Masuma Rasheed Ph.D. RYT
License No. 180.011806
Founder & Owner
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
Registered Yoga Teacher
Specialties
“Don’t fight the darkness, bring the light and the darkness will disappear”
– M. Mahesh
Welcome! My name is Dr. Masuma Rasheed, I’m a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and founder and owner of Mindful Life Counseling. I have 15 years of experience helping clients find more clarity & direction in their lives. Our practice specializes in supporting adults, specifically marginalized individuals, to take control of our life story.
I root my therapy practices in anti-oppression and offer a safe therapy space for clients to come as they are. Societal structures can lead marginalized people to dim our authentic selves; in session with me, there’s no need to hold back, self-censor, or explain— my role is to work with who you are and your experiences. I do this by inviting awareness and conversation of racial, gender, and sexual dynamics and the impacts of institutional racism and discrimination into the therapy room.
I also do this by acknowledging that I am a hetrosexual, abled body, cis South Asian woman; I recognize that my privileges will impact how I show up in this space. I acknowledge that we all come from different life experiences and backgrounds and that we are all activated by different things that may come up during our time together. I am actively reflecting on my privileges and know that because of my identities, there are areas of growth I have to pay attention to and barriers to my understanding that may come up along the way. I am committed to paying close attention to my own advantages and remaining humble.
“Choosing our people is the closest we come to controlling our destiny“.
As a therapist and team leader, I combine two major constructs and personal passions; movement and community. I founded Mindful Life Counseling to build a safe community for therapists to authentically serve clients in addition to fostering a space where clients feel a sense of belonging.
In the therapy room, I employ mind and body techniques, such as guided breathing, body movement, somatic techniques, and trauma informed yoga-based therapy. I also encourage clients to connect with safe spaces and communities outside the therapy room with the belief that “choosing our people is the closest we come to controlling our destiny“.
I have a strong passion for using Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, or EMDR, in sessions. EMDR enables clients to live more fully in the present by working through past triggers and letting go of beliefs that no longer serve them. I am also certified as a LifeForce Yoga Practitioner (LFYP®), trained in using yoga to treat depression and anxiety. I believe that although talk therapy is necessary, I strongly believe that we need to incorporate the body for a sufficient journey in the healing process.
Outside of the therapy room, I continue to value service to communities of color. I am a former board member of HEART Women & Girls, an agency that works to promote sex education, uproot gendered violence, and advance reproductive justice by establishing choice and access for the most impacted Muslims. I also serve as a consultant to educate and train mental health providers in dismantling inequitable power structures and decolonizing the mental health field.
In my free time, my Mindful Life rituals include yoga, tai chi, breath-work and meditation — not to mention kickboxing, running, and weight lifting. I believe in strengthening the body to condition the mind. Other rituals include learning, dancing, journaling and connecting to nature as often as possible. I am usually working on a project that feeds my creative side; in addition to playing with my dog, Winnie.
Dr. Rasheed obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance from Southern Methodist University in 2003, a Master of Science degree in Counseling in 2008 at University of North Texas (UNT), and a Ph.D. in Counseling Education at UNT in 2011. Dr. Rasheed founded Mindful Life Counseling in June 2020.
Alex Ngo LCSW
License No. 149.022023
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Clinical Director
Professor & Educator
Specialties
“Our most radical work is to love ourselves.”
– Kim Katrin
I’m Alex Ngo and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in trauma recovery, mindfulness, and racial, sexual, and gender identity development. As a Chinese Vietnamese queer and trans woman, I am especially passionate about the healing and liberation of queer and trans people, people of color, and their intersections. I am also committed to being a therapist who is affirming of sex workers, sex positivity and kink, and people in polyamorous and non-monogamous relationship structures.
I have over a decade of experience in anti-oppression and social justice work that informs my clinical approach and understanding of trauma and healing. I believe in fostering our collective radical imagination, in pleasure activism, in celebrating the resiliency of queer and trans people of color, and in the power of transforming ourselves to transform the world. I also bring my experiences as a child of refugees, a Buddhist, and a believer in trans divinity, into my work in breaking cycles, fostering intergenerational growth, and developing an ancestral connection and spiritual practice.
I am passionate about helping clients develop a gentle, curious, mindful, and compassionate relationship with themselves. I believe we are all made up of multiple parts, each with their own motivations and fears. When we are feeling distressing thoughts and emotions that come from these different parts of us, our first instinct is to push them away or use unhelpful coping skills to distract ourselves. However, relieving our suffering is possible when we learn to accept that, while we cannot control our thoughts and emotions, we can learn to control how we respond to them.
I can help you get to know these parts, understand your thoughts and emotions, create opportunities for self-reflection and self-dialogue, and provide tools to heal old wounds our younger selves still carry for us. I find parts work to be especially helpful when helping queer and trans people re-establish a relationship with our younger selves who did not have access to the safety required to be their most authentic self. It is possible for us to become the person we needed when we were younger.
Parts work, mindfulness, and a mind-body connection are also integral parts in my approach to trauma recovery. I can help guide those with unprocessed trauma through painful memories to create new meanings from the harm you survived and to heal the parts of you still stuck in those traumatic experiences. My passion for this kind of work began in my work as a sexual assault prevention educator and activist. That passion continues to guide my calling towards helping us heal from violence, whether systemic or interpersonal, and foster safer communities by interrupting oppression, cycles of abuse, and intergenerational trauma.
My most valuable clinical tool is my authenticity, vulnerability, and unapologetic approach to life, and I model that for my clients in the way I move through each therapeutic relationship.
My friends and clients alike would describe me as someone who is very direct and provides feedback in a “no-nonsense” manner. I am firm, will absolutely push and challenge you, and also understand that this work takes time, patience, and compassion. My most valuable clinical tool is my authenticity, vulnerability, and unapologetic approach to life, and I model that for my clients in the way I move through each therapeutic relationship.
