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Please read the description of the appointments before booking. Please note, that if you are a new client, we start with a 15-minute free consultation. We accept BCBS PPO, Blue Choice PPO, Aetna, and Cigna. If you are not sure whether or not we accept your insurance, please email info@acecounselors.com.
Rahila Waka
(She/Her/Hers)
LPC, MA
Hello there! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois. I believe we all have a story to tell that is rooted in different lived experiences. These stories that we embed into our identities are unique with very distinct needs. Sharing and having your story heard and empathized with can help provide relief and release while creating the space to help understand yourself more effectively. I strive to provide a space that encourages safety and curiosity as well as guides you at your own pace and your own comfort level. The opportunity to be part of your journey would be an honor to me.
APPROACH
My view of therapy is holistic in that I center your values and culture as we work together to break labels and judgments that might prevent you from reaching your best self. I draw from multicultural and person-centered approaches and seek to be cognizant of sociopolitical contexts impacting life. I work to embrace and acknowledge issues related to gender, sexuality, financial circumstances, race, ethnicity, culture, spirituality, intergenerational trauma and so much more. In my work with you, I pay attention to your needs and incorporate mindfulness, interpersonal techniques, self-awareness, stress, and mood management skills. Below are some techniques I incorporate into our sessions:
Hello there! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois. I believe we all have a story to... Read More
Chelsea Cooks MA Intern
Chelsea is a dedicated and compassionate individual passionate about helping those struggling with life transitions and mental health. Chelsea’s areas of clinical interest include identity development, life transitions, anxiety, depression, the autistic spectrum, ADHD, and addictions. With a curious and non-judgmental approach, she creates a welcoming and accessible space where you can freely express yourself. Together, you will process life changes, cultivate new habits, regain balance, and reclaim joy.
Chelsea utilizes Adlerian, CBT, person-centered, solution-focused, and existential concepts to support her clients in reaching their goals. She has developed vital counseling and assessment skills, allowing her to engage with clients and understand their unique needs effectively.
Though her path has placed her in a unique position to explore the BIPOC and marginalized community, Chelsea is committed to working with individuals of all identities. Chelsea’s experience involves work in mentoring programs, empowerment workshops, life transitions, as well as with neurodivergent adolescents. Using warmth and vulnerability, Chelsea’s experience has taught her that healing can take all forms. Which is why she prioritizes creating genuine connections with clients.
Chelsea is a dedicated and compassionate individual passionate about helping those struggling wit... Read More
Fatima Alharhashi
Welcome, and thank you for choosing to begin therapy! Developing a collaborative connection with my client in therapy is my main objective. I believe people start to heal the moment they feel heard. As a clinician, my work centers around compassion, understanding, and respect for my client. I enjoy working with adolescents and young adults. I also hold a School Counselor License (PEL) that also helps me advocate and provide support to students in academics, career and social/emotional. My goal as a therapist is to help each and every client feel comfortable during therapy, develop coping skills, practice healthy self-care and gain insight. Together we can determine your needs and objectives. I’m excited to start this journey with you and help you achieve the best version of yourself!
Welcome, and thank you for choosing to begin therapy! Developing a collaborative connection with ... Read More
Donald Glenn
(He/Him/His)
MA Intern
Don works with clients experiencing depression, anxiety, grief and loss, self-esteem, struggles with life purpose and transitions, career changes, and identity issues. His clients find him to be easy to talk, warm, and engaging. Based on the client’s expressed concerns, strengths and goals Don custom-tailors his approach using various techniques including psychodynamic therapy, CBT, ACT, mindfulness, person-centered therapy, solution-focused and multicultural therapy.
Don is passionate about LGBTQIA+ mental health, trauma, societal oppression, and alternative relationships. Don embraces diversity and finds fulfillment in working with clients of all orientations and gender expressions.
Don is a Master’s candidate in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Northwestern University. He utilizes a holistic, strengths-based approach and strives to create a supportive, warm environment where clients can feel accepted and understood. Don believes that each person is the expert on their own path to wellness and considers it a privilege to accompany his clients on their journey.
Don works with clients experiencing depression, anxiety, grief and loss, self-esteem, struggles w... Read More
Mackenzie Muller
(She/Her/Hers)
MA, LPC, CSTIP
Mackenzie believes that we all have a story to tell, and it’s our responsibility in how we choose to tell that story. Our stories, which are often written by our past experiences, shape how we choose to write the next chapter in our life. She values the counseling relationship between therapist and client and says it is the most important tool of the therapeutic process. Within this, she strives to foster an environment that is both trusting and collaborative. Her clients report they have a space where they are free to express, explore and process what they need to in order to write their next chapters how they truly want to,. Not only does Mackenzie take an empathetic approach her clients appreciate that she pulls from various modalities to ensure their unique needs are being met.
