Your life is a reflection of your thoughts. If you change your thinking, you change your life.
UNKNOWN
KASIA BUDYN, LCPC
Who Am I?
Hi, my name is Kasia Budyn and I’m a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. I work with children and teens as young as 5. I'm a founder of C.O.P.E. ® approach. After working many years with kids/teens, I realized that the most frequent word I was using and teaching kids/teens in therapy was not always a single manner strategy. “Cope” involves teaching kids important skills they need in order to face life's challenges and gain resiliency. Oftentimes, it might be hard to figure out what to do and where to start to help your child manage their feelings and their life on social media. With the help of C.O.P.E. ® approach, I created a roadmap with tools to help make this easier.
I Love Working With:
Kids and Teens (5-21) with all types of anxiety, struggling with self-esteem, relationship problems, and depression. Teens learning to manage anxiety, depression or overall coping with stress. Children needing support with self-regulation, learning tools to effectively communicate how they feel. Parents seeking ways to support their children’s emotional and developmental growth.
Some of My Favorite Approaches include:
Talking things through, Cognitive-behavioral therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, client centered, all within a strengths-based framework. As we get to know each other I adapt my approach to your personality and the issue at hand, and pull from techniques that would be most beneficial to you. I like to incorporate play in whatever way feels natural for the client, whether through art, craft, playing ball or musical exploration.
How I Help:
I provide a safe, non-judgmental space in which the priority is always you. Together we will identify therapy goals, increase your self-awareness, challenge unhelpful thinking patterns, and create healthy boundaries. I seek to empower you through helping develop and utilize your strengths and building up your social support in your life outside of therapy.
Beliefs Section:
I believe all children/teens need time and space to be seen and heard. I provide a supportive space where families and their children are welcome to explore their therapy goals and improve their lives. Therapy works best when the relationship between counselor and client is authentic, trustworthy, and secure. Helping every child/teen feel good about themselves is the groundwork in my sessions. I believe that all children and teens want to be seen, feel like they matter and are worthy.
What a Typical Session is Like:
Whatever makes you feel most at ease, if it is using fidget, taking off your shoes, laying down and grabbing a blanket or one of my stuffed animals, whatever you need to feel comfy. The main focus, in the beginning, is how you feel when you are in my office and us building our relationship. Once we establish trust that is when the work happens. I also love doing icebreakers, playing different board games and getting creative.
More About Me:
I love spicy food. Good food makes me happy! I love hanging out with my friends and family and traveling to new places.
Languages I Speak:
English, Polish
Ages I Work With:
5-21
Insurances I Accept:
BCBS PPO, United Healthcare, Cigna, Aetna, Tricare East, PsycHealth
MEET THE TEAM
Always remember: You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.
CHRISTOPHER ROBIN FROM WINNIE THE POOH
NORA JAFFAL, LPC
Who Am I?
Hi, my name is Nora Jaffal and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I work with children and teens as young as 5 years old as well as adults. I am currently pursing higher education in my Doctorate program specializing in Primary Care Psychology and Behavioral Medicine. I have worked with several organizations in the Chicagoland area during my school work as well as provided mental health services across several states. I have an interest in therapy connecting to medicine as well as assessment and mental health counseling. I love doing the work I do and feel like I am so lucky to be living out my dreams in something I hold near to my heart.
I Love Working With:
Kids, Teens and Adults (5+) within all types of communities, religious backgrounds, races and sexual orientations.
Some of My Favorite Approaches include:
Person Centered Therapy that focuses on strength based approaches. I also do mindfulness work and Adlerian work as well. I like gearing my work on an individual basis. Each plan is for the you and is individualized for you to meet your specific needs.
How I Help:
I provide a safe, non-judgmental space in which the priority is always you. We will work together to make sure your needs are met and understood. I will help you achieve goals, understand your strengths, motivate and empower you by establishing your connections and social supports outside of therapy, as well as be your support in therapy!
