Trauma Informed Specialists
Finding a therapist who meets your needs can be challenging. We want to help make that transition as easy as possible.
Dr. Nancy Kunkel, Psy. D
Dr. Kunkel was educated at Mundelein College of Loyola University and the Chicago School of Professional Psychology where she received her doctorate in Clinical Psychology. She is an experienced Licensed Clinical Psychologist with 29 years of working in the mental health field. Her non-judgemental, patient, and empathetic style allows her to connect with clients of all ages. Her goal is to create a curious and compassionate space in which the client feels heard and is inspired to make healthier choices for themselves and form more stable connections in their life.
Dr. Kunkel has a holistic approach in helping clients become more attuned to their mind and body connections. In teaching clients how to slow down and listen with self-compassion to their thoughts, feelings, and body, Dr. Kunkel assists in helping clients become unstuck from old trauma or beliefs. This then allows clients to find relief from symptoms, develop more effective coping skills and gain inner peace. She collaborates with the client in setting goals and keeps the focus of the sessions on ways the client is working towards their goals each week.
Dr. Kunkel’s areas of clinical interest are adolescent and adult women’s issues, depression, anxiety/OCD, ADHD, trauma and abuse, including chronic PTSD and dissociation, and relationship issues.
Dr. Kunkel incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness Based Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Trauma Informed Therapy in her sessions to enable clients to gain life skills that lead to a long term path of emotional health. Dr. Kunkel is a Certified Mindfulness Teacher and is a Fully Trained therapist in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR). All of these approaches lead to increased clarity and centeredness and the freedom to move towards a more thriving lifestyle.
Dr. LaCivita, Psy.D, LCPC, ATR-BC
Dr. LaCivita has a Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), Registered Art Therapist - Board Certified (ATR-BC), Chairperson of the Master of Arts in Counseling: Art Therapy and the PhD in Art Therapy Department and an Associate Professor at Adler University, Chicago. She is well known as a national and international advocate of the arts in the community and urban revitalization through the arts. She has presented all over the United States as well as in Italy, has been published in several publications. She believes in creating a safe place for self-expression using a gentle, compassionate approach, fostering healthy living through Positive and Adlerian Psychology.
Dr. LaCivita's clinical practice focuses on complementary and alternative modes of holistic healing, with a specialization in art therapy, bibliotherapy, journaling, play, mindfulness, meditation, music, yoga, and guided visualization. Her areas of specialization include children, adults and their families, trauma, sexual abuse, sex trafficking, anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, social, emotional, and behavioral learning issues, Adlerian theory and the philosophy of Individual Psychology, art therapy, the use of play, and the expressive arts as healing modalities.
Candyce Cabral, LPC
Candyce received her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health counseling from Concordia University-Chicago. With 20 years of working in the social service field, Candyce brings humility, respect, compassion and sensitivity into the therapeutic space with her clients. Candyce strives to foster a warm and supportive atmosphere for clients to freely explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences without judgment. Candyce’s therapeutic approach is tailored to each person’s unique journey to wellness. She places a high value on cultural competency, ensuring her work is informed by diverse cultural backgrounds and experiences of her clients. She is passionate about working with children, adolescents, and adults to create meaningful, long-lasting change. Candyce’s focus areas include complex trauma, life transitions, low self-esteem, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and relationship issues.
Candyce’s approach is collaborative and strengths-based, incorporating Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), play therapy, emotional focused therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, narrative therapy, internal family systems, and cultured focus therapy, coaching and motivational interviewing.