Clinicians - Chicago
Dr. Terry Dornak, Psy.D., CCATP
Clinical Psychologist | Clinical Director
I received my Doctorate of Psychology and Master of Arts from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. I have gained my therapeutic experience not only working in private practice settings but through working in residential settings as well.
It is my goal that each person who steps into my office feels comfortable and accepted. I respect each individual's culture, gender, race, and sexual identity. I am passionate about my field and believe that each individual that comes into my office is unique. I use an integrated approach that includes cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and psychodynamic techniques. I work with each client to design a treatment plan that meets his or her own personal needs and goals. I enjoy working with children, adolescents, and adults, and I provide individual, family, as well as relationship therapy.
I have extensive experience and training in treating mood disorders, personality disorders, anxiety, substance use, and anger. In addition, I specialize in treating the psychological struggles frequently associated with chronic pain including anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship difficulties. I also specialize in treating post-partum depression and infertility.
I welcome feedback from my clients. When a client feels that a certain technique is not working, I encourage him or her to tell me so that we can work together to find another technique that may work better. I think therapy is definitely a team effort.
Dr. Ivy Burgo, Psy.D., LPC
Clinical Psychologist
We all endure adversities and challenges that can cause us to question our identities, our relationships, and our lives. Navigating and processing these experiences on our own can leave us feeling overwhelmed, confused, and lonely. It is in the midst of such distress that we benefit deeply from receiving warm and empathetic support.
Given the unique complexity of each person’s life experiences, I emphasize multicultural sensitivity and the use of a holistic approach to therapy. Honoring who you are is an essential part of experiencing a collaborative and compassionate relationship. Therapy is a space for you to feel seen, validated, and supported while working towards goals that reflect your own needs and desires in wellness and personal growth.
My therapeutic orientation is humanistic integrative. I utilize evidence-based therapeutic models, as well as specialize in the use of clinical hypnosis. I adapt the therapy and interventions to the unique needs of each person that I work with. I incorporate trauma-focused approaches and specialize in working with traumatic stress, grief and loss, medical conditions, navigating relationship dynamics and life transitions, as well as managing anxiety and depression.
I earned my doctorate in clinical psychology from Adler University. I have experience serving as a clinician in college communities, residential and primary care settings, and in community mental health agencies. In addition to my work as a therapist, my clinical research has focused on therapeutic care for women who have experienced loss due to sustaining spinal cord injuries.
Dr. Nadia Hallak, Psy.D., LPC
Post-Doctoral Psychology Fellow
With all the stressors in our society today, a client is in need of an empathetic, caring clinician who can be a main source of support and offer effective therapeutic treatment. I believe the most important element in a therapeutic relationship is empathy. I work to learn about the client’s world and the experiences they endured so as to truly understand their emotions and worldview. With my knowledge, experience, and empathy I can help each client improve and reach their goal. I identify with my client, normalize their experience, and instill hope in gaining an effective therapeutic outcome. I genuinely care about the welfare of every client. Nothing makes me happier then to see my client improve and enhance the quality of their life.
I accept every client and try to make them feel comfortable. I also motivate the client to reach their goals with effective therapeutic treatments. My therapeutic orientation consists of Client-centered therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and EMDR. I enjoy working with clients from all different age groups. My specialty includes cultural psychology, acculturation and assimilation. I also have experience working with Post traumatic Stress Disorder, Mood disorders, Personality disorders and Couples. I have earned both my doctorate degree and masters degree in clinical psychology as well as many years of experience as a Psychology Professor which enhances therapy. I look forward to hearing the client's experience and being their main support throughout their journey in life and in therapy. I want to help the client and will try my best to help them reach their ultimate goal in therapy.
In addition I speak English, Arabic, and Hebrew.
Jing Han, LPC
Therapist
I believe we’re naturally good and unfortunately taught to feel shame, worthlessness, inadequacy, and the ideas of “bad” and “wrong”. I’m dedicated to providing a non-judgmental environment to support clients, explore their situations, and achieve their goals. I strive to hear and understand your feelings, past and current experiences, as well as to provide information and new coping strategies to help you deal with your concerns, difficulties, and struggles. We will sort out what’s going on in your life and sort it out together.
I received my Master’ degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Adler University. I have received training in CBT, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and personality disorders treatment and management. It is my goal to keep enlarging my toolbox in order to provide more efficient and effective support to my clients.
