Hi, I’m Celia.

Sharing stories creates healing.

My first love was and always has been stories, not just stories. I enjoy real stories – those hidden, private stories that humans don’t always show to the rest of the world.

In sharing my story, I finally knew my true calling was to help others share their stories.

Don’t worry: I’ll never ask you to go to a place I haven’t been willing to go myself.

What is it like to work with you?

I am passionate and sometimes a little intense! Ha!

Seeking the best path to help my clients feel safe and seen is essential to our work together. I am dedicated to making sure that every person who meets with me leaves feeling a little bit better.

I believe you don’t choose this profession; this profession chooses you. In each session, I bring my whole self to my work. I don’t think that anyone can “fail” in therapy.

I think that, sometimes, the best and hardest thing a person can do is show up.

What will we do in therapy?

Together, we will embrace the unknown and trust one another enough to venture deep into the beauty of the “rupture.”

We will focus on what you want to focus on, and our therapy will be primarily driven by what you want to achieve, heal, or explore. Sometimes, clients don’t even know what that is, which is okay. We don’t always have to know.

To venture into therapy is, in and of itself, an act of immeasurable courage. I validate each client for even choosing to enter this terrain, which can be painful and scary for many.

Although therapy may dredge many painful things, it will also unearth many beautiful things about oneself. There will also be lots of space to laugh and have fun. As we embark on this journey together, remember you will never be alone.

What is your professional experience?

In clinical terms, I have training in evidence-based, trauma-informed care. In lay terms, I deeply understand what it means to have “endured more than most” people who have endured more pain, suffering, and fear than the average. And I know how to show up in a way that supports recovering from this suffering.

My undergraduate degree is in English Literature and Psychology from Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts. Before entering my career as a psychotherapist and social worker, I worked in the publishing and entertainment industry in New York City – an experience that was rich, dynamic, and deeply impactful in that it led me to my ultimate calling in psychotherapy and social work.

My master’s in social work is from The University of Chicago’s Crown School of Social Work, and I had an internship at The University of Chicago Medical Center. While there, I worked with people who were victims of any violent crime – many of whom were victims of gun violence and people of color.

As a white woman, these experiences deeply impacted my clinical and systemic view of the world. They made me understand the true meaning of “cultural humility,” a term that, in my opinion, means that I am constantly learning and engaging in self-introspective – specifically around my position in this world. I am committed to providing culturally responsive, gender-affirming, and anti-oppressive, accessible mental health care to my clients.

What makes you good at what you do?

My philosophy regarding therapy does not revolve around the traditional narrative of the therapist “helping” the client. It revolves around the therapist’s ability to create a safe, non-judgmental, welcoming environment.

Successful therapy is like gardening: You must provide the best-growing conditions with good soft soil, warming sunlight, and consistent water. Whether you are new to therapy or a long-time participant, let’s imagine that we are just two people planting seeds together and watching them grow.

What do you do for fun?

If you’ve read this far, I bet you can guess what I do for fun. When I’m not working, I’m either applying for another fellowship or seminar or reading another book about psychotherapy or social work. I am very involved in the recovery community in Chicago, where I dedicate time to mutual aid and community activism.

When not traveling the world with my husband, I constantly watch films (especially foreign ones!) with my loved ones. I am also a great lover of fiction and a writer.

When not reading, writing, or traveling, I spend considerable time cuddling with my cat, Winston, who also aspires to be a therapy cat, though I am sure he would say that he is already!

Let’s talk!

Reach out, and we can get to know each other during your free consultation: (847) 447-0712.