GET TO KNOW your therapist

Carolina Cotts, LCSW

“Be the person you needed when you were younger.”

Insurances I Accept:

BCBS PPO
BCBS HMO NorthShore
Humana
Optum/United Healthcare
Cigna

Ages I work with: In the past, my focus has been with teens and young adults, though I enjoy working with individuals across the lifespan.

Languages I speak:

English
Spanish

Who Am I?

Hello, I’m Carolina Cotts (she, her, hers) and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I am a first generation college graduate and proud Latina.

I love working with:

People with anxiety, depression, or low self esteem
Teens who need a place to talk and process what’s on their mind
Young adults who are learning that adulting can sometimes suck
Adults just trying to get through the day
New mom’s navigating their new role
Latinas hoping to connect with another Latina to talk about first gen and cultural issues while sustaining the culture.
And those interested in exploring spirituality

Some of my favorite approaches include:

CBT, Strengths Based Perspective, ACT, and Motivational Interviewing. I also consider how your culture and family norms have influenced your thoughts and beliefs. Let’s work together to understand how generational trauma has impacted your life, messages received along the way, or maybe how to find your voice again when setting healthy boundaries with those difficult friends or family members. Let’s end the Chancla culture.

HOW I HELP

My job as your therapist is to provide a non-judgmental environment that helps you freely express yourself so bring your notebook, comfy blanket, or your favorite coffee. I’ll be your cheerleader, hold you accountable, challenge your way of thinking, and be your biggest advocate.

I believe…

I believe in breaking barriers and healing from generational trauma.
I believe humor is good for the soul and I plan to use it when it’s appropriate
I believe that you are the driver and have full control of the vehicle (therapy journey). I’m the passenger (your partner in healing). If the car breaks down I’ll jump out and help you push.
I believe therapy works best when you and your therapist are committed to the process of healing and are consistent in doing so.
I believe change is possible when you give yourself permission to heal.

What it’s like in a session with me

As a new client, you can expect for me to greet you with professional attire and by professional I mean Nikes and Jeans, maybe even a sassy t-shirt. I encourage you to do the same. This space is both yours and mine. I want you to feel comfortable, welcomed, and supported. You can expect me to use spanglish and sometimes sing a song I don’t know the lyrics to. I’ll approach things with curiosity because you’re the expert of your life. But most importantly, a session with me is supportive, non judgemental with a gentle nudge here and there.

More about me

Outside of work, I can be found spending time with my broke best friends aka my children. I’m a mom to a 24, 19, and 16 year old and a wife to my supportive husband of almost 19 years. Family is important to me so anytime I can hang out with them is a win. Spirituality is my foundation. Being a Christian has made me a better person, wife, mother, and therapist. I consider myself to have a balance of a little bit of hood and a whole lot of Jesus. I realize I have unpopular beliefs and opinions in comparison to “church folks” but I’m ok with that.

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

Schedule your first appointment. For follow up appointments (existing clients), please contact your therapist at 773-774-4444.