Hi there! I'm a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) based in Illinois, with over 30 years of experience in the field. I obtained my Doctoral and Masters degrees in counseling education from Argosy University and Northeastern Illinois University, respectively. My practice focuses on supporting clients dealing with life stress, depression, and anxiety, while also assisting families in enhancing their communication skills. I'm passionate about helping individuals become the best versions of themselves and making a positive impact on their lives.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In the first session, clients can expect a supportive environment where they'll discuss their reasons for seeking therapy and outline their goals. We'll get to know each other, explore backgrounds, and begin planning for our work together.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
My greatest strengths as a provider include empathy, communication skills, and creating a supportive environment. I actively listen to clients, collaborate on personalized treatment plans, and stay updated with the latest research for high-quality care.
About Dr. Baheia Ahmad-Derweesh
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Trauma-Focused CBT
My experience in trauma-focused therapy has been enriched through my work in diverse areas of trauma, including many years of treating clients who are survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. My involvement in various domestic violence shelters has provided me with valuable experience in working with war victims and refugees in different contexts.
Couples Counseling
My work as a therapist for over 30 years, coupled with my experience teaching and preparing future counselors, has greatly enriched my experience in working with family and couples counseling. Through decades of practice, I've honed my skills in navigating the complexities of relationships and supporting individuals in their journey towards healthier dynamics. This extensive background has equipped me with a deep understanding of various therapeutic techniques and approaches, allowing me to tailor interventions to the unique needs of each client. As both a practitioner and educator, I've had the privilege of witnessing the transformative power of therapy in fostering stronger, more resilient relationships.
Culturally Sensitive Therapy
My experience in working overseas and providing services in different countries has profoundly enriched my understanding and application of multicultural therapy techniques. Through my work across diverse cultural contexts, I have gained invaluable insights into the intersectionality of culture and mental health, as well as the unique challenges faced by individuals from various backgrounds. This exposure has deepened my appreciation for cultural diversity and equipped me with a versatile toolkit to effectively address the needs of clients from different cultural backgrounds. Integrating these experiences into my practice, I strive to foster an inclusive therapeutic environment where clients feel respected, validated, and empowered to explore their cultural identities within the context of therapy.
Grief Therapy
Through my work with survivors of domestic violence and war victims who are refugees, I have gained significant experience in grief therapy. Witnessing the profound impact of trauma on individuals who have experienced such harrowing circumstances has deepened my understanding of the complexities of grief. In providing support to these survivors, I have learned to navigate the intricate layers of grief that accompany loss, whether it be the loss of safety, identity, or loved ones. This experience has reinforced the importance of creating a compassionate and validating therapeutic space where survivors feel heard, understood, and supported as they navigate their unique grief journeys.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
My experience with solution-focused brief therapy has been particularly impactful in crisis intervention settings, where a focus on immediate resolution is essential across various domains. Working in crisis-focused environments has necessitated the utilization of solution-focused approaches to swiftly address urgent needs and facilitate positive outcomes. By employing solution-focused techniques, such as identifying strengths, setting achievable goals, and emphasizing solutions rather than problems, I have been able to effectively support individuals facing crises in diverse areas. This experience has underscored the efficacy of solution-focused brief therapy in promoting resilience, empowerment, and rapid progress, even in the most challenging circumstances.