Compassion and understanding are the values that shape my practice and my personal life. With those in mind, I offer clients complementary methodologies and a highly personalized approach tailored to their needs. I work with each individual to help them build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they are committed to accomplishing.
Raquel Flores-Maki
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in individual, couples, trauma work (EMDR trained), and family therapy. I maintain a private practice in Chicago, Illinois and have over 25 years of experience as mental health professional. I am a graduate of the University of Illinois. I am also Gottman trained for marriage counseling and EMDR trained. I have done extensive work with trauma and continue to build my skills to help those I work with.
I use a variety of treatment modalities to tailor the needs of each client. I believe in a systems approach to therapy that incorporates all areas of a client's life. As a Latinx female, I believe it's important to address cultural strengths and challenges . Bringing our stories to the table and examining how our cultures have impacted our lives and world view.
I will provide a safe space to process your feelings. I believe that our time together in therapy will help you to build skills that you will transfer into your daily life. It is important that we have a strong attachment. Building strong attachments is what I consider to be a strength of mine. Together we will build on the strengths in your life and target the stressors. We will develop healthy coping skills and challenge any cognitive distortions. I believe in a team approach in which we will work together to develop your treatment goals.
I have learned so much from clients during these very difficult almost three years. Nobody prepared us for the last three years and I can say that I did not learn in Social Work School how to manage the crisis we have been through. Throughout my time working with our clients I have gathered qualitative research and stories that have been hard and wonderful all at the same time. This time has also allowed me to grow as a clinician and pushed me to continue to learn and build my skills. I am also seeing a big push for mental health needs and it is become less of a stigma to admit you are doing some work for yourself. Everyone needs someone to talk to....
Elizabeth (Beth) McNamara
I am committed to providing compassionate, strength-based counseling through reflective conversation. I bring culturally sensitive professional training and experience to the relationship. I work with people to promote personal growth and and am inspired by the strength in telling one’s story. I believe that the relationship with my clients is the critical piece to making change happen. Establishing trust, creating a safe space to address your issues, and being responsive are the foundation of therapy.
After earning a Bachelor’s in Spanish & Latino Studies, I lived in Mexico, Ecuador, and Guatemala. I then received a Masters’ Degree in Counseling from The Illinois School of Professional Psychology. I have worked in social services with the Spanish speaking community since 2001 and have broad experience in working with populations at risk. Additionally, I have worked in the area of immigration assisting those seeking legal status.
I have extensive experience working with children, adolescents and families. I have training in PostPartum Mood Disorders and have worked as a PostPartum Doula. Like Raquel, I believe that exercise is medicine and promote daily movement to increase endorphins and relieve stress. I would be happy to accommodate walks during our sessions.
Brittny Garcia, MSW
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
I believe that therapy can be a beneficial resource for many. Growing up, I did not know much about mental health and therapy until I was in my own crisis. The mental health stigma that is a great part of my Latinx community, greatly impacted my own experience. I understand stigma is something that many different communities may face, and I hope to help break down that stigma so people can openly receive the help they need. After reaching out for help myself, I was able to start living up to a better version of myself. Now I hope to provide similar hope to others.
Therefore, I also believe therapy is not just a tool to be used once a person may feel at their lowest, but in instances of uncertainty surrounding different challenges and life transitions. Every person has their own unique experiences, impacted by the variety of systems in place whether it may be cultural, familial, religious or more. As people, we aim to navigate our identities in the environments and society we find ourselves in. These experiences have shaped and taught us how to cope with different situations, resulting in different behavioral and thought patterns that may cause us to feel rather distressed. As a therapist, my goal is to work hand in hand with individuals to create an empathic space to share your experiences, where we can work through those patterns and discover which may no longer serve you. Together we can work on self awareness, exploring the past, empowerment, and creating meaningful changes within your life and relationships to start the healing process.
Educational Training:
Loyola University Chicago
Elmhurst University
Factual BIO:
Brittny Garcia holds a Master of Social Work degree from Loyola University Chicago's School of Social Work, with a Micro Practice Specialization in Advanced Clinical Practice. Previously, she acquired a Bachelor's of Arts in Psychology at Elmhurst University. Since then she has provided individual counseling to low income populations at Accepting Therapy in Chicago. During her time there, she developed a person centered approach to allow a collaborative process with her clients, and has provided Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to support individuals struggling with anxiety, depression and life transitions.