We are on a mission to make it easier than ever to find someone to talk to – whether you’re struggling with daily stress or facing moments of crisis, we’re here when it matters.

I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology at the University of Illinois Chicago, with a strong interest in completing an MSW and becoming a Mental Health Therapist. My work is grounded in compassion, cultural humility, and a deep commitment to supporting individuals as they navigate their healing journeys.

As the eldest child in my family, I've always taken on roles that involve guidance, care, and responsibility. Those experiences shaped my passion for helping others and continue to influence the way I show up for my community. I'm dedicated to providing support, sharing resources, and creating spaces where people feel understood and empowered.

What's your favorite way to recharge?
A good snack plus a mystery or romantic comedy show, or watching ASMR to relax and regulate my nervous system.

What's one place you'd love to travel to?
I'd love to travel to Switzerland some day! I know it's expensive, but I admire the greenery, mountains, cafes, and vibe they have going on.

Hi! My name is Gwenny Geissler, I am an undergraduate student at DePaul University studying Psychology and German. I'm interested in the psychological implications of living in a climate crisis and how community can lead us to leaving the planet a better place!

What's one place you'd love to travel to?
I'd love to travel to Vietnam!

What's a random fun fact about you?
I can juggle!

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My experience spans a wide range of areas and populations, giving me the opportunity to work with people from many different backgrounds and different stages of life. I help people navigate challenges, transitions, relationships, identity, and the pressures that come with simply trying to figure life out.

My style is direct, honest, and grounded in real conversation. I focus on what’s actually happening in your life, what keeps showing up, and what may be getting in the way. I’ll listen, challenge when it matters, and help you sort through the noise without judgment.

Therapeutic Approaches:

• Adlerian
• Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Person-Centered
• Gestalt
• Existential

Favorite food or comfort meal?

Wings, usually buffalo but I don't discriminate.

What's your ideal Saturday look like?

I'm on a quest to do nothing. Anything that is peaceful is an ideal Saturday.

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I am a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with more than 14 years of nursing experience and a passion for helping individuals improve their mental health and overall quality of life. I provide compassionate, evidence-based psychiatric care with a focus on understanding each patient as a whole person—not simply a diagnosis or set of symptoms.

My approach to treatment is collaborative and individualized. I believe patients should feel heard, respected, and actively involved in decisions about their care. I work with individuals experiencing concerns such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, mood disorders, sleep difficulties, and other mental health challenges. Treatment may include psychiatric evaluation, medication management, supportive psychotherapy, psychoeducation, and lifestyle interventions based on each person's unique needs and goals.

I understand that reaching out for mental health care can sometimes feel overwhelming or vulnerable. My goal is to create a supportive and nonjudgmental environment where patients feel comfortable discussing their concerns, asking questions, and working together toward meaningful and sustainable improvements in their mental health.

Therapeutic Approaches:

• Evidence-Based Psychiatric Interventions
• Medication Management & Psychoeducation
• Supportive Psychotherapy
• Lifestyle & Wellness Support
• Collaborative, Patient-Centered Care

What's currently on repeat in your headphones?

“Eternal Light” by Free Nationals featuring Chronixx

What's one place you'd love to travel to?

Greece

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Hello! My name is Valeria Perez-Arriaga, and I am an undergraduate student at the University of Illinois Chicago studying Biochemistry on the Pre-Med track, expected to graduate in May of 2027. I aspire to become a psychiatrist and bridge existing gaps between medicine and mental health.

Favorite food or comfort meal?
Chilaquiles rojos

What's currently on repeat in your headphones?
Donna Summer!!

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Hey, I'm Kyra! I'm a second-year Master of Social Work student at the University of Chicago and a proud Howard University graduate, where I studied Human Development. I'll be graduating in 2028. I'm passionate about mental health, with a special interest in Black maternal mental health and supporting children and families. I'm looking forward to growing my clinical skills while learning from the incredible team at SHFT.

Outside of school and work, you'll usually find me binging the latest season of Real Housewives, enjoying a beautiful Chicago summer along the lakefront, or trying a new restaurant with family and friends.

