My name is Anissa (they/she). I believe that meaningful and healthy relationships with friends, families, and partners leads to high quality of life and personal well-being. Having grown up as a queer child in a biracial, bicultural, traditional conservative family in rural Illinois, I have experience with the challenges of navigating different needs in families and building strong bonds across difference.
I am a bicultural, biracial Mexican American, bringing a joyful, direct communication-style to build trust and rapport with clients based on mutual respect. My therapeutic approach is based in curiosity, humor, creativity, and being present in the “now.” I enjoy collaboration, knowing that healing comes in building trust through relationships.
My approach is grounded in building a strong relationship with you as a client – a flexible, accountable, collaborative, and meaningful relationship that supports you in your goals. I want to go deeper into emotions and vulnerabilities that emerge in therapy, supporting clients to explore these emotions in a safe environment.
As a relational therapist, I aim to support people to find the unique balance that builds strong relationships that can weather life’s storms. I am committed to seeing clients of all backgrounds and experiences, particularly those healing from trauma, experiencing anxiety and depression, and navigating life changes.
One of my specialities are youth who are seeking safety and support in exploring their identities, as well as supporting their families in navigating their children’s identities and needs. I am also skilled at working with couples who are struggling with communication, power dynamics, and transitions in their relationships.
Therapy is a vulnerable, explorative, and imaginative space. Together, we will build an authentic connection to collaborate towards your goals with optimism and care.