Because I don’t believe healing can be all-encompassed within the context of talk therapy alone, I also engage in healing work in a number of different contexts. I am an adjunct professor at the University of Chicago where I teach a course on intergroup dialogue and facilitation. I provide conflict mediation, healing circles, and keynote speeches, consultation, and training on a wide range of topics, to universities, corporations, and organizations. I am also a performance artist and writer who has been active in the queer nightlife scene of Chicago, specifically working to make nightlife spaces that center and celebrate trans femmes of color.
Alex Ngo received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications, Community Action and Social Change, and LGBTQ and Sexuality Studies from the University of Michigan and a Master of Arts degree in Social Service Administration from the University of Chicago.
To schedule an appointment: info@mindfullifechicago.com
Malarie Marquez LPC, NCC
License No. 178.017443
Licensed Professional Counselor
National Certified Counselor
Specialties
“You must resist anything that doesn’t center your divinity as a human being. You are worthy of care.”
― Tricia Hersey
My name is Malarie Marquez and I am a Nationally Certified and Licensed Professional Counselor. I work with clients across a range of specialties, but I am particularly experienced in helping clients with anxiety, identity development, developing healthy relationships, complicated grief, identity development, intimate relationship trauma, life transitions, navigating college and education and most recently, perinatal mental healthcare, which I believe impacts many individuals and families as they embark on their journey of parenting and caregiving. My practice is centered around serving adults ages 18-50 within BIPOC communities, but welcoming individuals of all ages and from all backgrounds.
I believe in social justice and strengthening communities within the therapy space. As a cisgender, heterosexual, Black Woman from the inner city of Milwaukee, I have received therapy from clinicians who lacked cultural responsiveness and did not understand my nuanced, Black-lived experience. Those negative experiences in therapy often left me feeling gaslighted and invalidated. Over time, I realized that my experience was not unique to me, but was often experienced by many people from all walks of life. It took years for me to find therapeutic spaces that resonated with my identity and gave me room to do deeply emotional work that addressed many of my own adversities as a Black Woman. Now, I want to change that narrative for others in BIPOC communities. I actively work to dismantle stereotypes associated with how BIPOC individuals should appear in the world and in therapeutic spaces. I intentionally demolish implicit bias and stereotyping by ensuring I do not make assumptions about my clients based on how they identify themselves. As a counselor, I feel it is my responsibility to ensure the therapy I provide resonates with and validates my clients experiences.
Women, particularly BIPOC women, often experience healthcare and mental health related disparities before, during and after pregnancy. Not to mention, there are many factors connected to these experiences that may impact a woman’s overall mental health as they navigate through a very life changing experience. I am intentional about learning ways to hold space to support women, birthing persons and their support systems who are experiencing perinatal mood disorders, such as: Depression and anxiety related to fertility, pregnancy, and motherhood, and also supporting individuals who experience these issues after becoming a caregiver to a child. Having worked with individuals who each have such a unique experience with embarking on parenthood, it is important that they feel validated and heard, and be presented with the option to learn new coping strategies to promote mental wellness that encourages them to feel connected to their caregiving experiences.
As a Black Woman, understanding the duality of managing pleasure, joy and pain is an experience that is all too real for me on a daily basis. In therapy with me, I will understand you by speaking with you and not at you.
I believe accessibility is vital and part of anti-oppressive mental healthcare practices, and this also extends to the LGBTQ community. I consider myself a strong ally and intentionally work to advocate for the LGBTQ community to bring awareness to the issues it faces. I am committed to seeking more knowledge about this community on a daily basis through activism, literature, and personal experience.
In my practice, I approach therapy as a partnership, with the goal of improving clients’ wellbeing and overall quality of life. I believe the client is the true expert on their own life, and as the counselor, I am there to guide them to find insight in their past experiences. My philosophy supports empowering individuals to examine their lives in a way that is impactful for themselves, their families, and their communities. I promote introspection into the issues that clients feel are a barrier to their happiness, and I safely support them in examining those issues.
I approach counseling from a psychodynamic, relational and solutions-focused perspective; focusing on my clients’ individual life experiences, personally connecting to them and examining how these experiences have shaped who they are while encouraging clients to feel empowered to implement tangible results in real time during our work together. As a Black Woman, understanding the duality of managing pleasure, joy and pain is an experience that is all too real for me on a daily basis. In therapy with me, I will understand you by speaking with you and not at you.
We cannot just develop individual approaches to dealing with trauma, but also group and communal approaches are vital. It is important that I, as a therapist, create a welcoming safe space for my clients to express themselves, share their experiences free of judgment, and for me to challenge them to be the best version of themselves.
Outside of therapy, I genuinely value self-care. I believe in rest as a form of liberation, which is why I encourage my clients to utilize self-care and mindfulness daily to promote their health and well-being. The time and space I make in my life for self-care is intentional to ensure I am emotionally prepared to work with my clients. Music, cooking, traveling, journaling, and spending time with family are the most restorative for me. Beyond self-care, I am a huge film buff and often watch new films with my biggest supporter in life, my husband.
Malarie Marquez received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Northeastern Illinois University, and Master of Arts degree in Clinical Counseling from Northwestern University.
To schedule an appointment: info@mindfullifechicago.com
Noah-Christina Reed LCPC, NCC
License No. 180.016564
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
National Certified Counselor
Specialties
“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” -Audre Lorde
Hiya! I am Noah-Christina, a Licensed Professional Counselor and National Certified Counselor. I am a Black, cisgender, heterosexual therapist who practices cultural responsiveness and humility in the therapy space. I approach my clients with curiosity, make no assumptions, and honor each individual’s lived experience. It is my philosophy to empower individuals so that they may further empower themselves and others in the face of adversity, creating a sense of community and global healing.
Sometimes we feel stuck, ruminating about the past or anticipating an unpredictable future. It can become difficult to live intentionally in the now. Therapy with me offers a safe space to slow down, tolerate, and embrace the present moment. My specialties include issues related to anxiety, depression, trauma, occupational- and goal-striving stress, life transitions, and identity development. My purpose is to serve BIPOC folx, Black women, and queer folx of color.