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I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner student at Saint Louis University, graduating in December 2026. I'm interested in working with young folks and their families, particularly those navigating anxiety and eating disorder concerns. I have experience as a registered nurse in pediatric and adult settings and currently work in a residential eating disorder recovery center.

If I weren't working in mental health, I'd probably be:

A baker!

What's your favorite way to unwind after a long day?

I unwind by spending time with my family or going for a long run along the lakefront trail.

Hi, I'm Jon! I join SHFT as a clinical intern from the Institute for Clinical Social Work (ICSW) in Chicago, where I'm a student in the MA in Clinical Counseling and Psychotherapy program, with training rooted in psychoanalytic theory and practice (expected graduation 2027). My background bridges clinical care and operations, including roles in clinical quality, technology, and research at Frontier Psychiatry and Mayo Clinic. I'm passionate about pairing depth-oriented, psychoanalytic care with clinical quality and operational excellence — and about cross-system approaches to healthcare that treat the whole person, meeting everyone exactly as they come.

What's currently on repeat in your headphones?

Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young

What's your favorite way to unwind after a long day?

Playing catch with my adorable miniature Goldendoodle Sofi in the park next to our building!

Hi! I'm Ella, a graduate-level clinical counseling intern.

I work with individuals across the lifespan dealing with anxiety, stress, life transitions, identity, and performance pressure. My clinical approach blends cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), solution-focused therapy, and the incorporation of somatic-based practices—grounding, breath, and mindfulness—because the body and mind are equally important in how we process stress and trauma. I value a collaborative approach to therapy. Together, we can build coping skills, strengthen self-awareness, develop resilience, and work toward meaningful growth and healing.

What's your favorite way to unwind after a long day?

Ordering food from somewhere I haven't tried yet (the choices are never ending!) and getting cozy to watch a movie. You can also often find me in the yoga studio—getting some movement in is how I reset after a long day.

What's one thing you want clients to know about you?

I'm excited you found SHFT—now let's get you back to feeling like your best self :)

Hi! I’m Jason Shaw Jr., a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. I approach therapy through a liberation and social justice lens, grounded in trauma-informed care, to help clients feel a true sense of belonging in the therapeutic space.

Through a Liberation Psychology framework, I support clients—particularly those from BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and other intentionally marginalized communities—in identifying and navigating anxiety, stress, and mental health challenges within the context of oppression, trauma, and broader sociopolitical experiences. My hope is to help reduce feelings of hopelessness while building tools for healing, resilience, and empowerment.

I have extensive experience working with children, adolescents, and adults, and I focus on building intentional, trusting relationships where clients feel safe to be fully themselves. I strive to create a respectful, compassionate space while collaboratively developing skills and drawing from evidence-based practices to support each client’s goals. As a Black man, I am mindful of how I show up in the therapeutic space and aim to lead with honesty, humility, and care.

Therapeutic Approaches:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Liberation Therapy
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Play Therapy
• Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
• Motivational Interviewing (MI)
• Person-Centered Therapy (PCT)

Favorite food or comfort meal?

My crawfish boil or Small Bar's smash burger

What's your ideal Saturday look like?

Wake up, go on a long run; spend time with family; hang with friends with some natural wine and music in the background; and, depending on the season, watch a game in my backyard.

I have my Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling and Behavioral Medicine from Boston University School of Medicine.

My clinical experience includes working with individuals and families across the lifespan in a variety of settings, including hospitals, emergency departments, inpatient detox units, and PHP/IOP programs. I have worked closely with folks navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and major life stressors; I'm especially passionate about supporting those impacted by community violence and/or navigating racial and cultural trauma.

In therapy, I aim to create a space that feels collaborative, grounded, and genuine. My approach draws from CBT, DBT, ACT, and Narrative modalities to meet each person's unique needs and goals. As a POC therapist, I am deeply committed to providing culturally responsive, anti-racist care where clients feel respected, understood, and safe to show up authentically.

Therapeutic Approaches:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Narrative Therapy

What's your ideal Saturday look like?

