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:
Starting September 2024.
Welcome! My name is Viviana and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who works with children, adolescents, and adults. As a Latina and woman of color in mental health, I hope to bring more visibility and awareness to BIPOC communities and their mental health needs. I believe that our identities play an integral role in our mental health and how we interact with the world, as well as how the world interacts with us. For so many, asking for extra support is never easy but I applaud you for coming this far and look forward to helping you in your healing journey!
Children as young as 6 years old who struggle with anxiety and emotional expression Adolescent girls and teens coming into their full development, struggling with anxiety, self-esteem related concerns, stress, coming of age, and identity development.
Adults who struggle with trauma, identity, anxiety, depression, interpersonal strains, family concerns, and day to day stress
I do believe in the power of words so I employ traditional talk therapy, CBT, psychodynamic practices, person-centered therapy, and mindfulness. Overall I try to tailor my approach to each client because I don’t believe one size fits all. I want this to be a collaborative space so even if I’m not experienced in a particular modality, if you’re interested in it let’s learn about it together! For my little ones I practice play therapy which incorporates games, art, and stories.
I seek to create a non-judgemental and affirming environment for you to feel comfortable in your emotional expression and vulnerability. As a therapist, I strive to act as an advocate and ally to people from all backgrounds, religions, sexual orientations, and gender identities. I emphasize a multicultural, anti-racist, anti-oppressive, and socially just therapeutic setting. If you don’t feel seen or heard in this world, this space is for you. A large part of the success of therapy is the relationship between therapist and client. I believe it can be healing and corrective. I don’t guarantee to have answers or solutions but I believe together we can empower you to understand what works for you!
I believe our identities, culture, and background are integral to the therapy space. I believe that healing is not linear, it is a lifelong journey that goes through phases, and there is no one way to do it.
While it is important to establish and maintain professional boundaries for the success of our therapeutic relationship, I also like to make clients feel comfortable and create a space that doesn’t feel intimidating. I encourage you to get comfy in-office, feel free to take your shoes off, or bring in a delicious beverage. If we’re online I encourage you to find a private, safe, and comfortable space. There’s no dress code, however you feel your best! While there is no set agenda each session, we do establish goals at the start of our treatment and those goals guide us. I encourage clients to take control and direct where we start because I believe you are the expert on you. For my littles, I typically meet with parents before meeting with the child/adolescent to get their perspective on what’s going on and then I will continue with the child client. At the beginning of treatment I do regular check-ins with parents about every 5-8 sessions.
Outside of work I am a foodie who enjoys trying out new restaurants, types of foods, and coffee shops. I am originally from Chicago and have so much love exploring the city I’ve always called home. When the weather’s nice I love to bike on the lakeshore or go for scenic walks. I’m a big fan of pop culture and all things film/television. Also a big reader who is a purist and loves my hard cover copies over any kindle ;)
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.
