncertain about how to move forward. Stepping outside of your comfort zone by seeking help is difficult but necessary to overcome the hurdles one might be facing.
I strive to work collaboratively with clients through their struggles by meeting them where they are at. There is no one size that fits all, and I value putting an emphasis on each client’s circumstances. This involves personalizing their care to meet their individual needs. I believe individuals want to take charge of their life and health but do not always know where to begin. I provide a space where clients can safely explore what’s keeping them stuck and begin to move toward change. I draw from approaches like CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, mindfulness, and harm reduction to help people gain insight, regulate emotions, and take meaningful steps outside of their comfort zone—at a pace that honors both safety and growth. I utilize the approach that will best fit each client, and believe nature is one of human’s best medicines and strive to promote it as a way for individuals to find healing. My clinical work focuses on individuals struggling with addiction, disordered eating, and navigating major life transitions, including veterans struggling to transition to civilian life.
Clients learn to understand themselves more deeply, reduce shame, and feel empowered to make lasting changes in how they relate to themselves, others, and the world. Whether someone is recovering from addiction, disordered eating, adjusting to major life transitions, or simply seeking a fuller sense of self, I help them move from just getting by to fully engaging with life. When clients feel empowered to step outside of their comfort zone, they can take steps to regain control of their life again. Making changes is hard for anyone, but with my approach clients will learn to become comfortable doing the uncomfortable work that leads to growth in their life.
Many people navigating major life transitions or individuals trying to manage everyday stressors ... Read More
Lizbeth Rios
English
I provide trauma-informed therapy to children ages 6 and older, adolescents, and adults navigating anxiety, depression, and the effects of trauma. I have experience supporting individuals who have experienced domestic violence, sexual violence, and childhood trauma, and I approach this work with compassion, cultural humility, and respect for each client’s lived experience. My approach is integrative and client-centered, combining evidence-based treatment modalities to develop individualized treatment plans that honor each client’s unique needs and values. I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and Play Therapy to support healing, strengthen coping skills, and nurture emotional resilience. I also offer therapy services in Spanish to support clients in the language in which they feel most comfortable. I am committed to creating a safe and supportive space where clients feel heard, respected, and cared for as they navigate their healing journey at their own pace. I feel honored to walk alongside each client, supporting them in building resilience, finding balance, and reconnecting with their strengths.
Spanish
Ofrezco terapia informada en trauma a niños a partir de los 6 años, adolescentes y adultos que están navegando ansiedad, depresión y los efectos del trauma. Tengo experiencia apoyando a personas que han vivido por violencia doméstica, violencia sexual y traumas en la infancia, y abordo este trabajo con compasión, humildad cultural y respeto por la experiencia única de cada persona. Mi enfoque está centrado en el cliente, combinando modalidades de tratamiento basadas en evidencia para desarrollar planes individualizados que honren las necesidades y valores de cada cliente. Utilizó Terapia Cognitivo-Conductual (TCC), Atención Plena, Terapia de Aceptación y Compromiso (ACT), Terapia Breve Centrada en Soluciones y Terapia de Juego para apoyar la sanación, fortalecer habilidades de afrontamiento y fomentar la resiliencia emocional. También ofrezco servicios de terapia en español para apoyar a los clientes en el idioma en el que se sientan más cómodos. Me comprometo a crear un espacio seguro y de apoyo donde los clientes se sientan escuchados, respetados y cuidados mientras navegan su proceso de sanación a su propio ritmo. Me siento honrada de acompañar a cada cliente, apoyándolos en el desarrollo de resiliencia, encontrando equilibrio y reconectando con sus fortalezas.
English I provide trauma-informed therapy to children ages 6 and older, adolescents, and adults ... Read More
Olivia Robison
Navigating through childhood and adolescence often brings forth a set of challenges, whether that’s cognitive and developmental delays, academic struggles, social and relational issues, or emotional and behavioral issues. These struggles are often magnified to the child or teenager, and they can find it difficult to find ways to push through hardships. I believe in integrating evidence-based techniques, while simultaneously fostering connection and trust to enable my clients to tackle life’s issues at its core and develop attainable life adjustments.
I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution-focused Therapy, Reality Therapy, and Mindfulness. I offer one-on-one therapy with children and adolescents up to age 17. My therapeutic approach is integrative, utilizing both an evidence-based framework for collaboratively identifying the specific thoughts and behaviors causing distress, while also upholding humanistic values to offer a non-judgmental, empathetic space.
I have been studying psychology for the past 5 years, I earned both my minor in criminal justice and Bachelors in Psychology with a specialization in forensic psychology from Governors State University. I am currently halfway finished with my Masters degree at Lewis University, where I specialize in counseling for children and adolescents. This summer I obtained my Registered Behavioral Technician certification, which enabled me to provide Applied Behavioral Analysis therapy to children both one-on-one and in a simulated school setting. In addition to my clinical experience, I volunteered for 2 years at a therapeutic horse facility where I assisted administering care to children with special needs. I also have been serving in a special needs ministry for children with a range of neurodevelopmental and intellectual disorders.