The differences between cultures, languages, and environments may cause frustration or even conflict, and having new information and ways to handle them will create fresh insights and help you accomplish your goals. I hope after every session my client feel more confident, having healthier boundaries, and enjoy their lives more.
I offer therapy to individuals, couples, and families in English, Mandarin, and Japanese.
Glynis Fresia, LPC
Therapist
I work with women or individuals on the feminine spectrum, including LGBTQ+, specializing in trauma and complex trauma. Symptoms most associated with trauma include anxiety and panic attacks, fear, anger, irritability, obsessions, compulsions, shock, emotional numbing, detachment, depression, shame, and guilt. Trauma can be associated with a single event, known or unknown to the individual, or it can be considered complex, which is prolonged exposure to distressing environments and circumstances. I have extensive experience working with individuals that have been victims of family or intimate partner abuse and violence. Additionally, I work with life changes, low self-esteem, interpersonal relationships, and finding balance.
My approach involves creating a safe space to regulate anxiety symptoms and process emotions to heal, find meaning, and become empowered in life. I use a person-centered approach to work with the unique concerns of each individual. I also integrate Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive
Behavior Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic, Psychoeducation, and Existential Therapy.
Teletherapy provided in Illinois and Texas
Santina Bianco, LPC
Therapist
Adler University was important to me because of its emphasis on social justice and community engagement. Being a part of the Chicago community has opened my eyes as I am originally from a small town. Being a small fish in a big pond has allowed me opportunities and experiences that I feel has helped me grow as a counselor.
I have gained therapeutic experience working in residential settings such as Chicago Public Schools, juvenile residential centers, and crisis centers. My passion involves working with children, adolescents, and young adults while promoting diversity. I provide individual, group, and family therapy. My experience consists of treating a range of mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, conduct disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, attention deficient hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), adjustment disorder, and anger.
My approach is integrated combining evidence-based practices including client-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and Adlerian therapy. My area of specialty involves the use of play therapy. Play therapy is psychotherapeutic approach primarily used to help individuals freely express their emotions and thoughts through the use of play. Therapeutic play is a way for me to help individuals with academic, behavioral, social, or emotional issues with those who express communication differently. Verbal communication is not for all of us and can be intimidating. I prefer getting to know someone while doing something active or fun.
My passion is to help my clients reach their fullest potential by using their strengths to foster independence. My style of therapy involves meeting my clients where they are currently at. My goal is to provide a unique and authentic counseling experience where one can feel accepted for being yourself. I seek to provide a safe and collaborative space to help develop trust to facilitate growth in the therapeutic relationship.
Sofia Newaz, LPC
Therapist
During our time, it is my goal to help provide and guide the client to learning skills to better regulate their emotions, develop coping skills, and become better communicators with those around them while setting healthy boundaries. The goal is to best manage all that goes on around them and the feelings that follow. My theoretical orientations are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Person-Centered Therapy, and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT). I have found these modalities to be highly beneficial for clients to accept and embrace their thoughts and feelings while identifying their triggers and learn ongoing coping skills.
We will probably laugh during our sessions and naturally talk about random things. I believe that the therapeutic relationship we have between us as a therapist and client is the strongest tool that we have. It is my goal that clients who work with me feel comfortable and at ease during our sessions. I am dedicated to creating an open-minded and non-judgemental space where laughing, crying, venting and all the things are perfectly welcome during our sessions. I believe that you have the power and strength to grow and change from within, and the goal during our sessions would be to provide you with the tools to get you there. I trust that our relationship will help you stay accountable for reaching your own goals inside and outside of the sessions.
I have worked with adolescents of various ethnic backgrounds and can empathize with specific struggles that the minority population may face today, as a First Generation Bangladeshi American. Everyone has a story that deserves to be heard. I allow people to tell their stories in a way that helps them feel understood. When it comes to those who have experienced trauma, therapy can be a safe space to explore your narrative or even open up about parts of your story that you have never shared before. I hope to provide a safe, comfortable, and non-judgemental space for you to share your story and experience the growth you are looking for.
Languages spoken: English and Bengali
Brittany Bogdajewicz, LPC
Therapist
We all have unique innate strengths that create our inner awesomeness. However, sometimes we forget or lack the skills to nurture these qualities when we are consumed by the chaos of our day-to-day lives. By recognizing and developing these qualities we will come to recognize and “own our awesome.” Together, we will take the first steps on your journey to maximize your full potential. We‘ll identify and work on areas where you get stuck, to increase your alignment with your values, as we develop practices that create life-changing shifts and lasting results.
