Stephanie Galioto, LMFT

therapist + co-owner, she/her

"There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you." - Maya Angelou. Have you ever found yourself stuck within stressful relationships, triggering environments or confusing emotions? That "stuck" feeling can often lead to stagnation in our day to day lives, and uncertainty about the future. I address these struggles by utilizing a holistic, trauma-informed approach, which incorporates body-oriented, anti-oppression and harm reduction practices. These strategies allow me to focus on the strengths already within each client, while also uncovering past wounds that might be limiting growth.

Concerns that I often work with in therapy include complex trauma, systemic/religious abuse, multicultural identities, perinatal mental health, parenting, anxiety, depression, emotional awareness, relationship issues, and family dynamics. Additionally, I am Level II Trained in Internal Family Systems and often take clients who are seeking to work in that modality.

I consider it to be a profound honor to journey alongside clients as they re-write narratives from the past and re-imagine new choices for their future.

stephanie@perennialcounseling.co, 773-688-4251

Julia Rivers, LCSW

therapist + staff clinical lead, she/her

I am passionate about supporting clients in navigating the turbulent inner and outer landscapes of the human experience. I seek to move away from the notion of a therapist as the expert, or “fixer,” and instead assume the role of trusted companion in the process of self-discovery. I believe in trusting the wisdom that each client brings with them into the therapeutic process, and that every client is the expert in their own inner world. I encourage clients to practice looking inwards when experiencing difficult seasons of life, which can feel drastically different than looking outwards for distractions, ways to stay busy, or quick relief. When we turn inwards, we can really attune to what our needs are, and learn that we don’t actually have to “do” anything at all to feel grounded, connected, and “okay.”

I have extensive experience working with clients who have experienced religious trauma, who have “pleasing,” and “caretaking” tendencies, who are adjusting to parenthood, who are experiencing symptoms of anxiety, depression, grief, and relational trauma. My therapy style is warm, safe, and non-judgmental, as I welcome all the parts of you to our shared space. I strive to practice through a feminist, LGBTQ-allied, anti-racist lens, and welcome feedback if my own privileges of being a white, cis-gendered woman shows up in the therapy room. As a Level 2 Trained Internal Family Systems Clinician, I also integrate relational & psychodynamic styles into our work.

julia@perennialcounseling.co, 773-823-0520

Hannah Kohn Shakeri, LCSW

therapist, she/her

It’s hard being human, and it can be even harder to ask for help. As a justice-oriented therapist, what matters to me is what works for you. I prioritize an intersectional, relational, and pluralistic approach by drawing from multiple frameworks, including but not limited to psychodynamics, parts work, attachment theory, and somatics. I seek to build authentic, accountable, transparent relationships based on your definitions of safety and respect. Centering and affirming your experiences in the world is most important to me. In our time together, I’ll regard you as the expert in your own lived experience as we both learn more about what it is like to be you.

I work with clients to explore chronic, complex, intergenerational, and secondary trauma. I specialize in supporting those who have been exposed to trauma particularly in helping professions and education settings. I seek to explore the ways those traumas impact relational patterns with ourselves and others. It is also essential to me to acknowledge and unpack how the intersections of our identity lead us to interact with dimensions of marginalization and privilege. We may find ourselves exploring how our two identity configurations are playing out in the therapy room itself. 

I work with teens and adults. I have experience supporting individuals living and struggling with anxiety, depression, suicidality, identity development, life transitions, and challenges with sex and intimacy. I am poly-affirming, kink-aware, and am committed to aligning myself with values of transformative justice and harm reduction.

hannah@perennialcounseling.co, 773-819-6415

Ab Compernolle, LCSW

associate therapist, she/her

Navigating life's challenges, both personal and systemic, can leave you disconnected from what feels uniquely meaningful. I'm committed to supporting individuals who are on a path of authenticity and alignment with their innermost selves. I have trust in your ability to guide your own journey towards healing; my role is to support and facilitate the unfolding of your whole self. It brings me immense joy to be a part of this process!

