Sheade Psychotherapy

Sharleeta (Shar) Marshall, M.A., LPC

Sharleeta (Shar) Marshall (she/her) is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) with a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Roosevelt University. As a feminist-relational trauma therapist, Sharleeta operates from an anti-racist/anti-oppressive lens to empower and support clients through various challenges and complications. Sharleeta is LGBTQ affirming.

“Life experiences and the thoughts and feelings we have about them can be overwhelming to figure out and make sense of alone. I believe that the therapeutic relationship fostered with clients is a safe space where you can truly be seen, heard, and feel comfortable being your authentic self. I help clients make sense, make meaning, and manage the difficult challenges and symptoms experienced throughout your daily lives (and past).

 I have experience in helping people who struggle with significant trauma, substance use or addiction, anxiety, depression, loss and mourning/grief, managing intense feelings, self-esteem, and relationship challenges. As a clinician who has overcome many hardships, I believe this allows me to connect with clients on a deeper level. I utilize collaborative approaches to meet the unique needs of client's experiences. I want clients to know that this journey is not one they have to take alone.” — Sharleeta Marshall

Look Shar up on Psychology Today.

Maira Gomez, M.A., LCPC, CADC

Maira Gomez (she/her) is a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) and a certified alcohol and drug counselor (CADC) practicing in Chicago. Maira is a trauma therapist trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). She graduated from Marquette University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Criminology and Law Studies and received her Master of Arts in Counseling with a Specialization in Forensic Psychology and a Substance Use Treatment Certificate from Adler University. Maira has worked in community mental health, as a therapist for individuals involved in the legal system, and writing mental health assessments for the courts. Maira works from an anti-racist / anti-oppressive lens and is LGTBQIA+ affirming. Maira speaks English and Spanish fluently.

Maira has experience working with individuals of all ages with traumatic experiences, life changes/transitions, challenges with boundary setting, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, psychosis, and substance use disorders. Maira has experience and enjoys working with a diverse set of clients.

“Taking the first step to begin therapy can be a challenging one and finding the right therapist is an important piece. I take a non-judgmental approach to therapy and I like to start off by creating a safe space to allow a strong therapeutic alliance to form. I give my clients the space to describe the challenges they want to work on. Along the way I help clients develop coping skills as well as awareness into their patterns and behaviors in order to create positive changes in their lives. We work together to identify systemic factors or oppression and develop enhanced strategies for self-advocacy. I utilize a relational, client-centered approach as the foundation to my therapy and pull interventions from CBT, DBT, psychodynamic, multicultural, and feminist theories to best fit my client’s needs.”
– Maira Gomez

Look up Maira on Psychology Today.

Olivia Santiago, M.S.W., LCSW

Olivia Santiago (she/her) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a Masters of Social Work from Loyola University Chicago. She is certified in the Neurosequential Model of Therapy (NMT) and is currently completing a trauma-informed yoga practitioner certification. 

As a Chicago native, Olivia has dedicated a lot of her time to providing and advocating for equal access to mental health services, especially for womxn on the city’s West side, working in settings from community organizations, elementary and high schools, juvenile justice offices, and mental health clinics. She has worked with clients of all ages with various levels of trauma experiences, narcissistic/ sexual/ physical abuse survivors, attachment difficulties, life transitions, codepedency, depression, anxiety, grief, and familial/peer relationship concerns. Practicing both personally and professionally from an anti-racist/ anti-oppressive lens and being LGBTQIA+ affirming, Olivia honors the intersectionalities of identities, lived experiences, and the ways in which these experiences are held in our bodies. She welcomes the use of movement and expression to promote holistic healing that can aid with how these experiences show up in our bodies. Along with this somatosensory approach to therapy, she also values feminist, psychodynamic, relational and multicultural theories that guide her framework of practice. 