I am a licensed professional counselor. I completed my Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from DePaul University in Chicago. Throughout my career, I’ve held positions in outpatient therapy and residential treatment programs. I have worked with diverse populations and ages including adolescents and teens, adults, and individuals with chronic mental health and physical health issues. I use an integrative approach of strengths-based, person-centered, and psychodynamic techniques. I strongly believe in the importance of the therapeutic alliance and that clients should feel safe and supported. Each session we will collaborate on your treatment to help you meet your personal needs and goals.
Jaya Vanga, LPC
Therapist
I believe and work on a simple principle that “an individual is aware of solution to their problem they just need someone to listen, validate and bring their own solutions to their awareness”. I am dedicated to providing non-judgmental, supporting, safe and self-aware environment to clients, who are capable of healing their trauma, managing emotional distress with new knowledge on their situations, utilizing new coping skills, self-compassion, self-forgiveness, setting boundaries, developing their self-esteem and trusting their capabilities of reaching goals, while finding meaning and balance in their lives, in work and relationships.
I believe no one is a good or bad person, situations. How an individual behave/react to these situations make them self-critize, blame and label themselves as good or bad. I am committed to providing a safe space where the thoughts, feelings and emotions can be openly expressed, concerns/trauma of the past and present can be shared, worries of the future can be identified and brought to awareness, while learning new ways of practicing and implementing coping skills in addressing difficulties and struggles.
I received my Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. I have experience of working with Adults, Teenagers who struggle with trauma, stress, anxiety, depression, and adjustment to new environment. I integrate Person Centered Skills, Gestalt skills, Self-Compassion, Self-Forgiveness, and Mindfulness skills while addressing concerns of clients.
Languages spoken: English, Hindi and Telugu.
Dr. Kristin Amicone, Psy.D.
Post-Doctoral Psychology Fellow
Finding balance in this unpredictable world can sometimes seem unachievable. Together, we can find a balance that best fits you. My goal for therapy is teaching you the skills needed to find your balance so you can flourish in your daily life. Whatever your journey has been, I will help you implement knowledge and tools to overcome barriers from the past, present, and future. I am here to listen from a neutral perspective with expertise in psychological health and the influence it can have on the rest of our biological system. My clinical skills reflect all ages across the lifespan as I have worked with children, adolescents, adults, and older adults. With this, I am flexible in aiding in treatment among various cohorts and in a multitude of settings.
Through my training in health service psychology at Kansas City University, I was able to work closely with medical students in training to become knowledgeable in the process of collaborative care. I am willing to work with you and any of your providers to ensure advocacy for your comprehensive wellbeing. You will not feel alone or unheard throughout our treatment together as I will work collaboratively with you to ensure the best care.
The evidence-based treatments I commonly use in practice include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing (MI), solution-focused therapy (SFT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and cognitive processing therapy (CPT). I am well versed in neurocognitive deficit interventions, mood disturbances, substance use interventions, and trauma processing. Additionally, I have done extensive research in women’s health issues including PMDD, postpartum depression and anxiety, and other menstrual conditions.
Teletherapy provided in Florida and Illinois for adolescents, adults, and older adults
Eri Cela, LMFT
Therapist
A world of possibilities opens when you attend to your inner world, let go of what is holding you back, access your power, and prepare yourself to meet life with courage and purpose. My call as a therapist is to help you reach for this unique potential. Together we will discover and attend to what is important to you, go after the life you desire and deserve, and help you feel pride and joy in being you.
Over a span of 10 years, I have worked and gained experience in a variety of clinical settings: community mental health, university campus, outpatient psychiatry, and private practice. Building skills to treat a wide range of mental health issues has provided me with a strong foundation to shift more fully towards the type of therapy I love doing the most: interpersonal psychotherapy. I enjoy helping individuals and couples to overcome challenges they face in their relationships, support those who are experiencing life transitions as well as those who are seeking to make important changes in their lives.
I like to approach every session collaboratively. Together will create experiences similar to those troubling you and help you work through them in real time during the session. A lot goes into making an experience, and I will support you to examine not just your thoughts but also pay close attention to your body, emotions, values, and behaviors. In every session we’ll have courageous conversations as well as moments of lightness, opportunities to dive deep into what is important to you and opportunities to exhale and, why not, share a laugh.
Teletherapy provided in Florida and Illinois