Erika Chavez, LCSW

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