Anya (she/her) believes that every individual is unique, and that starting therapy can be difficult no matter your age. A person’s mental health is very important, and while it can be burdensome to start the process of improving it, reaching out for support is an important first step. Anya likes to spend the first session getting to know her clients and their goals. Then, through building- trust, Anya’s objective is to co-create an environment where clients feel open, relaxed, and comfortable. Therapy can be challenging, and at times it may be tempting to give up, but Anya is committed to supporting clients through all ebbs and flows of the journey to ensure clients get the most out of each session.
Anya received her Masters in Social Work from Loyola University Chicago where she specialized in mental health and gerontology. Anya has spent the last five years at the University of Chicago Medical Center working on the adult inpatient side, while managing private practice on the side. When working with clients, Anya likes to use a variety of therapeutic models. Not everyone benefits from the same standard practice, so she aims to customize her approach. Her primary models of practice are psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral therapy, strength-based, motivational interviewing, and acceptance and commitment theory. She believes that in order to change a person’s thought patterns (CBT) you need to look at their past and how these patterns started (psychodynamic). Anya has experience with anxiety, grief and loss, depression, adjustment to chronic illness, familial dementia stressors, and sibling relationships.
Anya enjoys spending time with her 70lb rescue dog Roland, watching sports, completing jigsaw puzzles and reading.