Relationship and Marriage Counseling In Chicago

Licensed Professional Counselor, State of Illinois #178.016420

My mission is to collaborate with couples to teach more effective ways of communicating in order to help reduce conflict, and increase connection and intimacy. I have a strong desire to work with couples and individuals, who are healing from trauma, or who are experiencing other mental health issues. I am passionate about working with the LGBTQIA+ community, individuals, and couples,

addressing issues of gender identity, sexual orientation, and those in the polyamorous community.

I work from a Trauma-Informed Cognitive Behavioral approach and also utilize Solution-Focused Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy and Systemic Family Therapy. I strive to assist in minimizing the impact of depression, anxiety and distress, and collaborating with you to explore new coping styles to help improve the quality of your relationships and personal life.

My background is in working with children, couples, and families in the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. I have experience supporting individuals to address issues of abuse, neglect, sexual trauma, substance abuse, intimate partner violence, gender and identity issues, and interpersonal difficulties. I will work to understand your relationship by understanding you, as an individual, and your relationship with your partner or partners. 

Education: Carissa holds a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and has completed a Certificate in Couple and Family Counseling from Northeastern Illinois University.

Supervised by Michael Villarreal, LCPC, State of Illinois #180010064 

Specialties include:

• Adults Coping with Previous Trauma or Abuse

• Child, Adolescent & Family Therapy

• Clients in Distress or Crisis

• Conflict Resolution

• Depressive and Anxiety Disorders

• Gender and Sexual Identity Issues

• Grief and Loss

• Intimacy Issues

• Relationship Issues

• Young Adult Adjustment & Transition Issues

Accepted Insurance: 

• BlueCross BlueShield - BlueChoice PPO
• BlueCross BlueShield - Preferred PPO
• BlueCross BlueShield - Blue Options/BlueChoice Options
• BlueCross BlueShield - Participating Provider Organization
• CIGNA Behavioral Health 
• Sliding Scale offered

• Offer to cook their favorite dinner for them one night this week
• Write them a letter about why you are grateful for them during this time
• Be curious of their day, giving your full attention, removing phones and screens
• Surprise them with a home date night
• Schedule a surprise video call with their family or friends
• When you are the one doing the grocery run sneak in their favorite snack
• Take the Love Languages Quiz with them 
• Share appreciation 
• Write them a poem
• Do some chores or pick up around the house
• Explore new indoor activities with them 
• Have a movie night and let them pick the movie 
• Make a movie or a short video with them 
• Dance – All.  Night.  Long.  
• Play their favorite board game
• Encourage them to share their feelings with you
• Ask them what they might need
• Give a 45-second hug