Tierra Aikens (she, her), MA, LPC

When working with clients I am a firm believer in meeting people where they are in life. I believe that providing empathy, and understanding, and encouraging collaboration and shared decision-making are both important and necessary to help my clients towards the goals they set forth for themselves. We live in a world that is constantly changing in both our personal and professional lives. I offer my clients a safe space to help them deal with a world that is forever changing. In doing so, I give my clients a safe space to be themselves, help them identify areas in their lives they want to change, identify and utilize their strengths, and more. I understand that people come from different walks of life and their needs will vary. To help my clients, I will utilize diverse practices from person-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral health therapy, and mindfulness and relaxation therapy. In essence, I will provide you with the support and skills needed to address all of your worries, anxieties, fears, and more.

Clinical Areas of Interest and Training

Clinically, I have experience working with depression, anxiety, trauma, family crises, and a dual diagnosis of substance use and mental illness. I have previously worked in a domestic violence shelter, community mental health agencies such as Cornerstone Services, Bobby E. Wright Comprehensive Behavioral Health Center, and a behavioral health hospital such as Riveredge Hospital. Most recently, I have been working with families and children as an investigator at the Department and Children and Family Services. I enjoy working with adolescents and adults. I am open to and would love to work with couples, teenagers, and families.

Education

I earned both my Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology and my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology at Governors State University. I completed my internship at a community mental health agency on the Westside of Chicago, IL at Bobby E. Wright Comprehensive Behavioral Health Center. At the agency, I provided individual and group therapy to a diverse population of people who were struggling with homelessness, chronic mental illness, substance use, and dealing with the criminal justice system. In addition, I completed intake assessments to admit individuals such as children, adolescents, and adults in the programs provided within the agency. I completed assessments, diagnosed, and created treatment plans for clients. I also researched and obtained resources for clients within the community.