About
"I became a therapist, to empower those whose voices have often felt silenced or feel like they do not have someone in their corner."
Why I became a therapist
Hi, I’m Tia! I became a therapist because I truly believe that every person, no matter their background, deserves to be heard and showcase their value. I realized, however, that often mental health can be put on the back burner due to life circumstances, lack of access, and stigma. Although this may be the case, it does not mean that any person is less deserving of empathy, positive regard, and overall kindness. This is why I became a therapist, to empower those whose voices have often felt silenced or feel like they do not have someone in their corner. I want to create an environment that you know is safe and available no matter the good, the bad, and everything that happens in between.
Who I work with
My areas of interest include working with adolescents, young adults, and families/couples. In addition, as a South Asian immigrant, I am passionate about working with the BIPOC and immigrant communities to help normalize therapy. I know that these populations often experience struggles specifically relating to their identity and culture and thus I am always working through a culturally competent lens and learning how intersectionality affects one’s mental health. Overall, I help guide those I work with through life challenges, the difficulties of interpersonal relationships, the complex reactions of trauma, and anxiety/stress.
"As my client you come first, so I will strive to make the therapeutic process collaborative and centered around your goals, with some friendly challenges thrown in at times."
Working With Me
The foundation for therapy, I feel, is the relationship. I want to create an environment that feels approachable and safe to every individual and thus I believe in approaching my therapeutic work with unconditional positive regard, empathy, and a strengths-based mindset. As my client you come first, so I will strive to make the therapeutic process collaborative and centered around your goals, with some friendly challenges thrown in at times. I utilize an integrative approach in my work, individualizing treatment to the needs of each person; this can include cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, Erickson’s theory of development, and mindfulness methods. At the core, however, I believe our relationships, whether they be with family, friends, or romantic partners, are what shape us; and so I often incorporate interpersonal and attachment-based theories and methods into every session.
My Qualifications and trainings
- I graduated with my Bachelor’s Degree from The Ohio State University as a double major in Psychology and Criminology, and a minor in Legal Foundations;
- I received my Masters Degree in Forensic Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology;
- I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR);
- I am a member of the American Psychology-Law Society (APLS);
- I am trained in trauma-informed work, including specialized trainings on the topics of domestic violence, immigrant-specific mental health issues, adverse childhood experiences (ACES), suicidality in adolescent populations, and vicarious trauma.