SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT
Schedule your first appointment. For follow up appointments (existing clients), please contact your therapist at 773-774-4444.
GET TO KNOW your therapist
Ciara Thomas, LCSW
she/her
Site Supervisor, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Lead
“When we liberate ourselves from the expectation that we must have all things figured out, we enter a sanctuary of empathy”- Sonya Renee Taylor
Insurances I Accept:
- BCBS PPO
- Optum/United Healthcare
- Humana
- BCBS HMO NorthShore
- Cigna
- Aetna
Ages I work with:
- 12+
Languages I speak:
- English
Who Am I?
Hey! I am Ciara. (SEE-AIR-AH). My pronouns are She/Her. I am a Cis-gender, African-American woman. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with teen-adult populations in managing stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, and life transitions. My goal is to promote emotional well-being by working alongside individuals as they work to cope with life challenges, grow in their self-awareness, and empower clients to reach their full potential.
I love working with:
- Black women who have experienced challenges and stressors based on systemic practices
- Individuals looking to work on racial identity development and self-esteem
- Teens and adults who would like support managing anxiety, depression, self esteem, stress management and life transitions.
Some of my favorite approaches include:
My approach to fostering therapeutic relationships is client-centered, collaborative, and strength-based. I tend to pull from a variety of modalities to best fit the needs of everyone I work with. I might use CBT, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and establishing healthy boundaries. I work with you to tap into your skills, think outside the box to support you on your healing journey!
HOW I HELP
I offer a brave space for you to be your true and authentic self. This is a judgment free zone! My approach to fostering therapeutic relationships is person-centered and strength-based. I will let you lead, offer guidance and be your cheerleader throughout the way! There are times when you may feel stuck, or are overcoming obstacles, and that is okay. My goal is to leverage your skills and support you in identifying strategies to help you along the way. Together, we will work on identifying and achieving goals that will lead to you living a life of joy and fulfillment.
I believe that we are not defined by our past experiences or struggles. I believe in lifting up the gifts and talents of people to support them in their personal growth and healing. Therapy can lead to powerful, transformative change. I am an advocate for reducing the negative stigmas associated with mental health. We all deserve to feel happy and liberated. With compassion, support and guidance, therapy can empower people to identify and develop the tools they need to feel capable of managing their life circumstances and be the best versions of themselves.
What it’s like in a session with me
Relationships are key and strong rapport building is an important part of the therapy process. So our sessions will include a lot of us getting to know each other and building trust. I truly want to create a space where you feel welcomed, comfortable to be yourself. When you arrive at therapy, my goal is for you to feel, it is an extension of your safe space, where you can relax, let your guard down and work through ups and downs that life throws at you. In our sessions we will celebrate successes, navigate difficult situations and learn tools and strategies for you to maintain the skills learned outside of the therapy room.
More about me
In my downtime, you will most likely find me watching reality TV, listening to music, and dancing to Beyonce songs. I enjoy spending time with my husband, friends and family. I am a proud dog mom to our puppy Clifford. I will say that I’ve become quite the dog photographer since we rescued him and will gladly show off some pictures to anyone who wants to see! I am a huge foodie and a self-proclaimed chef! Part of my self-care routine involves trying out new dishes and playing the show “Chopped” in my kitchen to see what new recipes I can come up with. I love going out to eat and testing food creations that others have made as well! I also enjoy going to concerts and traveling; live music and exploring brings me joy!
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