Hi there! My name is Kleah and I am a licensed clinical social worker based in Chicago, Illinois with 4 years of clinical experience. I have a Master's degree from the University of Chicago with a concentration in clinical social work. I am a queer, first generation Filipina-American with a passion for helping folks lead the lives they would like to lead.
In our sessions, I will strive to foster a supportive and nonjudgemental space with the hopes that you can feel safe enough to show up exactly as you are. Our first session is typically used to learn more about you, what brings you to therapy, and to see if we'd be a good fit for one another - your current concerns, your goals for our work together, your personal history, and what you are looking for in a therapist. That being said, we can always choose to start wherever feels right for you. Our sessions will always be a space for you to talk freely about anything you want.
I think my greatest strength as a provider is rapport building. I believe in the healing power of strong relationships throughout life's many challenges, which can be hard to hold alone. In our sessions, I want to make sure that you don't have to. I believe my use of humor, active listening skills, and patient-centered approach contribute most to my ability to build rapport.
While sessions are organic (meaning that they can look and feel however you'd like them to), I primarily use CBT as the framework through which we explore your thoughts, feelings and behaviors.