I understand that just because two clients have the same identity presentation, their lived experience with gendered racism and other traumas can be very different. For example, I am an African American woman, and I am a lighter-skinned Black woman. I was raised on the Southeast side of Chicago, grew up as an inner-city kid, and I come from a two-parent household. Additionally, I attended predominantly white institutions (PWIs) and found myself emotionally taxed by some of my white counterparts who did not understand my experience. It is the intersection of all of my identities and their relation to systems of oppression and/or privilege that contributes to my lived experiences. Therefore, I understand firsthand the importance of acknowledging how we experience the world, how the world perceives us and how this impacts the way we think, feel, and behave. With this awareness, I invite conversations about intersectional identity into the therapy room with my clients, which lead to a deeper and more fulfilling therapeutic relationship on their path of healing.
My goal is to decolonize and destigmatize mental health by dismantling power dynamics and opening the floor to voices that are often silenced or may fall upon deaf ears. Our commitment to rest and rejuvenation, care for self and community, and untying the connections between self-worth and labor production are acts of resistance. In my work with clients, I offer a space to honor their authentic voice. You will not have to filter and censor your true thoughts and emotions in our sessions, as you may have previously in other settings. Come as you are, and I will meet you there.
I support my clients in assigning a more helpful meaning to their stories. We are made to feel that adversity is the most prominent part of our story, yet we encompass many additional and remarkable parts such as our strengths, resiliencies, and pleasures. I will help you honor and acknowledge all of these parts on your path to healing.
In our space, I will normalize and validate the idea that healing is not linear. It is a process that allows you to move at your own pace, and even take a step back if necessary. I approach counseling with a psychodynamic foundation and integrate narrative therapy to assist my clients in assigning a more helpful meaning to their internalized stories. We are made to feel that adversity is the most prominent part of our story, yet we encompass many additional and remarkable parts such as our strengths, resiliencies, and pleasures. I will help you honor and acknowledge all of these parts on your path to healing.
“The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” -Aristotle
Additionally, I believe it’s important for us to observe all domains of life (e.g., physical and mental health, spirituality, interpersonal and life stressors). When one area is suffering, other areas can be important to highlight. My therapeutic approach is client-centered, putting you at the focus of our journey. I create a space that is genuine, authentic, and non-judgmental. With this humanistic approach, I believe it is quintessential to bring empathetic collaboration into the therapeutic setting. In our space, we will work alongside one another; you are the captain of our ship, and I am simply the sail that guides us through rocky waters to safety and peace at shore.
Outside the therapeutic space, I focus my time on social justice advocacy and self-care. You might catch me on the frontlines or behind the scenes supporting various human rights movements and promoting community wellness. I also like to paint, read by the lake, cook, taste different soups, and cuddle up with Mylo and Lynk, my two adopted cats.
Noah-Christina Reed received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Augustana College in 2019, and Master of Arts degree in Clinical Counseling from Northwestern University in 2021.
To schedule an appointment: info@mindfullifechicago.com
Sylvia Chen, LSW
Specialties
Hi! My name is Sylvia, and I am a second generation Chinese-American Licensed Social Worker and psychotherapist. I specialize in supporting clients experiencing anxiety, depression, issues related to racial, ethnic, or cultural identity, navigating relationships, and managing stress and emotions. I understand seeking therapy and embarking on a journey towards healing can feel overwhelming and scary. I am a firm believer that our contexts shape us, and I’d like to offer a glimpse into my identity, experiences, and clinical approaches to help determine if they align with you.
As the eldest daughter of immigrant parents, I grew up experiencing complex feelings of both gratitude and a strong sense of duty towards the sacrifices my caregivers made. I found myself immersed in my culture yet ostracized at the same time. My upbringing in the suburbs of the Midwest as a woman of color led me to struggle with relating to others and fitting in. Over time, I learned (& am still learning!) how to navigate these challenges and accept my bicultural identity, but I know firsthand how difficult it can be to practice vulnerability and authenticity in spaces where you are not represented. As a result, I have developed a deep passion for supporting other individuals going through similar experiences and ensuring that they receive care that validates their culture and identity. When working with me, all parts of you are welcome, even the parts that you may have kept concealed or suppressed.
During my therapy training, I encountered an unsettling trend in mental health research and literature: a lack of focus on marginalized populations and identities, with a disproportionate emphasis on White norms and standards. As I delved deeper, I realized that Western models of healing are rooted in and perpetuated by individuals in positions of privilege and power; oftentimes these models are harmful because they support white supremacist ideologies, which do not support culturally affirming forms of care. As a therapist, my goal is to work towards decolonizing mental health by intentionally integrating culturally responsive knowledge and skills when using evidence-based theories such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Narrative Therapy in order to provide tailored and effective support to each individual.
My therapeutic approach is also rooted in a socio-ecological framework that takes into account the complex and interconnected levels of individual, environmental, societal, and cultural influences. I believe that oppressive systems and practices have a pervasive impact on these various levels, and my goal is to help you navigate and address these challenges in a supportive and immersive way. Together, we will use experiential tools and techniques to process your feelings and work through situations in real-time. As we explore and confront difficult emotions and experiences, I will be there to support you, encourage you, and challenge you in a gentle and caring way.
As the eldest daughter of immigrant parents, I grew up experiencing complex feelings of both gratitude and a strong sense of duty towards the sacrifices my caregivers made. I found myself immersed in my culture yet ostracized at the same time. My upbringing in the suburbs of the Midwest as a woman of color led me to struggle with relating to others and fitting in. Over time, I learned (& am still learning!) how to navigate these challenges and accept my bicultural identity, but I know firsthand how difficult it can be to practice vulnerability and authenticity in spaces where you are not represented.
