At a glance
Who Am I?
Hello! I’m Suzanne, or Suzie (she/her/hers). I became a therapist because I believe in everyone’s capacity to heal and overcome challenges. Sometimes the strengths that got us this far aren’t enough, and that’s where therapy comes in. I believe therapy can help you build your best self and move through life with more ease. I feel most at home being genuine, and I want you to feel like you can be yourself too. I’m a cisgender, mixed-race (Caucasian and Mexican) woman.
I specialize in working with:
- Young adults in life’s transitions
- Adults facing life’s difficulties
- Youth who need some support and guidance
- People with a sense of humor
- Anyone navigating transitions, trauma, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, identity, or relationship issues
How I help
Therapy should fit your unique needs, so I tailor my approach to you. Counseling is a collaboration, and I aim to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can gain new perspective and skills. You know your life best, and I’m here to help you reflect on how to make it better. One of my goals is that you feel safe telling me what’s going on. I use CBT, a person-centered approach, a strengths-based perspective, motivational interviewing, and trauma-informed work, among others. I often help people with anxiety, trauma, and depression.
What a session with me is like
I value being an authentic person and I bring that to sessions, almost to a fault. Swearing, laughing, and crying can and probably will happen, and I’m ready for it. My approach is conversational, so we build rapport and trust naturally. My role is to create a safe, collaborative space, help you understand your thought and behavior patterns, and challenge what’s stopping you from your goals. Sometimes what stops us is our own thoughts, and challenging those, using healthy coping skills, and being mindful in our choices are part of what we’ll do together.
What I believe
Therapy is a collaboration between client and therapist. You have the capacity to heal and the strength to do it. Therapy works best when you don’t feel judged. And change is possible, even when it’s uncomfortable.
A little more about me
Outside of work I’m usually wrangling my terror of a dog while looking for something fun or relaxing to do. You’ll likely find me rapidly consuming TV, books, or podcasts, or spending time with my people. I like to cook (but mostly like to eat) and have been known to call cooking shows my sports. I love adventuring around Chicago and finding new experiences, though not running. Never running.
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 Portage Park office.
What do you help with most?
Anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, depression, self-esteem, and identity, for teens and adults.
What insurance do you take?
BCBS PPO, BCBS HMO Northshore, Optum, Cigna, and Aetna.
- AetnaBCBS HMO NorthshoreBCBS PPOCignaOptum/United