“Having worked with various age ranges, identities, and truths throughout my clinical career, one thing holds true throughout, and that starts with the importance of forming relationships. The connection between client and therapist is of utmost importance for us to create a safe space to do the work. I have spent my professional journey thus far teasing out the parts of therapy services that align with my beliefs, and honing my skills further through practice. This allows us to explore a variety of therapeutic modalities that feel best for you, whether for a season or for always, honoring that you are the expert of your experiences and journey. 

A unique part of my practice is that I welcome somatosensory experiences into the healing space – whether that be through breath work, yoga, dance, art, movement. I lean into the belief that our bonds to trauma have been formed and drive our subconscious, dating back to when we were infants & children. Tapping into those spaces to reparent and rewire our nervous systems is a journey that I am dedicated to go on alongside you.”  — Olivia Santiago

Look up Olivia on Psychology Today.

Sydney Rinehart, M.S.W., LSW

Sydney Rinehart (she/her) is a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) with a Masters in Social Work from the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor. As a trauma-focused therapist, Sydney focuses on providing support to trauma survivors, addressing generational trauma, and navigating systemic oppression. She is also passionate about working with people who are exploring their sexual identities. Sydney operates from an antiracist, anti-oppressive, and LGBTQ+ affirming clinical lens.

Grounded in mindfulness-based, mind-body centered, and trauma-focused framework, Sydney employs a strengths-based, holistic approach. She utilizes therapeutic modalities such as Internal Family Systems (IFS), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Somatic processing techniques. She is particularly attuned to the challenges survivors face in reclaiming their identity after trauma and addresses the influence of problematic behaviors and old habits through a trauma-focused lens. Sydney is a feminist-relational therapist committed to an anti-oppressive and anti-racist therapeutic process, recognizing the importance of creating a safe and non-judgmental environment.

Sydney's therapeutic style extends to couples therapy, where she believes that relationships are integral to overall health and well-being. She works with individuals and couples in cultivating healthy, rewarding relationships that support growth and healing. Sydney is kink, non-monogamy, and sex positive, bringing empathy and insight to challenges related to communication, sex, and trauma aftermath in relationships. Her experience includes working with LGBTQIA+ couples. Sydney is an LGBTQIA+ therapist and loves working with the queer community. 

"My passion lies in cultivating a therapeutic space where every facet of a person is welcomed with open arms. I'm dedicated to creating a therapeutic relationship that allows each part of you to play a healthy and empowered role in your life. To me, non judgment is not just a principle but a guiding force, creating an environment where individuals feel safe to explore, express, and embrace every aspect of themselves. It's about acknowledging the complexities of the human experience and creating a narrative that goes beyond surviving into a full, authentic life.”
— Sydney Rinehart

Look up Sydney on Psychology Today.

Nathalia Gonzalez, A.M., LCSW

Nathalia Gonzalez (she/her/ella) is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). She received her bachelor of arts from Middlebury College and her master of arts in clinical social work from The University of Chicago. Nathalia has gained training and expertise in a variety of settings including community mental health, non-profit advocacy, and private practice. Nathalia is anti-racist, anti-oppressive, and LGBTQ*-affirming. Nathalia practices from an integrative approach that incorporates relational, intersectional feminist, and trauma-focused therapy modalities. Nathalia is fluent in Spanish and English and provides bilingual therapy services.

“As a creative, eclectic therapist, with a trauma informed approach, my focus is exploring opportunities geared towards strengthening an individual’s capacity to lessen the impact of harmful experiences on their ability to live in alignment with their values and experience joy. 

“Understanding the importance of a non-judgmental and caring approach, I offer a warm, empathic, and collaborative therapy space that reflects my passion for helping clients build fuller and more authentic lives. My hope is that by building a safe and secure relationship, we create space to process and grow from the breadth of experiences that make us human: the moments of joy, the moments of hardship, and the unknown. 

Because life is ever-changing, my hope is to find innovative ways to meet your evolving needs, assist you to identify what living a meaningful life would look like, and determine how to actively take steps towards making that a reality. 