My approach to therapy is centered around you and your needs, meaning that you are in control of the therapeutic process. As an individual who has experienced Eastern healing approaches in the form of herbal medicine and acupuncture, I invite all forms of healing that resonate with you. Together, we will prioritize evidence-based and trauma-informed care, while also being open to any healing approaches that feel right for you. I believe in a holistic approach to trauma processing that considers your mind, body, and spirit. We will explore body-based work, mindfulness, and creative expression as tools to reduce stress and anxiety, and deepen your awareness of your physical and emotional states.
My ultimate goal is to empower clients to navigate mental health challenges in a way that is grounded in their cultural identity and values. My lifelong commitment to learning and humility is core to how I show up as a human-being and therapist.
Outside of the therapeutic realm, I prioritize taking care of myself with activities that promote my well-being. I spend time recharging and engaging in healing work in a variety of contexts. I find joy in practicing movement through dance and cycling. You can most likely find me painting, drawing, and designing illustrations in my free-time. I also enjoy watching anime/k-dramas and reading webtoons! If you feel in alignment with what I shared, I invite you to reach out! I would be honored to be a part of your healing journey.
Sylvia received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Michigan and Master of Social Work in Interpersonal Practice in Integrated Health, Mental Health, & Substance Abuse at the University of Michigan.
To schedule an appointment: info@mindfullifechicago.com
DeKhari Dixon, MA
Specialties
Hi, My name is DeKhari. I am a psychotherapist with over 5 years of experience working as a mental health clinician and over 10 years of professional experience mentoring and coaching LGBTQ+ folx. My specialties include navigating trauma recovery, mindfulness and racial, sexual, gender and spiritual identity. I work best with individuals who are ready to get unstuck and work toward defining who “they be” based on their resilience and not their trauma. With practical, engaging therapeutic practices for emotional regulation and self-awareness, it is my hope that you will re-discover the power of being uniquely you — without having to conform to the limiting ideas and narratives of others. It is my honor to walk alongside you during this pivotal time in your life.
As a mental health provider and 2Spirited Black man, I understand the impact of being underrepresented in the healthcare field. I believe a safe and culturally responsive therapeutic space can be a powerful way to reclaim one’s health and foster individual and generational growth. In addition, I honor the importance of viewing my clients’ racial sexual, gender and spiritual identity as not separate parts of themselves, but as one intersectional identity. I have a keen understanding of the multiple layers that underrepresented folx experience within their social, spiritual, religious, and community roles.
My passion lies in supporting clients through liberation and building meaningful social connections within the context of their own lives. It is monumental for clients to expand their capacity for joy, to celebrate their identities and to create and sustain a healthy perception of self. This healing process reflects the powerful dynamics of acknowledging the adversities in their lives, while at the same time building coping tools. Our work together will identify areas where survival tactics may have led to behaviors such as over compensating, perfectionism and/or the labor-driven mentality. As we deconstruct the complexities of biased ideologies, the deep healing from white supremacy tends to take shape.
As BIPOC, LGBTQ+ and spiritually attuned individuals, it is common to be silenced by white supremacist ideology and the idea that we are “too radical.” This can cause intense self-esteem issues, internalized hatred and abandonment, or rejection issues for all of us. The media is infiltrated daily with microaggressions and racial gaslighting with the message that we should change and morph to cultural norms. This systemic oppression is an example of the trauma that we can work through together while in therapy.
I also incorporate body sensory awareness, or somatic-based therapy. I believe that by indulging in somatic work we are acknowledging our cultural lineage and our origins of strength and fortitude —we are energetically tapping into the depths of “who we be.” This integrative approach is helpful for addressing dissociation, anxiety and trauma reactions, which are often carried in the body and show up as health disparities in BIPOC communities.
Some of the methods I use in sessions include behavioral modification, solution-focused, motivational interviewing, and cognitive behavioral therapy. If utilized in a culturally responsive way, these methods can help folx of marginalized identities deconstruct systemic ideas of how one “should” act to appease others, learn how to approach problems and/or concerns with priority and practicality, and explore their dreams, ambitions and image of life beyond social limitations. Together we will process your thoughts and work to align behaviors with your true intentions.
I also incorporate body sensory awareness, or somatic-based therapy. I believe that by indulging in somatic work we are acknowledging our cultural lineage and our origins of strength and fortitude —we are energetically tapping into the depths of “who we be.” This integrative approach is helpful for addressing dissociation, anxiety and trauma reactions, which are often carried in the body and show up as health disparities in BIPOC communities. Somatic work is useful in physically processing the trauma and re-training the mind, emotions and body to be present and at ease.
Furthermore, I am especially aware of the trauma and discrimination that transgender individuals face within the judicial system. My goal is to support healing and guide clients through the complex struggles and challenges that come with addressing the cycle of recidivism.
I’m one who enjoys time with my wife and our fur babies. I like all things outdoors including camping, cycling and skating. Music is also a major part of my life and I enjoy live concerts!
To schedule an appointment: info@mindfullifechicago.com
Erika Chavez, LSW
License No. 150.109210
Specialties
Hello, my name is Erika, and I am a Latinx therapist that can facilitate sessions in English, Spanish, or Spanglish. I have experience working with individuals across various specialties, such as anxiety, depression, intergenerational trauma, immigrant struggles, and race and/or ethnic identity exploration. My niche involves trauma work that explores early childhood experiences, relational attachment, social interactions, cultural and physical environments, and how the neurobiology of the brain is affected through traumatic experiences.
When individuals experience trauma, parts of the brain produce strong emotional reactivity and may become over activated. Fortunately, somatic and sensory therapy can help strengthen parts of the brain associated with rationality and consciousness. This is why I integrate mindful, body-based, and somatic activities, such as music, art, movement, and deep breathing into my sessions.We will work together to approach our own bodies with curiosity and reconnect with our body’s sensations to aid healing.