Sleeping in, getting bagels, and being outside with friends and family!

What's one place you'd love to travel to?

Lapland, to see the Northern Lights

I am a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with clinical experience across Partial Hospitalization (PHP), Intensive Outpatient (IOP), outpatient psychiatry, and inpatient psychiatric settings. I am passionate about helping individuals achieve lasting mental wellness through evidence-based treatment, personalized medication management, and a collaborative approach to care.

I believe mental health treatment should be tailored to the unique needs, goals, and experiences of each individual. My approach integrates medication management, supportive psychotherapy, and lifestyle interventions to create comprehensive treatment plans that address the whole person—not just their symptoms. I understand that seeking mental health support can feel vulnerable, and I strive to create a welcoming, supportive environment where patients feel heard, respected, and empowered throughout their treatment journey.

Therapeutic Approaches:

• Evidence-Based Psychiatric Interventions
• GeneSight
• Lifestyle & Nutritional Support
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

What's currently on repeat in your headphones?

"She's Always a Woman" by Billy Joel

What's one place you'd love to travel to?

Antarctica

I specialize in working with OCD and complex anxiety, including agoraphobia, emetophobia, and social anxiety. I work with individuals, families, and couples across all ages, addressing anxiety, behavioral challenges, relationships, and support with communication. My clinical background includes pediatric inpatient and PHP/IOP levels of care, where I focused on treating complex anxiety and OCD.

My work is grounded in evidence-based practices and focuses on building emotional insight, strengthening coping skills, and helping you make choices that align with your values.

Therapeutic Approaches:

• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
• Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

What's currently on repeat in your headphones?

I love a song hyper-fixation moment... currently I'm still listening to "This Music May Contain Hope" by RAYE

What's something that always makes you laugh?

I can always laugh when I am with my family and friends... maybe at a good dinner or my cousin's lake house

Hello! I’m Kaylin. I’m so glad you’re here. I received my undergraduate degree in psychology from Louisiana State University and went on to earn my master's degree in clinical mental health counseling with a certificate in trauma work from Wheaton College. Over the years, I’ve provided evidence-based, trauma-focused therapy with individuals, couples, and families in hospital, community, and private practice settings. I find developing relationships with individuals as a clinician, and as a person, deeply fulfilling.

In therapy, I prioritize allowing space for all the feelings and thoughts that we may believe we can never share with another person.

For individuals who desire it, I also offer faith-based counseling. I deeply respect the role that faith and spirituality can play in healing, mindfulness, meaning making, and identity. I am comfortable integrating Christian faith into sessions through prayer, Scripture, and spiritually informed conversations when requested, while always honoring each client’s autonomy and beliefs. Faith is never assumed—but when it is central to your life, it can be meaningfully incorporated into our work together.

Therapeutic Approaches:

• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Internal Family Systems (IFS)
• Person-Centered Therapy (PCT)
• Faith-Based Counseling

What's your ideal Saturday look like?

Having a slow morning, going for a long walk in a park or by the lake, spending time with my family and friends, reading, drawing or painting, and definitely trying a new coffeeshop or food spot!

What's a random fun fact about you?

My family used to own a pet store in our small hometown, and we ended up getting attached to a dog that became our pet! He was a French bulldog, and I now get excited and stop whatever I am doing when I see them around in Chicago.

Hi! I'm Bailey, and I'm so glad you're here. I am an avid advocate for kids and teens, which inspired my transition from teaching to social work in 2022. Clinically, I've focused on treating mood and anxiety disorders, school avoidance and parent skills work, suicidal thinking and behaviors, and childhood trauma. Most recently, I worked at Lurie Children's, where I led individual, group, and family therapy. My therapeutic approach draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. Above all, I believe in building strong, genuine therapeutic relationships with clients and collaborating with important people in clients' lives to provide the best possible care.

Therapeutic Approaches:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
• Motivational Interviewing (MI)

What's your favorite way to unwind after a long day?

Going on a sunset walk in my neighborhood and treating myself to ice cream 😋

If I weren't working in mental health, I'd probably be:

Trying to make it as the next Broadway star 🎤