Online and In-Person
Sanya Jaffer
Psychotherapist
LCPC, ATR, MA
A Note From Sanya
“We all come from different walks of life, and align in the sense that we cannot get through life on our own. Wherever we come from, the journey to therapy can be a challenging one. It takes great courage to recognize a change needs to happen, even if we don’t know where to begin.
I believe my clients are the experts of their own lives, and I am here to guide them along on this journey with compassion, honesty, and even a little bit of humor when appropriate! I utilize a collaborative, person-centered, and artistic approach to therapy which I have found allows for clients to have a safe space to express themselves in many different forms. Although I am trained in traditional talk therapy, I strongly believe healing can occur even when words escape us. For that reason, there is always an invitation, and never any pressure, to incorporate art-making into our sessions.
By using compassion, empathy, humor, and creative practices, I support my clients in tapping into their inner wisdom while simultaneously providing guidance, as I witness them grow and become the best versions of themselves.”
Experience
Sanya is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Registered Art Therapist, who graduated with distinction when she earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Studio Art from Loyola University of Chicago, and went on to achieve her master’s degree in Art Therapy and Counseling from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Sanya was trained from a social justice pedagogy and instills these values in her culturally sensitive practice, meeting each person where they are at by empowering their intersectional identities. She believes that mental health is directly impacted by systems of injustice and oppression, particularly as they continue to have ongoing impact. Sanya has worked in community mental health, private practice, and clinical settings, and has worked with clients of all ages from many different cultural backgrounds and LGBTQIA+ identities.
Client Focus
Sanya excels at working with Individual Adults (21+).
Types of Therapy
Sanya utilizes evidenced-based interventions that stem from Somatic interventions, Art Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic Therapy, and Internal Family Systems (IFS) with a focus on inner-child work.
Areas of Focus
- Anxiety
- ADHD/Neurodivergence
- Depression
- Trauma/Complex Trauma/PTSD
- Grief & Loss
- Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents
- Inner Child Work
- Relationship Concerns
- Family Conflict
- BIPOC Mental Health
- Racial/Cultural Identity
- Body Image
- Life Transitions
- Self-Esteem/Self-Worth
- Improving Communication and Coping Skills
- Career Challenges
- Stress Management
- Working Through Creative Blocks
Get to Know Sanya
“To repeat is human, to reframe is healing.” – Unknown
Taking time for connection with my family, friends, community, nature, and with my creative practices. I often find a long walk with my pup, getting fresh air, or sitting by the lake can bring me ease and relaxation. I believe life is best lived when I can be fully present in these moments.
Aside from being a therapist, I am a creative person who loves to be active! In my free time I enjoy listening to music, creating my own mixtapes, playing piano, exploring different art mediums such as collage and photography, going to museums or shows in the city, attending a yoga class, or dancing with friends!
Mental health is not a destination but a journey and we would love to be a part of yours.
Not sure where to get started? Reach out to us and we’ll discuss your needs and figure out a plan that works your you.