I believe intersectionality is crucial to explore and understand the complexities of lived experiences among BIPOC and LGBTQ+ folks. For example, I am a cisgender, heterosexual, Latinx woman who was born to working-class, immigrant parents and raised on the lower west side of Chicago. At the same time, I recognize that my skin color is White-passing, and I was fortunate enough to pursue a higher education at a PWI. Throughout my lived experience, I have learned how to be an active participant in my own self-reflection and healing work. This means I am continually reflecting on my own positions of privilege, power, and oppression in the therapeutic space. I am also actively learning how to find balance in a ni de aqui, ni de alla (neither from here nor from there) world where we can come to embrace multiculturalism, multilingualism, values, and traditions. I strive to support individuals who struggle with finding balance and belonging in multiple cultures. I believe that we can work together in your self-discovery journey as we explore how your intersecting identities and cultures can be a source of strength, reconnection, and celebration to your lived experiences in two worlds.
My work has focused on providing culturally responsive, anti-oppressive, and affirming therapeutic services to BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities. Growing up in a predominantly Mexican-immigrant community has allowed me to witness the stigma and barriers community members face when receiving ethnically, linguistically, and culturally responsive mental health services. In the therapeutic space, I aim to cultivate a safe, collaborative, and supportive environment in which exploration, healing and growth can occur. I practice therapy in a direct, empathic, compassionate, and affirming way. I will challenge my clients, while remaining mindful of what feels right for them at any given time or day. I also understand that healing is a nonlinear process and sometimes we are faced with resistance and fear. I will honor your experience and allow you to sit with the uncomfortable feelings for as long as it feels necessary for you. What is most important in our work together is that you feel seen, validated, and supported as you work towards your healing.
I am actively learning how to find balance in a ni de aqui, ni de alla (neither from here nor from there). I strive to support individuals who struggle with finding balance and belonging in multiple cultures. I believe that we can work together in your self-discovery journey as we explore how your intersecting identities and cultures can be a source of strength, reconnection, and celebration to your lived experiences in two worlds.
In my practice I utilize techniques from various treatment modalities, such as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Family Systems Theory, and Trauma-Informed theories. My therapeutic approach is a holistic, integrative model that includes the combination and adaptation of Western theoretical frameworks, alongside non-Western practices of healing. I recognize that traditional Western models to mental health are not a “one-size-fits-all” approach, especially for BIPOC communities. This means, we may explore elements of shame, collectivism, spirituality, religion, cultural perceptions of illness, help-seeking behaviors, and other elements of culture that inform the treatment approach.
I also view issues from an ecological and intersectional lens that recognizes how multiple systems and structures affect individuals’ experiences, especially BIPOC folks. White supremacy, patriarchy, colonization, and anti-Blackness have left historical and intergenerational trauma on BIPOC communities. I acknowledge the pain and suffering these forms of oppression have on these communities. It is important that throughout our work together, I am flexible to your needs and knowledgeable of the multiple layers of experience based on your intersecting identities. For centuries, power has been a damaging tool utilized by dominant groups to maintain hegemonic and systemic narratives. For BIPOC communities, these mechanisms of control and gaslighting have profound physical, emotional, and psychological generational effects. Thus, I aim to deconstruct power differentials in the therapeutic room, and I believe that consciousness is power. I believe my clients are the experts in their lives and my role as a facilitator allows them to identify, connect, and reclaim their narratives. My goal is to develop a therapeutic space that fosters liberation, empowerment, and consciousness.
Outside of the therapy room, I cherish integrating activities that nourish my mind, body, and soul. I enjoy exercising, reading, watching TV shows (psychological thrillers are my favorite), learning new recipes, and creating digital art. I am also a coffee lover and like to explore local coffee shops around the city. Finally, I spend a lot of time cuddling with Luna, my furry Corgi.
Erika Chavez received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Loyola University Chicago in 2020, and a Master of Social Work degree from Loyola University Chicago in 2022.
To schedule an appointment: info@mindfullifechicago.com
Luz Maria Miranda LPC, NCC
License No. 178.018521
Specialties
My name is Luz and my pronouns are she/they. I am a National Certified Counselor who specializes in working with BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ individuals in areas such as identity, queerness, anxiety, depression, attachment, life transitions, relationship conflicts, childhood trauma, and acculturation stress from being first-generation and in immigrant families. I understand that therapy can be scary! It’s not easy opening up to a stranger, but I want you to know I will meet you where you are. I believe in treating my clients with softness and aim to build trust and safety in the therapeutic relationship through empathy and patience.
Identity work has always been a passion of mine. I am proudly Queer and know first-hand how difficult and time-consuming it can be to find acceptance around your identities and therefore work tirelessly to validate and affirm the queer identities of my clients. I am especially passionate about working with survivors of religious trauma. Along with my Queer identity, I am also a first-generation child of immigrants. I know too well the feeling of not belonging and what that can do to our mental health. I am passionate about working with children of immigrants with generational trauma that has influenced the perceptions of the self and has hindered personal growth. You may be having a hard time setting boundaries, celebrating your success, or not diminishing your struggle because “my parents had it worse.” There is space for both being grateful and also feeling a sense of loss caused by parentification and/or self neglect. I am here to help you navigate and accept that those feelings are all valid and are allowed to co-exist.
My work centers Queer, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color with a focus of decolonizing and decentering eurocentric perceptions of life – from beauty to mental health. As a descendant of the Nahua (indigenous people from Mexico), I honor the mind, body, and spirit connection. I value indigenous healing like breathwork, mindfulness, and dance and movement. In our capitalist society, it is easy for us to go on autopilot and simply work, work, work. That is completely valid since we need to work to survive. However, slowing down and being mindful of our breath, what we feel in our bodies, and simply listening to our heartbeats reconnects us to not only ourselves, but the Earth. I find it vital to practice mindfulness to break the conditioning that we aren’t worthy of rest, slowing down, or taking care of ourselves unless we’re actively “doing.” You are a human being, not a human doing!
My therapeutic approach is compassion based and trauma-informed. Being trauma-informed means I will never push you to open up before you’re ready. This is your space, your time, and I respect you always. Storytelling is a way I engage clients when working through their trauma. We will work together in identifying the stories in your life that have been the most painful and re-write the memories in a way that makes them more approachable to you. I wish to empower you to find your voice, be the expert of your own life, and take accountability for your healing. I believe it is important to connect to our inner child in trauma work as well.
