Relational Therapists in Illinois

Welcome, my name is Erika! My work focuses on providing culturally responsive, anti-oppressive, and affirming therapeutic services to BIPOC and LGBTQ+ folks experiencing anxiety, depression, generational trauma, immigrant struggles, and race/ethnic identity exploration. I work from a trauma-informed lens that explores childhood experiences, relational attachments, cultural environments, and how the brain/body is developmentally affected through traumatic experiences. I integrate somatic approaches such as EMDR, parts work, DBT, the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT) and mindfulness to address and process trauma.

I am Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and founding partner of Compass Behavioral Health and Wellness, LLC, who is passionate about empowering individuals and families to achieve personal growth, improve emotional regulation and foster positive relationships. I enjoy utilizing my training on attachment and brain development to assist in coping with the effects of trauma, loss, divorce, disrupted attachments, adoption, depression and anxiety. Using a collaborative and relational approach, I strive to help individuals and couples establish and maintain healthy relationships, as well as strengthen their ability to cope with stressful life events

I believe that we all have an inherent need to feel connected, seen, and understood and that is often where the growth, relief, and healing begins. My clinical work is based on a dynamic and relational approach that works collaboratively with clients to gain an understanding of how early experiences underlie behaviors, thoughts, feelings, and explore ways to connect with others. My approach is grounded in a social justice, sex-positive, and anti-oppressive lens, that posits an understanding of how systems of power and privilege manifest in individuals’ lives and impact individuals' ability to heal.

I strive to provide excellent care catered toward an individual's specific needs by leading with a compassionate, flexible, and goal-oriented approach. I have received specialized clinical training in the areas of: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), acceptance & commitment therapy (ACT), relational approaches, and trauma-informed frameworks. Through my work at Northwestern's Family Institute, Eating Recovery Center, and multiple private practice settings, my consistent aim has been to advocate for the well-being of my clients.

I am a Qualified Mental Health Professional with a Master’s Degree in Human Development Counseling and a concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Illinois Springfield. I have provided counseling services in a variety of different settings including community mental health, university, and private practice. I am experienced in working with children, adolescents, and young adults surrounding difficulties with self-esteem, relationships, anxiety, depression, trauma experiences, and ADHD symptoms.

Taylor is a queer, biracial (Japanese/American), psychotherapist. She received graduate clinical training at Northwestern University, Yale University, and the University of Southern California. In the therapy room, she integrates psychodynamic therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, relational, and emotion-focused therapy while exploring both the individual and how the system at large plays into the narratives we carry. Informed by her work as a professional musician for over 25 years, Taylor enjoys working with artists, musicians, actors/actresses, and other folks working in a variety of creative fields.

I provide relational, psychodynamic, LGBTQIA+ affirmative, and culturally-responsive therapy to adults, couples, and teens. I am trained on the impact of trauma on the body and the brain, the connection between thoughts and behaviors, what motivates us to change, the relationship between people and their environment, and grief and loss. As a trauma-informed yoga instructor, I believe that there is a critical connection between the mind and body and assist in the process of helping the two work together in synchronicity toward healing.

Welcome to the Center for Relational Transformation. We are a group of relationship experts who can help you with any relationship issue or any psychological issue that stems from relational difficulties (depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, PTSD, neglect, abuse). Based on what we now know from the latest research in neuroscience, deep healing on a fundamental level is possible. Instead of just treating symptoms, we can cue up and facilitate "corrective emotional experiences" that can profoundly heal past hurt and trauma for both individuals and couples. You don't need to suffer any longer.

I help people learn to forgive themselves for not being 'perfect' through eclectic evidence based modalities while also incorporating psychoeducation and lived experience – learning to give yourself the grace you deserve as well as increasing the ease with which you healthily cope with the stressors of life; To learn to create space for yourself and gain a sense of self acceptance and self actualization. I engage with you conversationally to create movement and change towards a healthy outcome through a relational and supportive approach. You are doing your best to navigate through a contradictory world.