Sometimes this entails processing and consolidating the intersectionality of experiences that have impacted your perception of yourself, others, and the world. During our time together, we may process the past through inherited generational narratives or EMDR, reduce their impact on your current lived experience through cognitive behavioral therapy, and identify the values to guide/motivate you towards a meaningful and fulfilling life through the application of acceptance and commitment therapy.”
– Nathalia Gonzalez

Look up Nathalia on Psychology Today.

Lauren Schmidt, M.S.W., LCSW

Lauren (Ren) Schmidt, (she/her) is a licensed social worker with a master’s in social work from the University of Minnesota. Lauren is a queer-identified therapist with significant personal and professional experience providing LGBTQIA* affirmative care for folks across stages of sexuality and gender exploration, transition and expression. She is a strengths-based, solution-focused therapist who utilizes a relational approach through an anti-racist, anti-oppressive worldview and therapeutic lens. Lauren enjoys supporting people of diverse backgrounds and works to honor the complexities of each person’s own identity intersection. Lauren has experience working with a variety of types of trauma and expressions of trauma including PTSD, C-PTSD, depression, anxiety, substance use disorder, disordered eating, relational issues and more. Lauren enjoys providing individual, family and relationship therapy extending to platonic, polyamorous, aromantic and/or asexual partnerships. Her personal skills and interests as an artist and musician bring a unique perspective and creativity to the therapeutic process. 

“I deeply believe in the power of community and view the therapeutic alliance as an opportunity to be in community with the people I serve. You don’t have to face life’s challenges alone. My goal is to establish safety and reduce shame by acknowledging that maladaptive behaviors and relationships may provide comfort or purpose that at one point was necessary to survive challenging circumstances. We can work together to explore new means of healthy coping, boundary setting and relationship building to transform your life and uncover new opportunities through personal growth and resilience.” — Lauren Schmidt 

Look up Lauren on Psychology Today.

Lyrra Isanberg, M.S., ALMFT

Lyrra Isanberg (she/her) is an associate licensed marriage & family therapist (ALMFT) with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Dartmouth College and Master of Science degree in Marriage & Family Therapy from Northwestern University. Lyrra has experience providing care for individuals, families, and couples/intimate partnerships in a manner that is relational and empathic. Lyrra’s training is integrative, and she has a particular interest in approaching clients’ presenting concerns through an emotionally-focused (EFT) lens. She is passionate about providing care that is anti-racist/anti-oppressive and LGBTQ*-affirming.

“I am called to the field of relational therapy by the enduring belief that we all experience problems in life, and those problems are best understood in the context of relationships. When problems begin and exist in relationships, so too do the solutions.

 Through a lens of empathy and self-compassion, I can help you find insights and solutions. My practice is both integrative (drawing from several different models, as best fits your needs) and systemic (acknowledging the importance and influence of various systems, relationships, and contexts in your life, big and small). My particular specialties include couples/partnership therapy and sex therapy (including sex therapy for individuals), and I have expertise, as a biracial Black clinician, in working with individuals, partnerships, and families who identify as bi/multiracial.

My experience and training have oriented me towards an understanding that the person is not the problem. It is this understanding that I hope to impart in my work with you. I believe in empowering you to work towards your ideal relationships with yourself, your intimate partners and your loved ones. It is my hope that, in our work, we can help you better understand the most fundamental narratives that you carry about yourself, your role in your relationships, and your place in the world. Together, we will create an environment that is welcoming, safe, and puts you at ease. I will bring humor, genuineness and attentiveness; and with thoughtful collaboration, therapy can be a space that allows for openness, honesty and growth.”

– Lyrra Isanberg

Look up Lyrra on Psychology Today.

Jacqueline Patterson, M.S.W.

