At a glance
Best fit for: Black women, racial identity, multicultural, self-esteem, anxiety; adults.
Approaches: psychodynamic.
Who Am I?
Hey! I’m Ciara (SEE-AIR-AH). My pronouns are she/her, and I’m a cisgender African-American woman. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with teens and adults on stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, and life transitions. My goal is to walk alongside you as you cope with life’s challenges, grow in self-awareness, and reach your full potential.
I specialize in working with:
- Black women navigating challenges and stressors rooted in systemic practices
- People working on racial identity development and self-esteem
- Teens and adults managing anxiety, depression, self-esteem, stress, and life transitions
How I help
I offer a brave, judgment-free space to be your true self. My approach is person-centered and strengths-based, so I’ll let you lead, offer guidance, and be your cheerleader the whole way. When you feel stuck or you’re facing obstacles, that’s okay. My goal is to leverage your skills and help you find strategies to move forward, and together we’ll identify and reach goals that lead to a life of joy and fulfillment. I draw on somatic practices, mindfulness techniques, healthy boundaries, psychodynamic approaches, and compassion focused strategies. I am an advocate for reducing the stigma around mental health. I often help people with navigating stressors, anxiety, low self-esteem, and trauma.
What a session with me is like
Relationships are key, so our sessions will include a lot of getting to know each other and building trust. I want you to feel welcomed and comfortable being yourself, so that therapy becomes an extension of your safe space where you can relax and work through what life throws at you. Oftentimes, we will explore systemic issues, and how systems of oppression and white supremacy culture has impacted current stressors. We will explore tools and skills to feel grounded and liberated. We will celebrate success, navigate hard situations, and build tools you can keep using outside the therapy room.We’ll celebrate successes, navigate hard situations, and build tools you can keep using outside the therapy room
What I believe
We’re not defined by our past experiences or struggles. I believe in lifting up people’s gifts and talents to support their growth and healing, and that therapy can lead to powerful, transformative change. We all deserve to feel happy and liberated.
A little more about me
In my downtime you will find me spending time with family and friends, catching up on reality tv, or spending time outside. I love music, going to concerts, and spending time in the community. I am a huge foodie and a self-proclaimed chef. You’ll often find me dancing in my kitchen while cooking as a form of self care.
A few common questions
Are you accepting new clients?
Yes
Do you offer virtual sessions?
Yes, I see clients virtually across Illinois, and in person at our Forest Park office.
What do you help with most?
Anxiety, self-esteem, racial identity development, stress, and life transitions.
What insurance do you take?
BCBS PPO, Optum/United Healthcare, BCBS HMO NorthShore, Cigna, and Aetna.
- AetnaBCBS HMO NorthshoreBCBS PPOCignaOptum/United