As a descendant of the Nahua (indigenous people from Mexico), I honor the mind, body, and spirit connection. I value indigenous healing like breathwork, mindfulness, and dance and movement. In our capitalist society, it is easy for us to go on autopilot and simply work, work, work. That is completely valid since we need to work to survive. However, slowing down and being mindful of our breath, what we feel in our bodies, and simply listening to our heartbeats reconnects us to not only ourselves, but the Earth. I find it vital to practice mindfulness to break the conditioning that we aren’t worthy of rest, slowing down, or taking care of ourselves unless we’re actively “doing.” You are a human being, not a human doing!
I welcome intuition, creativity, and all forms of expression that honors your inner child. As a therapist that also holds a degree in studio art, I value the arts as a medium to express and explore perceptions of the self that are strengths-based. I encourage and challenge clients to be “in the here and now.” This can look like role playing, exploring your imagination, and being present with uncomfy feelings coming up in therapy.
I’ve served as a crisis counselor for The Trevor Project where I supported LGBTQIA+ individuals with issues related to gender and sexual identity. I also worked as a Queer Sex Therapy (QST) co-writing a gender-neutral workshops that were designed to cover general and basic LGBTQIA+ education for the general public. And I’m currently completing a Sex Educator Certification, Everyone Deserves Sex Education this summer.
A fun fact about me is that I love changing my hair color. You see my hair color in my photo? Yeah, most likely it’ll change every 3 months! I had a strict childhood, so changing my hair color is something I do for my inner queer child. I also love going to Target. Perhaps you’ve heard of the phrase “you don’t go to Target because you need something, you go to Target and let Target tell you what you need.” I think it’s hilarious because it’s true. I love spending time with my community engaging in activist work and being around people. I also love going to the beach and parks. My degree in art has made me have a love/hate relationship with painting, but I still love it nonetheless! On my off time, I also volunteer for the Chicago Period Project where I help distribute period products to homeless or menstruators in need.
Luz Maria Miranda received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Art with a Concentration in Studio Art and a Minor in Child Advocacy Studies in 2019, and Master of Arts degree in Clinical Counseling from Northwestern University in 2022.
To schedule an appointment: info@mindfullifechicago.com
Tiffani Clay LPC, NCC
License No. 178.017654
Licensed Professional Counselor
National Certified Counselor
Specialties
Hi, my name is Tiffani Clay (She/Her). I’m a Nationally Certified and Licensed Professional Counselor. I’m a Black, straight, cisgender woman, originally from the West Side of Chicago, near the suburbs. My specialties include anxiety, depression, life transitions, dating/relationships, self-esteem, and career development. I work best with clients who are seeking to better understand themselves and live authentic, rewarding lives. Many of my clients desire clarity in their romantic and/or family relationships, and want to increase supportive, caring connections in all aspects of their lives. I support my clients in increasing their self-worth and self-knowledge to reach these goals.
I have a passion for working with women, BIPOC, and queer individuals. I am committed to learning and practicing anti-oppression and social justice centered therapy. As part of that commitment, I actively take time to surround myself with opportunities to learn about various lived experiences that are different from my own. I believe this is paramount in my role as a therapist and ally.
I recognize that we each have unique backgrounds, and we can be impacted in different ways by our intersecting identities. That’s why I take a multicultural, holistic approach to my work. I truly listen and seek to understand my clients’ unique experiences, allowing the therapeutic journey to unfold authentically. For my BIPOC and queer clients especially, I recognize the impact systemic racism and prejudice can have in many aspects of life. I find it important to process this impact in the therapy space. As a Black woman, I have experienced the disheartening and negative effects of conversations around systemic racism and oppression being avoided and/or disregarded in both school and work settings. With me, my clients can feel free to process what they are experiencing without judgment or dismissal. I understand the importance of having a space where you can feel seen, heard, and truly understood — and I strive to provide this for my clients.
Since childhood, I have had a passion for understanding our inner worlds and capacity for healing and resilience. I have always been curious about what motivates us and how our backgrounds and experiences impact our lives. Therapy was not encouraged or easily accessible in my community growing up. This was due to many societal and systemic factors, including the therapy space often feeling unwelcoming, unsafe, and culturally biased. It is important to me that marginalized individuals have opportunities to safely explore their inner worlds. They should have space to be vulnerable and not just be accepted, but cherished. I work to increase spaces that feel restorative, rather than harmful, while being mindful of cultural and systemic factors relevant to my clients.
It is important to me that marginalized individuals have opportunities to safely explore their inner worlds and be vulnerable, while feeling not just accepted, but cherished. I work to increase spaces that feel restorative rather than harmful, being mindful of cultural and systemic factors relevant to my clients.
I believe our childhood experiences can have a lasting impact on us, affecting how we move through life as adults. This impact can be broadened to how we view ourselves, how we view others, and how we connect in relationships. Fortunately, our past experiences can be worked through in adulthood. We go through important stages in our development that allow us to learn and grow. As adults we can intentionally sift through what we have learned to determine what we can hold onto and what we can release. That means we can empower ourselves to continue to learn and heal. This may involve confronting past lessons and adjusting so our futures can be aligned with who we truly are and what we truly want.
When working with clients, I use a psychodynamic approach and incorporate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), narrative, and mindfulness techniques when appropriate. While using these modalities, I tailor them to the individual client, affirming my client’s full story. I do not dismiss or pathologize my clients’ lived experiences, customs, or values.
I also incorporate mindfulness and a somatic focus in my work with clients. Sometimes, we are not able to verbalize what we are feeling. It can be helpful to stay in touch with our bodies and become aware of what we are feeling on a physical level. I encourage my clients to engage in activities with a mindful approach outside of our sessions. This might include taking walks or simply noticing present surroundings. I also utilize deep breathing, meditation, body scanning, and present awareness in sessions.