Jacqueline Patterson (she/her) is a social worker with a Bachelors of Science in Biology from Pennsylvania State University, a PhD in Neuroscience from Northwestern University, and a Masters of Social Work from Loyola University Chicago. Jacqueline works with children, adolescents, and adults navigating a range of concerns, including trauma, grief, difficult relationships, chronic illness, disability, neurodivergence, immigration, sexuality, stress, anxiety, and depression. With her background in neuroscience, she helps her clients understand their nervous systems and develop tools that work with their nervous systems to calm and heal. This may involve somatic practices such as art, breathing, and movement, to help process emotions and experiences stored in the body.

Jacqueline’s approach is anti-racist, anti-oppressive, and LGBTQ+ affirming. She believes that healing happens in community, and that collective care is vital to our wellbeing. She strives to provide a compassionate, non-judgemental space for clients to work through difficult emotions and experiences while feeling safe, seen, and supported. Her goal is for clients to feel a sense of ease when they enter sessions and a sense of understanding and hope when they leave.

Look up Jacqueline on Psychology Today.

Sinéad Sarafa McHale, M.A.

Sinéad Sarafa McHale (she/her) is a social worker in Chicago. She received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in music, her Master of Arts in music composition and  theory from the University of California – Davis, and her Master of Social Work from Loyola University Chicago. Sinéad is trauma informed, relational and attachment focused, anti-oppressive and antiracist, and LGBTQ+ affirming.

“Hi, I’m Sinéad! I’m a trans woman with a background in music and education with an MSW from Loyola University Chicago. As a queer and trans person, I am driven to practice social work in a way that moves towards liberation for all marginalized members of our communities, with the knowledge that the field of social work has contributed as much, if not more, to our collective oppression as to our healing. Decolonization and abolition are central to my practice, as I recognize that the true value of all forms of psychotherapy lie in their potential to rekindle connection with our communities in a time of increased isolation and disconnection from each other. My emotionally-focused therapeutic approach is informed by a variety of modalities including narrative therapy, internal family systems theory (IFS), and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT). If you are interested in exploring issues related to gender identity, sexuality, kink, couples and relationship work, polyamory/nonmonogamy, or trauma, please reach out to schedule a consultation; I look forward to hearing from you!”   –  Sinéad Sarafa McHale

Look up Sinéad on Psychology Today.

Amy Brooks, M.A., LCPC

Amy Brooks (she/her) is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with a Master of Arts in Counseling from Northeastern Illinois University. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from The University of Wisconsin – Madison.

Amy has a unique professional background in communications, marketing and clinical healthcare experience. She has leveraged this diversified skill set to build a career focused on bridging the gap between separate groups by translating and tailoring complex messages to differing audiences. Amy has been motivated throughout her life by an insatiable curiosity for understanding how people work, why things are the way they are and what can be done to help inspire positive change.

Following the completion of her undergraduate degree, Amy began her career at an advertising agency in Chicago. As the internet exploded and transformed the way people communicate, Amy honed the skills of translating unfamiliar languages and interpreting messages from different modes of communication to often disparate audiences. Having held a lifelong personal interest and passion for mental health, Amy decided to reroute her career path to pursue a different direction and become a psychotherapist. During graduate school, she immersed herself in the field by taking a position in psychiatric clinical research at Rush University Medical Center. This proved to be a highly beneficial window into the psych world, as she became closely familiar with the presentation of psychiatric diagnostic criteria, symptomology and psychopharmacology.

Upon completing her graduate degree, Amy then earned her clinical licensure while working as a counselor at Rush Behavioral Health’s Impaired Professionals Program, a residential treatment center for addictions. Shortly thereafter, she joined one of the area’s largest behavioral health providers, Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital. Amy found it fulfilling to be working for an organization that offered such comprehensive treatment programming in the behavioral health field. 

 Amy is inspired by the dedication and commitment of the team at Sheade Psychotherapy and their focus on anti-racist, anti-oppressive care. Amy is an anti-racist, anti-oppressive, LGBTQ+ affirming clinician who incorporates a variety of approaches, including an intersectional-feminist, relational orientation. She is excited to connect with new clients and is looking forward to helping the team continue to foster a supportive environment focused on clients' well-being.