Mackenzie has experience working with individuals struggling with emotional regulation, anxiety, relationship issues, both physical and emotional intimacy, identity and self exploration, relational trauma, and navigating various chapters in life and how that impacts the client. She meets her clients where they are at and works with them in a collaborative yet challenging way. Mackenzie likes to pull from her psychodynamic background, while also combining CBT, ACT, mindfulness, a trauma informed lens, EFT and existential/transpersonal therapies. Mackenzie also is passionate about inclusivity, and holding a space for marginalized identities through a culturally competent lens.
Mackenzie believes that we all have a story to tell, and it’s our responsibility in how we choose... Read More
Brian Hyland
(He/Him/His)
M.ED., LPC
Brian believes therapy is a collaborative, team-based process with the counselor and, you, the client. You are the main character in your life story. Things happen in life that challenge us and there is a true power for being able to process these emotions and experiences with a mental health professional to help you gain new skills and perspectives. Having a space to tackle these difficult life situations can be a life changing experience.
Brian’s first goal when beginning therapy is to create a genuine, warm, honest, open, non-judgemental space where you feel comfortable, validated, seen, and heard. From there, Brian’s purpose is to help you navigate this difficult time in your life and learn more about who you are and where you want to go. He strives to support you through this journey, but ultimately you are writing (or re-writing) your story.
Brian believes therapy is a collaborative, team-based process with the counselor and, you, the cl... Read More
Myra Siddiqui MS, NCC
Myra views therapy as a way to find connection, gain insight into oneself, and work on the things that can leave us feeling “stuck”. A safe, welcoming, judgment-free space to unpack your unique experiences with the collaborative support of a therapist who honors your journey and meets you where you are is the first step to growth and change. Myra is well-informed on various therapeutic modalities, including CBT, narrative, strengths-based, trauma-informed, and psychodynamic approaches. Coupled with this knowledge, she strongly believes in empowering her clients to explore, engage in, and collaborate on how they would like to rewrite the next chapter in their story.
Myra’s work is grounded in social justice, multicultural awareness, and intersectionality. She specializes in working with first and second generation individuals, BIPOC, and people of varied religious, cultural, sexual, and gender identities. She is fluent in English, Urdu, and Hindi.
Myra views therapy as a way to find connection, gain insight into oneself, and work on the things... Read More
Heather Daher
Hi! I am a Masters level Counselor in Illinois. I find myself working with many clients in adulthood who are seeking to create a balanced life amidst all the changes happening around them, from career choices to their shifting self-image and relationships. During their journey of self-discovery, my client’s often reach out to me for guidance in navigating negative self-image and the common issues that stem from it like: difficulty setting boundaries, negative self-talk, and difficulty finding direction and purpose in life. I specialize in working with anxiety, panic, depression, relationship issues, and trauma. I provide both warmth and curiosity into my sessions working with clients in a collaborative and direct way. I welcome you into a safe space where you can explore your inner world, self-exploration, feel supported and challenged.
Hi! I am a Masters level Counselor in Illinois. I find myself working with many clients in adulth... Read More
Esther Kim MA, LPC
Esther approaches therapy as a fellow collaborator who values connectedness as a healing tool to oneself, others, and the community. Building client relationships is central to her work, involving mutual trust, empathy, compassionate accountability, and at times, sharing a laugh. She honors the many layers of our identities and experiences through an intersectional lens that actively acknowledges cultural context and systemic factors.
Esther draws from existential, narrative, and ACT concepts within a relational-cultural and trauma-informed framework. She also uses mind-body-spirit and somatic methods to help clients tune into messages from their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual bodies. She understands that honest introspection and self-compassion is necessary for healing, and communing with ourselves may give voices to parts that have long sat unheard and unseen. Additionally, Esther incorporates dream work and projective tools (symbols, imagery, cards) to assist self-reflection upon request. Although these approaches inform her practice, she centers ongoing collaboration to discover what works best for the client. Esther works with a broad range of experiences, including identity exploration, existential concerns, ancestral trauma and healing, and life transitions. She also enjoys supporting explorations of culture, sexuality, spirituality, kink, and alt and expansive structures, spaces, and identities.