I understand how vulnerable this journey can be. As your therapist, I will walk alongside you on your journey in healing, allowing you a safe, open space to find and hone your authentic voice. My role is not to take the lead in your journey, but to support you in your own empowerment as you lead yourself to a present and future that feels right for you.
Outside of my therapy work, I advocate for social justice and collaborate with others who value similar work. I spend my free time reading young adult romance novels, listening to music (indie/alternative), painting, and hanging out with my beautiful cat, Matilda.
Tiffani Clay received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from New York University and Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northeastern Illinois University.
To schedule an appointment: info@mindfullifechicago.com
Sophia Ou LPC
License No. 178.018713
Licensed Professional Counselor
National Certified Counselor
Specialties
Hi folx! My name is Sophia, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I specialize in trauma recovery, racial/ethnic/cultural identity development, religious/spiritual abuse, intergenerational trauma, depression and anxiety. I have experience working with underserved populations and individuals experiencing complex trauma, depression, anxiety and relational difficulties.
Identity work has always been a crucial part of my story and upbringing. I identify as a queer non-binary femme, Cambodian-Chinese American, and a child of refugees and genocide survivors. Growing up in a single-parent household with traumatized adults made me passionate about navigating the complexities of trauma, marginalization, mental health stigma, perfectionism, identity and belonging. As such, I am driven to work with adult children of immigrants and hold a safe space for our intersectional identities. Our parents’ suffering does not negate our own; there is room for both pains to be witnessed and held.
My practice is holistic and rooted in anti-oppression. I recognize that even as a marginalized person, I am continually reflecting on my privilege, position and power as a queer, able-bodied, female-presenting therapist. To mitigate this power dynamic, I see myself and clients as interconnected beings; our healing and liberation is collective. I believe the therapeutic relationship is a sacred place to create depth; but at the same time, it isn’t the only place for healing. I strive for all my clients to build their community, and I find joy in working alongside those relationships. I do not rely on my clients to teach me about their experiences, and come in with a humble attitude of sacred space holding.
I believe we heal and grow best in the context of relationships. Through these connections we discover more parts of ourselves, each with its own worries and motivations. I enjoy working with clients to unpack the different parts of us that show up in everyday life, even the ones we don’t like. We will work together to get to know our parts with compassion, openness and curiosity. I believe our uncomfortable emotions provide a roadmap for us to build on our values, needs and desires. Soothing our discomfort is promising when we learn that we cannot control our feelings and thoughts, and when we learn that we can have a different relationship with them through acceptance.
I also approach my work through a trauma-informed lens, using mindfulness-based, somatic-based, and solution-focused modalities. I aim to create a safe partnership where you are the expert in your life and your agency is honored. I empower my clients to reclaim and discover their inner voice, while identifying strengths that may have been stifled by oppressive experiences. I also work with my clients to explore and clarify their values, provide tools, establish rituals and cultivate a mindful life, clearing a path toward their goals. I work best with clients who are willing to do the work and open to trying new things.
Growing up in a single-parent household with traumatized adults made me passionate about navigating the complexities of trauma, marginalization, mental health stigma, perfectionism, identity and belonging. As such, I am driven to work with adult children of immigrants and hold a safe space for our intersectional identities. Our parents’ suffering does not negate our own; there is room for both pains to be witnessed and held.
In an effort to decolonize mental health and create safer therapeutic spaces for BIPOC folx, my practice focuses on strengthening the mind-body connection and raising awareness of how systems can negatively impact wellbeing. My goal is to reimagine wellness beyond Western psychology, which centers thoughts as the source of suffering and disregards the effects of systemic oppression and bodily violence. While verbalizing our pain can be powerful, I believe it isn’t the only way to heal. As much as we can talk about traumatic experiences, there are still parts of us that constantly relive them. These experiences can get “stuck” in our bodies. Somatic-based practices can help us process and metabolize emotions in an embodied way. This might look like experiencing our emotions through sensory awareness; simply being compassionate observers of ourselves; or getting to know how joy, pain, and anxiety might flow through us. Then, we will be able to make new meanings and shift closer to change.
Outside of the therapy room, I enjoy listening to people’s stories. Since 2013, I have been involved in advocacy work for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence with the nonprofit Self-Reclaimed (formerly known as Good Knight). Its mission is to heal, empower, and unite survivors of SA and DV by providing trauma-informed, culturally sensitive and accessible resources to community members. I also volunteer to help families seeking asylum resettle in the Chicago area.
In my free time, I love to cook ancestral foods and to grow closer to my family lost during the genocide. I also take and offer Khmer language classes with my auntie for the Cambodian American community. You can find me at home cuddling with my cat, Bernie, doing footwork, breakdancing, lifting weights or doing yoga.
Sophia Ou received her Bachelor of Liberal Arts and Science in Psychology from University of Illinois at Chicago and Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Moody Theological Seminary.
To schedule an appointment: info@mindfullifechicago.com
Nui Waris LPC
License No. 178.020905
Specialties
Hi! My name is Nui (she/her). I am a psychotherapist, and at my core, I am a curious and empathic lover of stories. I believe everyone has their own story and deserves a space where their experiences are truly understood. This belief shapes my practice, which is especially focused on supporting women of color, adult children of immigrant parents, individuals working to manage their anxiety/overthinking, and individuals exploring their spirituality, cultural identity, self-worth, and relationship attachments. I am dedicated to supporting not just individuals but also couples, as I believe that our connections with others are fundamental to our healing processes. I value honesty, directness, and openness in my communication style and I work best with clients who share similar traits.
