Maria Mastronardi, PhD, LCPC

We are a boutique practice of experienced clinicians who bring a wealth of knowledge, curiosity, and empathy to every interaction with our clients. Our primary orientation is psychodynamic, which in general means that we encourage clients to resolve the often-unconscious root causes of their emotional suffering. We do this over time, by building trusting relationships with our clients and by helping them learn to understand and befriend themselves. This process can offer healing, empowerment, and transformation. Moreover, a robust set of studies shows that psychodynamic therapy leads to long-term mental health benefits. While we focus on deep healing and psychological growth, every client is unique. We will meet you where you are and draw from our diverse set of tools to help you feel better, and stronger. We also share a commitment to inclusive, culturally responsive treatment. We deeply respect every client’s unique developmental, social, political, and cultural backgrounds. We are a welcoming place to people of all ages, races, ethnicities, sexualities, and genders. Meet Maria Mastronardi Maria spent over 15 years as a professor of communication studies before shifting careers to practice psychotherapy. Her background in media and cultural studies, advanced training at the Chicago Psychoanalytic Institute, and a long-time curiosity about human subjectivity, has indelibly shaped how she understands the problems people bring to therapy. In therapy, Maria treats every client's suffering with compassion and curiosity. Maria specializes in clients who struggle with anxiety, depression, relationship problems, eating disturbances, aging and life transitions, grief, identity issues, and low self-esteem. (Maria is not taking new clients at this time.) Meet Nadia Hallak Nadia has over 14 years of experience as a clinician and professor of psychology. Her doctoral dissertation examined the impact of culture and emotion on marital satisfaction, and over the years she has cultivated expertise in working with couples from diverse backgrounds. Deeply empathic, Nadia seeks to comprehend the client’s world and the experiences they endured, in order to truly understand their emotions and world view. She relies on a broad set of therapeutic tools, including client-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and EMDR for helping clients process PTSD and extreme trauma. Nadia’s areas of specialty include divorce, reproductive issues, relationship issues, body issues, career and life changes, and identity issues. She also focuses on cultural issues and finding one’s bicultural identity. She enjoys working with clients from all age groups. Nadia sees clients via teletherapy and in our downtown office. Make an appointment with Nadia by clicking on the “request appointment” link on this page. Meet Sherida Pringle Sherinda has over 20 years of experience counseling diverse populations, primarily in social services environments. She has an integrative, holistic approach and is skilled in helping clients with traumatic loss, disability issues, life transitions, as well as with more general mental health struggles. Sherinda sees clients via teletherapy. Request an appointment with Sherinda by clicking on the “request appointment” link on this page. Meet Carolyn Braverman With over 20 years of experience in the field of mental health, Carolyn has come to trust that the therapeutic bond is crucial to a feeling of safety for the client. Because therapy is an intimate experience, Carolyn tailors treatment plans as a co-created process, ensuring that your individual goals are the priority. When you work with Carolyn, she will assess your needs and integrate proven techniques that are not only practical but create lasting change. Carolyn’s original training as a Dance-Movement therapist informs her work as mental health therapist. This specialized training included movement, art, and music as mediums for growth and change. She utilizes this training to holistically treat each client. As a psychotherapist, Carolyn works with individuals, couples, and families. Carolyn is certified in DBT and utilizes a psychodynamic approach. She also utilizes Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, mindfulness, and CBT in her work with clients. Carolyn has a particular interest in working with depression, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, trauma, and substance abuse. Carolyn sees clients via teletherapy. Request an appointment by clicking on the “request appointment” link on this page. Meet Rachel Cash Rachel is a Licensed Social Worker in Illinois. She has earned a Master's in Social Work from The University of Chicago, as well as a BS from The University of Michigan. She specializes in fostering positive change through a strengths-based, goal-oriented approach that draws inspiration from behavioral and psychoanalytic modalities. At the core of Rachel's practice is a deep belief in the transformative power of the therapeutic relationship. She recognizes that individuals who have experienced interpersonal trauma often find the greatest healing in reparative relationships, and she strives to provide a non-judgmental and supportive space for her clients. Rachel's goal is to cultivate relational security and trust with her clients, using these as a springboard for healthier and more fulfilling connections beyond the therapy office. When she's not working, you'll find Rachel immersing herself in nature, exploring new culinary delights, delving into documentaries, penning poetry, and enjoying the company of her four-legged friends.