Esther approaches therapy as a fellow collaborator who values connectedness as a healing tool to ... Read More
Emma Kolodziej LPC
Emma is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois who is dedicated to fostering personal growth and healing through a compassionate and holistic approach. She believes that each individual has the inherent ability to overcome difficulties and transform with the right support and guidance. Emma strives to create a nurturing, nonjudgmental environment where clients feel safe to explore their inner experiences and cultivate healthier relationships.
While working with clients, Emma utilizes Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Attachment Theory, and Internal Family Systems (IFS) part’s work. This is what these theories may look like in a therapy setting:
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapeutic approach that helps individuals process traumatic experiences using bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, to facilitate the brain’s natural healing process. The bilateral stimulation creates the same healing movements that occur during REM sleep, which allows an individual to deeply process trauma and reduce the emotional distress associated with the memories. This enables clients to integrate these memories in a more adaptive way and adopt a positive cognition that is aligned with their goals.
Attachment Theory explores how early relationships with caregivers shape an individual’s emotional and relational development throughout life. By understanding our earliest attachments, we can build security within ourselves in therapy. This may appear outwardly as having high self-esteem, firm boundaries, ability to regulate emotions, and healthy interpersonal connections.
Internal Family Systems (IFS) Parts Work is a therapeutic approach that views the mind as composed of various “parts,” each with its own role, perspective, and function. The parts stem from the mind’s desire to keep the individual safe; however, as we grow, some functions no longer serve us. By understanding and harmonizing these parts, individuals can heal internal conflicts and achieve greater emotional balance and self-awareness.
Emma graduated from Regis University in 2023 with a Master of Arts in Counseling. She also received a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism with a minor in Psychology from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 2018.
Emma has experience working with adolescents and adults through her work in a school counseling setting and private practice. She has addressed a range of issues, including anxiety, depression, generational trauma, LGBTQ+ issues, and caregiver burnout. She has also worked with groups, individuals, couples, and families.
When not in the therapist’s chair, Emma loves to dance and do yoga. She also enjoys listening to live music wherever she can find it and crate-digging at the local vinyl stores. She has two lovely cats who find every chance to cuddle.
Emma is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois who is dedicated to fostering personal grow... Read More
Alexis Acevedo
(She/Her/Ella)
Graduate Intern
Alexis is a Graduate Student working toward her master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Concordia University in Illinois. Alexis is passionate about helping individuals feel seen, understood and validated as they navigate through their healing journey.
Alexis’s approach to therapy begins with a holistic lens, uncovering and understanding each client’s unique qualities and identities. This allows her to gain a better understanding of the client and provide them with a uniquely tailored therapeutic experience. Person-centered therapy (PCT) is a client-centered approach where the therapist strives to understand the client’s experience from their perspective. It is based on the belief that each person has the innate ability to change and grow, despite life experiences or struggles.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a type of mindful psychotherapy that helps you stay focused on the present moment and accept thoughts and feelings without judgment. It aims to help you move forward through difficult emotions so you can put your energy into healing instead of dwelling on the negative.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based approach that challenges negative thoughts and distortions in thinking. By identifying these patterns, Emily works with clients to change them, improving feelings and behaviors.
Alexis has experience working with a multicultural population of adults, adolescents, children, the elderly, families, and couples. She has worked primarily with patients in intensive inpatient and outpatient behavioral health programs, allowing her to confidently identify safety concerns and at-risk patients. She has gained crisis stabilization and de-escalation skills working with emotionally dysregulated clients. Alexis has also worked with culturally diverse families and couples to navigate relationship issues during sessions and provided one-on-one therapy.
Alexis has provided therapeutic treatment for concerns such as anxiety, trauma, depression, and personality disorders. She has also worked with parent support, guidance, generational trauma, cultural trauma, and relationship issues, including setting and maintaining boundaries and establishing healthy forms of communication.
Alexis is a Graduate Student working toward her master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at ... Read More
Lakeitta Harris M.ED., LPC
Lakeitta has experience and excels in working with individuals and couples who have experienced a variety of challenges such as depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, difficult life transitions, and grief. Lakeitta’s educational and professional training has allowed her to work with people from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. She is well-informed in competencies from multicultural, social justice, and relational frameworks. Lakeitta’s self-awareness and passion for working with clients is seen by cultivating a space of comfort and warmth. She provides therapy through a client-centered approach and incorporates CBT, ACT, DBT, mindfulness, and grounding techniques to assist in providing positive coping and increased self-awareness.