Beliefs Section:
I believe all children/teens and adults need a space that feels safe to them so they can grow and heal. I provide a space where everyone can be who they want to be They are free to express themselves and feel heard. The therapeutic goal is to work together with you to bring a trustworthy, authentic and open space that helps improve your overall livelihood. “I belief that everyone is important as they are in this space and deserve a chance to feel understood”.
What a Typical Session is Like:
My sessions are very open. They are catered to your needs. Whatever makes you feel most comfortable is important to me. Having your cozy blanket with you, your lucky squishmallow, taking off your shoes, laying down or having anything that makes you happy with you is always welcome in this space. The main focus, in the beginning, is how you feel when you are at the clinic. Once we establish a good flow and vibe that’s when the work starts to happen. I also utilize board games, activities and fun worksheets during sessions if needed!
More About Me:
I love to travel. I love to eat yummy foods and rate them on my personal travel blog. I love to spend time with my family, and hangout with my friends. I love to go to fun aesthetic places and take lots of pictures!
Languages I Speak:
Arabic, English, Spanish
Ages I Work With:
5 yrs +
Insurances I Accept:
BCBS PPO, Aetna
Never Let the Fear of Striking out Get in Your Way.
BABE RUTH
ERIN SHELDEN, LSW
Who Am I?
Hi, my name is Erin Shelden, and I am a licensed social worker and licensed school social worker. I work with children and teens as young as 3 to 18. I work with children using a variety of different approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, DBT, Applied Behavioral Analysis skills, Art therapy, and many more. I incorporate various movement activities into therapy, real-life situations that help the children gain better perspective, and I also make sure the child always has choices during session, making them feel more involved in their therapeutic process. I try to be creative and fun for the children so that not only will therapy be beneficial, but it will be fun as well!!
I currently work as a social worker part-time and I have extensive knowledge of all school polices, IEP goals, 504 plans, and can work with all members of the school community to help your child be successful at school. Working with the school community is a very important part of the therapeutic process for children.
I Love Working With:
Kids and Teens (3-18) with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, social skills, self-esteem, anger management, behavior management, and executive functioning skills.
I love working with parents too to help them become more comfortable using strategies at home and how we can collaborate as a team to better help your child.
Some of My Favorite Approaches include:
Talking things through by utilizing Cognitive-behavioral therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, client centered, strengths based and forming a strong rapport with each child which then I can hand pick a variety of different activities that will best help your child be successful in the therapy process. As stated earlier, I use art, sports, movement, real-life scenarios, and other very open models to best help your child thrive during this process.
How I Help:
I provide a place where your child can come and know that I will always be on their side and that no matter what problem they are having, we can work together to solve the problem. When the child comes in my room, I want it to be their safe place to share knowing that they will not be judged and know that their voice will be heard and valued.
Beliefs Section:
I always say that children are the best and, in my room, they are treated as such. I believe that when a child can share their feelings without fear of judgment or discipline, it helps children feel open and really truly embrace the therapy process. Also, it helps making the therapy process fun and why I incorporate various types of fun activities to help the child feel free to share their feelings but also have a good time doing so!
What a Typical Session is Like:
My number one priority is making the child feel comfortable and happy when they are in my room therefore, I provide fidgets, slime, balls, and other things to help them easer into the therapeutic process. I usually spend 40 minutes chatting with the child and then I will welcome parents to join the last ten minutes just to go over any concerns or questions. Parent involvement is very important for my younger children, and I really encourage us to work together.
More About Me:
I LOVE SPORTS! Go Cubs, Bears, Hawks and Bulls!!! My room is sports themed and I love incorporating all types of sports games into my sessions! I am also a proud aunt of two handsome little guys, Andrew and Nathan.
Languages I Speak:
English
Ages I Work With:
3-18
Insurances I Accept:
BCBS PPO, Aetna
You become. It takes a long time. That’s why it doesn’t happen often to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don’t matter at all, because once you are Real you can’t be ugly, except to people who don’t understand.
