About
Why I Became a Therapist
Welcome! My name is Estrella (she/her/ella). I’m an LPC and the Billing Manager for Sage Therapy Chicago. My roles with Sage Therapy are both clinical and administrative, giving me a robust view of what it’s like to be a client of Sage Therapy. I recognize that billing & insurance related stressors can sometimes bleed into the therapy space. I am intentional about checking in with my own clients on these matters. I became a therapist because I understand the great need for Hispanic, queer clinicians in mental health fields and wanted to give back to the cultural communities I am a part of. My own therapy journey in healing from an eating disorder, OCD and trauma absolutely transformed my world. As your clinician, I hope to lead you down your own path to peace and self-acceptance.
Who I Work With
I am passionate about working with clients healing from childhood abuse and neglect, those experiencing intrusive thoughts and/or obsessive thinking, relationship anxiety and disordered eating. I also support clients in exploring their sexual and gender identities.
“I show up in the world as a fat, pansexual, Hispanic woman and my identity as a counselor reflects that. Embedded in my therapeutic approach are values centered on Fat Liberation, antiracism, womanism and decentering capitalism. “
Working With ME
I show up in the world as a fat, pansexual, Hispanic woman and my identity as a counselor reflects that. Embedded in my therapeutic approach are values centered on Fat Liberation, antiracism, womanism and decentering capitalism. While always incorporating trauma-informed care, we'll use an Internal Family Systems lens to help you better understand yourself & your needs. From there, we might use somatic or exposure therapy to help you heal and welcome change.
My Qualifications & Trainings
- I received my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Roosevelt University;
- I went to Ball State University for undergrad and majored in Psychology and minored in Spanish and Counseling Psych;
- I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR);
- I am a member of the American Counseling Association (ACA);
- I am a member of the Illinois Counseling Association (ICA);
- I am an Internal Family Systems (IFS) introductory trained therapist through PESI.