Lakeitta provides safety, warmth, and authenticity in the therapeutic space. She respects the lived experiences of clients while assisting them with seeing areas of growth and change. Her approach in therapy is non-judgemental, collaborative, and encouraging. She recognizes and affirms intersectionality, LGBTQIA+, multiculturalism, racial identity, sexual identity, and gender identity. Lakeitta values working with black and brown communities in addition to populations from diverse backgrounds. Her goal as your therapist is to help you identify and reach your goals, process your thoughts and feelings, and invite you to challenge yourself.
Lakeitta has experience and excels in working with individuals and couples who have experienced a... Read More
Shannon Lieberman
Shannon is a Licensed Professional Counselor who is committed to creating a warm environment and safe relationship where you can explore yourself and your past experiences. Shannon prioritizes learning about you as a unique individual and caters her approach to suit your specific needs and goals. Together you will explore your values, identity, attachment style, culture, and relationship history. This insight will be used to address current thought/behavior patterns to help you get un-stuck and live the life you desire.
Shannon excels with clients working through questions of identity, professional uncertainty, relationship struggles, ADHD (particularly in women), anxiety, trauma, and self-doubt. She also has an affinity for working with individuals feeling pressured by society’s expectations of femininity.
Shannon is a Licensed Professional Counselor who is committed to creating a warm environment and ... Read More
Emily Taylor
Hello and thank you for choosing to begin therapy! Whether you have worked with a therapist in the past or if this is your first time, you have decided to make yourself a priority and that’s amazing! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois and would love to provide you with the support you need. I believe that feeling both seen and heard is one of the most important aspects of the healing process. Your story is yours alone to tell, and we all deserve to feel safe to share openly with someone and without judgment. It is my passion to understand the inner workings of each individual and the experiences they’ve had that make them who they are!
Hello and thank you for choosing to begin therapy! Whether you have worked with a therapist in th... Read More
Sarah Beechy
(She/Her/Hers)
Hi! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois. I believe everyone has the ability to overcome life’s challenges and the first sign of strength is to ask for the help and support we need. I am passionate about helping clients work towards coping, self-care, and personal growth. I strive to create a safe and nonjudgemental space to collaborate with clients. I feel that through therapy, we can work together to gain tools and insight in order to meet life’s full potential. I aim to promote strengths and empower my clients. I also consider that each client is an expert in their own life and their experiences. Together we will utilize individual strengths to achieve a more balanced and fulfilling life.
I have experience in private practice setting working with adults experiencing anxiety, self-esteem, depression, life transitions, relationship issues, time management, and more.
I am currently accepting clients Wednesday and Thursday during business hours.
Hi! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois. I believe everyone has the ability to ove... Read More
Jessica Johnson Berrios
(She/Her/Hers)
I’m passionate about helping adults who have felt unheard, invalidated and unloved process their story and work towards feeling seen, valued, and whole. Therapy provides an opportunity for introspection and curiosity, and I will be beside you as you journey inwards, getting to know the parts of you may have been avoiding, neglecting or unsure how to help. I work collaboratively with you to explore your values and gain the skills necessary to support yourself in a meaningful and empathetic way. As your therapist, I will challenge you to explore yourself, stretch yourself, and love yourself.
I’m passionate about helping adults who have felt unheard, invalidated and unloved process their ... Read More
Kellie Calderon
(She/Her/Hers)
Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. I am the founder (and therapist) of Ace Counseling Group.
Please note: I am not currently accepting new clients, however, I am available for 15 minute free consultations in order to connect you to a therapist that would be a good fit!
Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. I am the founder (and therapist) of Ace ... Read More
Mrs. Joyce Sparks-Bell
(She/Her/Hers)
During my work across the lifespan, I have learned that it is important to bring your whole self to the therapeutic space, including your culture and life experience. Within your therapy experience, I try to tailor my therapeutic approach to your needs, believing that we all come with a story to share, learn and grow from.
I have experience in working with children, teens, adults and families across all walks of life. My previous experience has allowed me to work in an agency for those with Autism, a child welfare agency and hospitals. My treatment experience includes trauma, grief/loss, depression, anxiety, and couples/family therapy. I also have experience with evidenced-based treatment modalities such as: play therapy, child parent psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and family systems therapy.
During my work across the lifespan, I have learned that it is important to bring your whole self ... Read More
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