Therapist

I am a Mental Health Counselor - LP. I graduated from Chicago's Adler University with a Master's of Art in Counseling: Art Therapy. My therapeutic approach is tailored to each person's needs and strengths, as I have experience working with a diverse group of clients and families, and believe no two clients or families are the same. I assist clients in processing mental health needs (anxiety, depression, personality disorders, substance use, trauma, crisis, etc.) as well as everyday concerns (school or work, relationships, communication skills, life transitions, self-care, and overall self-esteem). 

My approach empowers individuals to take an active role within their treatment and be the expert in their own process. I provide support through discussion-based counseling, and am here to guide you through your journey by utilizing various exercises, skills, and coping techniques. Additionally, if conversation seems intimidating or difficult, I am trained to integrate creative arts therapies in session to offer a safe environment where clients can express themselves freely without judgement. 

My goal is to allow clients and their families to utilize our sessions to comfortably communicate and process their needs, and further develop skills that reinforce their continued growth outside of therapy.

My name is Chris and I am a Mental Health Counselor-LP. I graduated from John Jay College of Criminal Justice where I received my Master’s in Forensic Mental Health Counseling. I specialized in trauma and counseling survivors of traumatic experiences. I have experience treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, mood disorders, personality disorders and schizophrenia. I have provided counseling for people from all walks of life. I practice with cultural humility meaning I aim to fully understand all the facets of one’s identity and how they interact with the world around them. All clients may have their own stories but they all work towards a similar goal: to lead a happier and healthier life. We work together to get to that point. I trained using the cognitive-behavioral approach to therapy but have incorporated elements of other approaches in order to have a more comprehensive therapeutic style. This style allows me to use a wide array of techniques to better tailor therapy sessions towards an individual client’s needs. Together we will build the skills necessary to navigate life in a fulfilling and healthy way.

The level of empathy, compassion, and care that I place into each therapeutic relationship has proven to build trust, safety and rapport with all of my clients. I utilize person-centered care in which I am able to work closely with clients in order to individualize and adapt care based on their specific and unique symptoms, needs, personalities and goals. Additionally, I utilize multicultural competency skills in order to take one’s culture, spirituality, sexual orientation, and gender into deep consideration in order to cater to specific needs and understand the client thoroughly.

My therapeutic style is integrative and involves adapting different interventions and techniques based on the unique issues and symptoms that are presented by the client. My educational background stems from a psychodynamic and relational theoretical approach, placing importance on exploring the client’s past (early childhood and adolescence, family relationships) in order to deeply understand current thought processes, behaviors and relationships. My goals include working towards enhancing the client’s intrapersonal and interpersonal growth in order to allow them to develop an understanding of their life experiences and appreciation for their self-identity, as well as providing support and aiding them in the development of important skills to manage their emotions and persevere through life’s difficulties.