I am an adult child of immigrants and a Bengali American woman who grew up in the suburbs of Chicago. I am Muslim, spiritual, and have an ever-changing understanding of the world and myself. Growing up, I didn’t know how to navigate my bicultural American and Bengali Muslim identities in predominantly white communities. My brown traditions and visibly Muslim appearance made me feel alone and othered. I felt similar in my religious communities which felt strict and non-compassionate. As a young adult, I ventured off to connect with my authentic self. I joined communities where I learned about people through their art, navigated practicing Islam from a place of love and light, and attended my own therapy where I explored my own healing and recognized the intergenerational trauma and healing that was happening all around me in myself, my family and my communities. I eventually felt I had reached a place where I found my own voice, a balance of my identities, and tools to help me cope. Although I am always a work in progress, I began to re-think the fast-paced life we’re led to lead living in an oppressive, capitalist system. I slowed down, not as concerned with “achieving” healing, but more concerned with being “good enough” to live freely and peacefully. Because of this, I also have a strong passion for anything that inspires us to take a breath, be in the present, be in our bodies/souls, and be accepting of the person we are right now. I believe this is part of the pathway to collective liberation.
I think my backstory is important for you to know because it shapes how I show up in the therapy space. Therapy with me looks like me stepping out of my world and diving into yours alongside you. I aspire to understand without judgment and to see the world how you do while also exploring insights and new frontiers with honesty and compassion. This approach has also shaped how I use therapy techniques. In the therapy space, I gravitate towards using attachment work, polyvagal theory, somatic/body work, and parts/inner-child work.
Attachment Work: I believe we are naturally built to need love and connection. Therefore, when there are moments in our lives where we didn’t receive the love and connection we needed — whether it be a caregiver, family member, friend, community, or as we were taught to perceive from a Higher Power — our defenses naturally go up. This protective response shields us from vulnerability and potential hurt, but it also prevents us from forming deep and meaningful relationships with ourselves and others. In therapy, we work to gently lower these defenses. By understanding and healing these past wounds, we can open up to building more profound and empowering connections.
Polyvagal and Somatic/Body Work: A significant part of my therapeutic approach focuses on exploring & understanding how our bodies react under stress. It’s common to blame ourselves and wonder, ‘Why can’t I change? What am I doing wrong? Is something wrong with me?’. For instance, you might notice your heart racing, your breath quickening, or a feeling of stuckness and heaviness in a stressful situation—these are examples of your body’s fight, flight, and freeze responses. Understanding these reactions, allows us to shift from blaming ourselves to appreciating how our bodies are naturally trying to protect us. Moreover, by becoming more connected with our bodily sensations, we can address the physical symptoms of stress and trauma that we can’t always ‘talk’ ourselves out of.
Although I am always a work in progress, I began to re-think the fast-paced life we’re led to lead living in an oppressive, capitalist system. I slowed down, not as concerned with “achieving” healing, but more concerned with being “good enough” to live freely and peacefully. Because of this, I also have a strong passion for anything that inspires us to take a breath, be in the present, be in our bodies/souls, and be accepting of the person we are right now. I believe this is part of the pathway to collective liberation.
Parts/Inner-Child Work: I believe there are parts of us that battle each other. It can feel like you know something in your mind but it feels impossible to change. By getting to know these parts of ourselves, we can learn how to help them work together instead of against each other, ultimately serving your journey toward healing and wholeness.
I also practice with an understanding of the oppressive, capitalist structures that shape our lives. Often, the challenges we encounter stem not from personal failings but from societal expectations that emphasize relentless productivity and individualism with little focus on attuting to and caring for ourselves. As a woman of color, I recognize the ways I’ve had to navigate oppression and how it has shaped my life. Additionally, as an able-bodied, cis-gendered, heterosexual, middle-class individual, I am conscious of the privileges I hold and this awareness drives me to practice cultural humility. I am committed to striving continuously to understand and respect the diverse lived experiences of all my clients. In our therapy sessions, I aim to foster a sanctuary where we can collectively process the impacts of these systemic forces, dismantle ingrained harmful doctrines, and explore ways to live authentically within our society while reducing harm. This space is ours to find balance and foster healing together.
As a therapist, I offer a perspective shaped not only by my professional training but also by my personal experiences. I’ve navigated anxious attachment in relationships, neurodivergence, and managing PCOS. I don’t have all the answers because, like many of us, I’m still on that journey myself. Yet, this personal understanding of the challenges we face deepens my empathy and strengthens my commitment to working alongside you.
While all these beliefs guide my therapy style and they have been paths that worked for myself and other clients, I am, first and foremost, a companion who will walk alongside you, listen to you with warmth, and be a holder of your unique story. You are the priority and we will work together to unravel your story and continue to write it with you holding the pen.
A little bit about me outside of the therapy space— I am (as I mentioned) a lover of stories so I like to read, watch TV/movies, listen to podcasts and occasionally write. I prefer fantasy, sci-fi, and dystopian genres. I also enjoy playing board games with family and friends (My favorite is Everdell!), coloring, decorating my home, being in nature or around water, and casually playing pickleball.
Nui Waris received her Bachelor’s in information Decision Sciences, Minor in Psychology from University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) and Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.
To schedule an appointment: info@mindfullifechicago.com
Susan Tran
After earning my undergraduate degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Michigan State University, my career has taken several turns—from HR to software quality assurance, and now to office management. Each shift reflects my natural inclination to grow and adapt, a journey that I'm continuing at Mindful Life Counseling.
I am a queer Asian American, fluent in Chinese, Vietnamese, and English. My diverse background and lived experiences shape how I manage our office, ensuring that our clients and clinicians receive the support they need. I apply my skills to improve our practice’s operations, making sure our environment is welcoming and effective for everyone.
At Mindful Life, I have found a place where I feel both seen and included, and it is my goal to ensure that every client feels that same sense of belonging and understanding when they contact us.
Moving from the tech industry to Mindful Life Counseling was a significant change, driven by my desire to be part of a community that values inclusivity and understands the importance of mental health. At Mindful Life, I have found a place where I feel both seen and included, and it is my goal to ensure that every client feels that same sense of belonging and understanding when they contact us.
Outside of work, I enjoy painting—especially characters from my favorite Anime series. I spend most of my free time with my fiancé and our long-haired dachshund, Frank.