THE VELVETEEN RABBIT
MIGDALIA SANTOS, AMFT
Who Am I?
Hello! I’m Migdalia, a pre-licensed Couple and Family Therapist passionate about supporting individuals of all ages, from children to adults. My aim is to help you navigate feelings of distress and cultivate a greater sense of well-being.
I Love Working With:
I love working with adolescents, teens, and adults who struggle with anxiety and depression. I also love working with families and those in romantic relationships experiencing difficulties in communication, managing conflict, coping with stress, and in need of relationship strengthening.
Some of My Favorite Approaches include:
I utilize a strengths-based approach to therapy, guiding you in identifying the patterns and root causes of behaviors that contribute to your distress. Together, we will explore coping strategies and insights that empower you to feel more positive and in control of your life.
How I Help:
I strive to provide context for your struggles, helping to reduce shame, fostering feelings of empowerment, and increasing positive regard towards self.
Beliefs Section:
You are not a bad person. You just have unmet needs. Each of us has unique needs and sometimes the way our brains and bodies work to meet those needs can look like “symptoms”. By gaining more of an understanding of yourself and the systems at play, we can work towards getting your needs met in way that feels good to you and more authentically aligns with your true self.
What a Typical Session is Like:
Each person’s sessions will look different. Whether you enjoy expressing yourself through art, engaging in play, using humor, or just through conversation, I’m here to support you. We will collaborate on goals and work together to create a plan that feels right for you.
More About Me:
In my free time, I enjoy cooking, gardening (and nature in general), and spending time with people that I love.
Languages I Speak:
English
Ages I Work With:
5 yrs +
Insurances I Accept:
BCBS PPO
There’s a great, big, beautiful tomorrow shining at the end of every day.
CAROUSEL OF PROGRESS
KAROLINA KUBASIK, PRE-LICENSED PROFESSIONAL/ OFFICE MANAGER
Who Am I?
Hi! My name is Karolina. I am an office manager and pre-licensed professional at Power of Words Counseling. I study psychology and Spanish at UIC. I am passionate about working with people, organization, and creating a welcoming environment for clients and colleagues alike. My role involves scheduling and administrative support, ensuring everything runs smoothly so our team can focus on client care.
How I Help:
In my position, I excel at keeping things organized and making sure everyone feels supported. As someone who is empathetic and detail-oriented, I enjoy helping clients navigate the scheduling process and making their experience as seamless as possible. I value clear communication and am always ready to assist with a friendly and professional attitude.
Beliefs Section:
I have always been drawn to psychology because it offers a unique opportunity to deeply understand and support others in their journey toward self-discovery and empowerment. To me, psychology is more than just a field of study; it’s a way to help people navigate life’s challenges while fostering confidence, emotional safety, and a sense of belonging.
My goal is to create and contribute to environments where everyone feels genuinely seen, heard, and valued—whether in a counseling session, a workplace, or daily interactions. I believe that when people feel safe and understood, they are more likely to open up, embrace vulnerability, and take meaningful steps toward growth.
I firmly believe that with the right support, encouragement, and tools, anyone can overcome obstacles, build resilience, and grow into their best selves. It's this transformative power of connection and understanding that inspires me to continue learning and serving others in meaningful ways
More About Me:
Outside of work and school, I enjoy figure skating, hiking, traveling, and exploring new restaurants. I love spicy food! I am also a Disney lover! Anything Disney and I am all over it!
Languages I Speak:
Polish, English, Spanish
CHALLENGE OBSTACLES- PURSUE EMPOWERMENT
c
O
P
E
Challenge your faulty thinking and choose words you speak to yourself consciously
Obstacles make you stronger, face them with the help of effective skills and positive self statements
Pursue assertive and effective communication skills with peers and parents
Empower yourself by trusting your abilities, making decisions and accepting the consequences
WE'RE HERE TO HELP
We are here to support you and your child/teen through difficult times. To help any parents seek and establish a good foundation for their children or ease the stress in their home environment.