Drawing from psychodynamic and somatic approaches, I will work with you to illuminate the ways in which past experiences/systems of oppression have shaped current restrictive behaviors/beliefs. With curiosity and compassion, we will explore how these patterns are holding you back, allowing you to cultivate a deeper sense of embodiment, capability, and consciousness.

If you are ready to be less governed by past experiences/oppressive systems and step into a more liberated way of being, I'm here to walk alongside you. My training in levels I and II of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy improves my ability to support you in this process.

abigail@perennialcounseling.co 773-217-0645

Alexa Soto, LSW

associate therapist, she/her

We all bring something unique to the spaces we occupy; there will never be another you in this world. Therefore, my most important role in therapy is to restore the sense of power within yourself unyielding to the external world. It is my hope that through building our relationship and in the therapy space, you will discover the tools within yourself to take on your life unapologetically.  

Both my previous clinical and personal lived experience have led me to believe that individuals do their best given the environment they are in and have come from. My sessions are a space to discuss how systems contribute to how you relate to the world. I draw on queer theory, internal family systems therapy, strengths-based approaches, and acceptance and commitment therapy to support you in navigating your experience. 

Along with my theoretical orientation as a social worker, my lived experience is inextricably linked from how I show up in sessions. I show up as an afro-latina, cisgender, queer woman; I show up as someone who’s had to work through abuse and financial hardship. As someone who first-hand believes non-talk therapy such as drawing, cooking, or other forms of art can be just as or even more therapeutic and healing as talk therapy itself. That said, my hope is that every facet of your growth and change will be honored in this space as a means to acknowledge and work towards wholeness.

alexa@perennialcounseling.co 773-217-8458

Defne Ildiz, LPC

associate therapist, she/her

The journey to parenthood can be filled with a spectrum of emotions, ranging from excitement to anxiety or hope to grief. I’m dedicated to guiding individuals through these complex experiences, specifically those facing perinatal mood disorders, infertility, pregnancy loss, and the challenges of becoming a parent. My mission is to create a compassionate space where you can explore your emotions and find your path to healing.

I truly believe in the power of authenticity and self-acceptance. Together, we will focus on creating connection through empathy, warmth and humor. Sessions with me are meant to be a collaborative space for us to develop a unique pace that best suits you and your needs. As your therapist, I strive to help you identify and build upon the strengths you already have in order to create the change you’re seeking.

With a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Northwestern University, training from Postpartum Support International and American Society of Reproductive Medicine, I have experience in addressing perinatal mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, relational concerns and grief. In my practice, I resonate most with Psychodynamic, Relational, Internal Family Systems, DBT and Emotion Centered theories, using a holistic, integrative approach in our work together. 

Beyond individual therapy, I am passionate about promoting awareness of perinatal and reproductive mental health issues. I hope to empower individuals and families during these critical life transitions with confidence and connection.

defne@perennialcounseling.co 773-823-4063

Sarah Schenck, LCSW

therapist + virtual independent contractor, she/her

At times, life is hard.  You may be struggling to focus, be stuck in self-defeating thought patterns, feeling out of control, or hopeless about the world.  Whether you are experiencing symptoms of distress for the first time, or are continually haunted by the past, it can be overwhelming to manage alone.

As your therapist, you will find me patient, collaborative and energetic.  I draw upon a diverse range of disciplines to support our work together (psychodynamic, systems, feminist, DBT and internal family systems).  In our sessions I am curious to explore all facets of your life.  I pay particular attention to the stories you tell about yourself and the world, and the hidden function of “problematic” (misunderstood) behaviors. Developing a new and compassionate understanding of your inner world, can lead to greater freedom in your life and relationships.   

I provide therapy to adults, and adolescents of all backgrounds with a focus on trauma, addictive behaviors, disordered eating/body image issues and identity formation in adolescence and early adulthood.  My previous professional and current life experience - as a community social  worker and a mother to two- broaden my perspective on therapy.  I am Level I trained in Internal Family Systems.

sarah@perennialcounseling.co, 773-831-7797