MEET THE LINCOLN PARK THERAPY GROUP TEAM
WE’LL HELP YOU FIND THE COURAGE TO CULTIVATE CHANGE.
Our boutique Lincoln Park counseling practice works with each individual to help them build on their strengths and help them attain the personal growth they are seeking. This is accomplished by adhering to our practice’s central values: compassion, empathy, and courage. We work with emerging adults, adults, couples, and families from diverse backgrounds who experience a wide range of anxiety and depressive disorders. Our areas of expertise include treating anxiety, depression, and relationship issues. Our therapists have specialized training to treat relationship issues, life transitions, post-traumatic stress disorder, difficulties in emotion regulation, and addiction.
Nicolle Osequeda, M.A., M.Ed., MFT
As a Certified Daring Way Facilitator™, I am skilled in delivering the curriculum of Brene’ Brown’s research on courage, vulnerability, and shame. Together we will examine the thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that are holding you back and identify new choices and practices that will move you toward more authentic and wholehearted living. The primary focus is on developing daily practices that transform the way you live, love, and lead.
My areas of expertise include counseling young adults, adults, and couples experiencing life transitions — identity, employment, geographic and relationship changes– and the difficulties they present. I work with individuals and couples to communicate better and learn the skills to begin building more fulfilling and healthy relationships. I have expertise and interest in working with young adults experiencing a quarter life crisis. I also enjoy working with visual, performance, and musical artists.
Millie Huckabee, M.A., LCPC
I view therapy as a collaborative experience and seek to help my clients feel comfortable, hopeful, and truly understood. With a goal-directed approach, I tailor treatment to the needs of the individual by incorporating a variety of therapeutic methodologies. I believe that trust is an essential component to the therapeutic relationship, and I respect and honor, without judgment, what you share in session. Through creativity and warmth, I work with clients to facilitate change and personal growth.
My field of expertise is working with young adults in transition who are feeling uncertain about employment, relationships or future– a quarter-life crisis. I enjoy working with individuals who are experiencing anxiety, depression or relationship challenges. My other areas of interest include working with individuals who have experienced trauma and coping with the difficult emotions those experiences bring.
Veronica Payanoff, M.A., LPC
Therapy offers the chance to explore and identify your goals in a safe, non-judgmental space. I tailor my work with clients to fit their individual needs, while also ensuring that he or she is feeling encouraged, safe, and understood. My goal is for clients to come into session knowing that they will be heard, that they can trust me, and that they will know that they are on a collaborative path to reaching their goals. As we work together, we will discover self-awareness while building the skills for you to cope with anxiety and depression, transition through life’s changes, and use effective communication skills and understanding in relationships.
I work with young adults and adults who are experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship challenges. I also have experience working with the LGBTQIA community in regards to coming out, sexual and identity development, transgender, and transitioning.
Taylor Walker, Ed.S., LPC
There are many moments where extra support can make all the difference in the world. I became a therapist because I think human connection is essential to growth and well-being. We could all use someone to support us through life’s tough moments. I love being able to build on client strengths and help with perspective taking. In my work with clients, I focus on collaboration and building a strong therapeutic relationship. When we work together, we will focus on your strengths and self-acceptance to create sustainable, meaningful change.
I work with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, transitional issues and relationship struggles. I also work with couples to build effective communication skills and grow as a couple.
Melissa Queen, LCSW
I enter every therapeutic relationship with a genuine curiosity to understand the lives, struggles, and strengths of my clients. I believe in starting wherever you are comfortable. My office is a safe place to make sense of what is going on in your life. Together we will clarify your goals, identify obstacles, and find ways to overcome them. My approach relies on encouraging honesty, trust, acceptance and safety.
I work with individuals suffering from depression, anxiety, eating disorders, PTSD/trauma, and relationship loss. My other areas of interest include working with individuals who are dealing with work related stress, interpersonal issues, Quarter Life Crises and life transitions. I also offer a safe and affirming therapeutic space for people in the LGBTQ+ community who are seeking support.
Meara Lynch-Hockensmith, M.S., LMFT
There are so many factors that determine who we become as adults. Everything from what our relationships were like as children, what our school experience was, and what our innate strengths are play a role in shaping us as we grow and mature. I became a therapist to help people connect the dots that made them who they are today, and learn how to let go of things that do not serve them.
I work with individuals and couples, and specialize in: people experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, and difficulty adjusting to major life changes. My area of expertise is working with young adults who are going through a Quarter Life Crisis or significant life transitions, such as graduating from college, starting their first job, starting or ending a serious relationship, or contemplating other major life decisions.
Dariel Davis, M.A., NCC, LCPC
As a therapist, I use a strengths-based approach to help clients increase their mindfulness and create positive change in their lives. I offer a warm, compassionate, and non-judgmental approach to exploring maladaptive thoughts and behaviors, while also helping clients identify and build their strengths, in order to achieve holistic healing and well-being so that you can live a more meaningful life.
I work with individuals experiencing depression and anxiety, relationship and self esteem issues, as well as grief, loss and trauma and how to manage the difficult emotions these experiences elicit.
Erin Ameri, Ed.S
As a therapist, I focus on the relationship between my client and me, and I strive to create a warm and caring space where clients can be their authentic self. I work collaboratively with clients to identify goals and areas of growth to focus on during our time together.
I work with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, and life transition issues. I specialize in working with older teens and emerging adults who are adjusting to new phases in their lives, having difficulties in their relationships, or looking for support to identify coping strategies to manage life’s challenges. I also offer a safe and affirming therapeutic space for people in the LGBTQ+ community who are seeking support.
Kayla Reda, M.Ed
I use a collaborative and holistic approach to partner with clients. Together, we will work to identify the root causes of life patterns that might be affecting your sense of happiness or fulfillment, including underlying emotions, early childhood experiences, and trauma. I also like to bring in the body, focus on levels of well-being, and help clients build healthy coping skills.
I work with children, adolescents, young adults, and adults experiencing symptoms of anxiety, depression, transitional issues, and trauma. If interested, I like to integrate EMDR (Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), due to its many benefits, into the therapeutic process. I also offer a safe and affirming therapeutic space for people in the LGBTQ+ community who are seeking support.
Amanda Schmitt, Ed.S
Through open and honest communication, I aim to help clients develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their intrinsic strengths in order to cope with all of the challenges life may bring.
I work with teens, young adults, and adults who are seeking personal growth, working through life transitions, and coping with relationship difficulties.
My area of expertise is with individuals who have experienced trauma, abuse, and relationship difficulties. I help individuals understand how their past experiences and relationships play a role in their life today.
Rachel Hagfors, MA, LPC, NCC
I meet my clients where they are at, which means we focus our attention on what works for you and foster a safe space for you to explore your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in order to cultivate lasting change.
I work with couples and individuals, and specialize in: relationships, self-esteem, anxiety, and depression.
My area of expertise is working with couples experiencing relationship challenges and individuals who are going through life transitions, struggling with self-esteem, or experiencing grief after a significant loss.
FIND THE COURAGE TO CULTIVATE CHANGE.
Schedule an appointment with us today and let us help you cultivate change and learn how to deal with life’s challenges. We’d love to meet you.