My extensive experience within the autism community has equipped me with a drive to focus on small, sustainable changes to daily life to lead towards a rise in independence and a reduction in maladaptive behaviors. I believe in a collaborative effort between myself, my clients, and their parents. For children, I will meet with the parents for the first session to develop a sense of what skills/struggles need to be the focus as I provide therapy for the client. For teenagers, I uphold establishing rapport and trust with the client by meeting with them initially during the first session, and then inviting the parents in towards the end to collaborate. As we start working together, their sessions become confidential and part of the trust-building process between the client and myself. If you feel this could be a good fit for your child or teenager, I’d love to offer a consultation to determine how I can best assist their struggles in an area of life.
Navigating through childhood and adolescence often brings forth a set of challenges, whether that... Read More
Savannah Rucker
(She/Her/Hers)
Do you struggle with challenging relationships that affect your sense of self-worth and stability? Do you feel overwhelmed and tired as you try to show up as your best self but continually feeling misunderstood and unfairly judged? Do you question if you would be better off alone or with a different partner? Now more than ever, couples are feeling uncertain about their ability to overcome relational discord. Not addressing challenges in your relationship can lead to separation and deeper feelings of loneliness. We believe with the right support, couples can find ease and emotional intimacy through healing and renewed connection. At Sage House, we offer therapy for individuals & couples. We start with a comprehensive assessment phase. We help you by developing a treatment plan that targets the clear challenges and harnessing the strengths that do already exist to build comfort and desired progress. We offer safe, experiential, and targeted services so you can find emotional balance. Couples therapy is our passion. We guide you to improve your sense of emotional and physical connection and improve communication. Email us now to book a free consultation and we’ll get started in our journey together.
Do you struggle with challenging relationships that affect your sense of self-worth and stability... Read More
Ariana Ruiz
Many of the clients I work with come to therapy wanting to better understand themselves and the changes happening in their lives. This may look like exploring identity and culture, navigating new independence in college, adjusting to shifts in relationships, or feeling unsure of the next step. Often, clients share a lingering sense of not being “good enough,” despite having worked hard and accomplished more than they realize.
I believe therapy is a collaborative and organic process. As your therapist, I strive to create a safe, supportive, and culturally responsive space where you can explore your thoughts and emotions, deepen self-awareness, and make meaning in ways that feel authentic to you. My approach is strength-based, holistic, and informed by DBT, with an emphasis on meeting you where you are.
Together, we focus on recognizing the small wins along the way and taking manageable, meaningful steps forward. Even the smallest step is still progress. I find it deeply rewarding to witness clients develop insight, reconnect with their strengths, and arrive at conclusions that support greater confidence, clarity, and fulfillment.
Clients often leave therapy with a stronger sense of who they are, increased trust in their choices, and tools to navigate change with intention. I welcome the opportunity to support you as you move toward growth, self-understanding, and a more balanced relationship with yourself.
Many of the clients I work with come to therapy wanting to better understand themselves and the c... Read More
Bria Williams-Roby
Healing often starts with a safe space and a good conversation—think of our sessions as a place to catch your breath and connect, much like meeting a friend for coffee or tea. I strive to help quiet the loud, negative external narratives that have shaped your life. My goal is to provide a safe, welcoming space where you feel empowered to take hold of the pen and rewrite your story—one that truly feels like yours.
Working from a person-centered, narrative, trauma-informed, and attachment-based lens, I believe every experience you have navigated—both joyful and challenging—contributes to the resilient person you are today. My passion is rooted in my own life experiences and a clinical background in hospital and school settings, where I’ve supported individuals and families through substance use, depression, anxiety, and more. I also enjoy working with couples, utilizing Gottman and EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy) to create a dedicated space for partners to communicate, heal, and reconnect.
I also am dedicated to creating a supportive space for women’s health. As a doula and therapist, I am passionate about holding space for the profound transition into motherhood—supporting you through the mental and emotional complexities of pregnancy and the postpartum period. Beyond motherhood, I am committed to providing a dedicated space for all women to feel nurtured and seen as they navigate the unique challenges of womanhood at every stage.
As a Black female therapist, I am committed to creating a space rooted in inclusivity and collective healing. I believe that true wellness is built on a foundation of personal autonomy and the courage to challenge the stigmas that often keep us silent. Together, we will honor the many layers of your identity as we work to break through generational and societal pressures. I am here to ensure that your voice is always heard, valued, and respected.
Remember that your story is yours to tell, and I’m just here to help you make sure you’re the one holding the pen.
Healing often starts with a safe space and a good conversation—think of our sessions as a place t... Read More
Vernie Wright
(He/Him/His)
I strive to help couples who feel disconnected, stuck in unhealthy communication patterns, or struggling to rebuild trust and emotional closeness. I support partners in learning how to communicate more effectively, resolve conflict in healthier ways, and strengthen emotional and relational connection.
I am also passionate about supporting men who often feel pressure to suppress emotions, carry responsibilities alone, or struggle with stress, anger, identity, and relationship challenges. I provide a space where men can openly process their experiences without judgment while developing healthier ways to communicate, cope, and show up authentically in their relationships and daily lives.
Additionally, I enjoy working with teens who may feel misunderstood, overwhelmed, or unsure how to express themselves. I help adolescents navigate peer relationships, family dynamics, emotional regulation, self-esteem, and life transitions while building confidence and healthy coping skills.
My approach focuses on creating a safe, relatable, and supportive environment where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered to create meaningful and lasting change.
I strive to help couples who feel disconnected, stuck in unhealthy communication patterns, or str... Read More
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Need Help? 3314526419 savannah@sagehousecounseling.com