Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
At Urban Wellness, we are committed to social justice and anti-racism. We are dedicated to providing services to individuals, couples, and families that are accessible, culturally relevant, and free of stigma.
Here at Urban Wellness, we celebrate and affirm all backgrounds and identities. We strive to provide a brave space where voices can be heard and liberated.
Insurances I Accept:
Ages I work with:
Languages I speak:
Hello! My name is Irene and I am a Licensed Social Worker passionate about supporting kids, adolescents, and adults from diverse backgrounds. I strive to create a safe, inclusive space where every person feels seen, heard, and respected. I am honored to walk alongside you in your journey toward growth and well-being.
When working with kiddos, I especially gravitate toward
play therapy using both non-directive (child-centered play therapy) and directive play-based interventions. I also utilize person-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and traditional talk therapy. When working with children and
families, I recognize the importance of taking a family-centered approach. I am a dedicated life long learner and am continuously building my knowledge base regarding different therapeutic styles! I am also currently pursuing my certification to become a registered play therapist.
My intent is to create a safe, comfortable space that is free of judgement for all. In doing so, my
hope is that you feel that you can bring your full authentic self into the therapeutic space. The therapeutic relationship is the foundation upon which my work is built. My hope is to be there for you in any way that I can and meet you where you are at. We may laugh together, we may cry
together, or sometimes we may sit in silence together. The choice is yours, and I am here to honor that choice. Just like you, I am human, and I cannot guarantee that I will have all the answers or solutions. What I can guarantee is that I will be there for you to talk through your experiences and support you to find what strategies/skills work best for you.
I tailor my sessions to meet the unique needs of each individual client. When working with kiddos,
sometimes the child may lead, and I will follow their lead, consistently creating a safe and supportive
space for freedom of expression. Other times, I may introduce specific activities like drawing or
creative arts to explore emotions, role-play to practice social skills, or read books or play games to
teach coping skills. For others, we may get comfortable and just talk conversationally. I encourage
you to take the lead as I recognize that you are the expert of your life, and you are bringing me into
some of the most special, yet difficult, moments. While there is no set agenda each session, we do
establish goals at the start of our treatment and those goals guide us. I recognize that it is a privilege
to go on this journey with you and emphasize that you are never alone.
Outside of work I love all things sports, whether that be going to sporting events, coaching, or
playing for fun. One of my bucket list goals in life is to attend a game at every MLB stadium. My community is very special to me, and I cherish spending quality time with my friends and family. I also enjoy being active and spending time outside. I find joy in adventure, traveling, and exploring new places. I am also a big foodie and love trying out new dishes and places.
Schedule your first appointment. For follow up appointments (existing clients), please contact your therapist at 773-774-4444.
Land Acknowledgment: Urban Wellness acknowledges that the lands on which our practice resides with locations in Chicago and Forest Park, Illinois, are on occupied land, and was originally inhabited by Peoria, Bodwéwadmi (Potawatomi), Myaamia, Očhéthi Šakówiŋ, Hoocąk (Ho-Chunk), and Kiikaapoi (Kickapoo) peoples before their forced assimilation, labor, and removal from their ancestral lands. We recognize the Native peoples of these lands and invite all to consider supporting Indigenous communities and the fight for Indigenous racial justice.
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