Working from an integrated Solution Focused/Narrative Therapy framework, you can expect that I will adjust my approach to help you wade through and resolve conflicts, emotional paralysis, betrayal and other relational problems, with a newfound sense of agency, hope and courage. While the problems that bring couples in for therapy may seem daunting, perhaps even feeling insurmountable to some, my work builds on the notion that problems are given their greatest opportunity for resolution by cultivating safe, loving, and secure relational attachments.

As we move through our life, we may come across challenges, barriers, or new experiences within our relationships, families, and our communities. Maybe you are feeling stuck, anxious, discouraged, or stressed due to a life transition. Having the therapeutic space to process and explore can bring self-awareness, clarity, and healing. When we have the support in uncovering inner core elements, we can then have a better idea of what next steps we want to take in our life.

Are you experiencing feelings burdening your daily living, are you feeling exhausted with anxiousness, are you occupied by unhelpful thoughts, or do you need a space to feel heard? I am here to honor your courage, your stories, and your willingness to change. I work from a person-centered, cultural relational framework that promotes safety and collaboration. I utilize art therapy and/or Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) in addition to talk therapy. Trust and connection are essential foundations to the therapeutic process, my goal is to facilitate an open space where progress, set backs, and feedbacks are valued and acknowledged.

Dr. Rios works with a broad spectrum of clients and has experiences in working with clients with a range of problems including: depression, anxiety, trauma, school problems, and relationship difficulties. Dr. Rios specializes in individual, couples and family therapy with children, adolescents, and adults of diverse backgrounds. She enjoys learning and understanding the unique elements that all of her clients bring with them in therapy. Dr. Rios values her relationships with her clients and sees the therapy relationship as one of mutual respect and trust.

Do you have a history of trauma or abuse, anxiety or depression? Are you struggling to live out life in your family that you know that God has for you? We strongly believe that God has a "good, pleasing, and perfect will" (Romans 12:2) for your life. We believe that God has called us to "be continually renewed in the spirit of your mind" (Ephesians 4:23), and at Renewing Minds Therapy, we would be honored to walk with you on your journey of freedom, healing, and wholeness from a Christian counseling worldview.

As an individual, whom has also dismantled her own shame concerning past relational patterns; I wish to ensure that the individuals I interact with feel seen in theirs; without judgement. Along with feeling validated when going through the overwhelming process of grief, that accompanies change/growth. My intent is never to tell you your story, but rather help you find your emotional language to express it at your comfort. Rather than being your voice, I wish to help you find yours. Which may look unique for each person, and incorporate other mediums such as art or music; as opposed to just words.

I provide psychotherapy to individuals and couples, specializing in adults and teens. Clients come to me with problems such as anxiety issues, depression, marital stress, relational abuse, job stress and past sexual abuse. I have also worked with men suffering from anger problems. The preferred style is one of a partnership, with agreed upon goals, going at a pace that is comfortable and appropriate for the client. I care about each individual and work toward helping them find the road to wholeness and healing

I have a restorative and relational approach with the clients I serve. I embrace a strengths perspective which encourages self-sufficiency and acknowledges that individuals have the capability to engage in problem-solving work and improve their own functioning. I also recognize the important role of parents and other significant adults in youths' lives and strive to work together in addressing youth behavior and promoting appropriate parent leadership and family capabilities. I have a collaborative, trauma informed lens to treatment, and provide a warm, comforting environment to address difficult yet important issues in your life.

Life can feel overwhelming when you’re going through big transitions, figuring out who you are, and finding your people. You’re ready to look inward, explore how your past is impacting the present, challenge your relational patterns, and connect with your identities and values. I take a collaborative and warm approach in helping you strengthen your connection with yourself and your community. You already have a lot of insights, strengths, and supports – and I’m here to help you bring those forth and integrate them into your day-to-day. You’re ready to go beyond tips to manage symptoms and look deeper to make lasting change.

I view therapy as an opportunity for the exploration of oneself, one's relationships, and one's experiences in the world. I will provide you with an environment dedicated to increasing your understanding of yourself and your situation, and we will work together toward your development of new skills to accomplish your goals.