Lessons from the Couch

Click here to view the episode transcript. Alex Hoffman is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Live Oak Chicago who works from a trauma informed relational and harm reduction lens. She specializes in supporting clients with treatment related trauma centering client agency and authentic human connection in her work. Alex’s approach is informed by over a decade in the mental health field, early wor...

Click here to view the episode transcript. Carl Hampton is a seasoned psychotherapist, community leader, and supervisor at the Family Institute at Northwestern University. With over four decades of experience spanning criminal justice, rehabilitation, mental health, and private practice, Carl brings a deep well of wisdom, humility, and presence to his work. He is known for his lifelong commitment...

Click here to view the episode transcript. Nancy Tartt, LMFT, is a therapist, leader, and founder of Inspirational Synergy , a practice rooted in helping individuals, couples, and families live authentically. With nearly a decade at Live Oak Chicago and a long-standing career in higher education at UIC, Nancy brings a unique blend of organizational leadership and therapeutic depth to her work. Her...

Click here to view the episode transcript. Chris Aguirre is a bilingual Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who brings over a decade of experience working with individuals, couples, and families. Based in Illinois and trained at Northwestern University, Chris blends clinical expertise with a warm, down-to-earth approach that makes clients feel truly seen. His work draws from a variety of modali...

Click here to view the episode transcript. Angelica Magana is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over a decade of experience supporting individuals and couples through complex trauma, attachment wounds, and relational challenges. Her work is grounded in attunement, depth, and a deep respect for the protective mechanisms people develop in response to pain. With clinical roots in Chicago,...

Click here to view the episode transcript. Jake Penrod (he/him, they/them) is a Couple and Family Therapist at Live Oak who specializes in working with queer and kinky clients, as well as those in non-monogamous relationships. His work is deeply informed by both personal and professional immersion in these communities. In addition to their clinical work, Jake hosts the podcast I Hate James Dobson...

Click here to view the episode transcript. Farrah Walke r is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and the founder of Enriched Living Counseling, where she provides care to high-conflict couples, interracial and interfaith partnerships, and African-American women. She is dually licensed in Illinois and Michigan and serves as the President-Elect of the Illinois Affiliation of Marriage and...

Click here to view the episode transcript. We are back with a new season of Lessons from the Couch! Tune in to hear co-hosts, Corina and Mariana, chat to various therapists about their areas of knowledge and expertise, and their journeys to finding these. 

Click here to view the episode transcript. In this special episode, co-hosts Corina and Mariana step away from guest interviews and sit down for an open conversation with each other. They reflect on the lessons learned throughout the season—from navigating leadership roles to healing from perfectionism—and share how hosting the podcast has changed them both personally and professionally. Together,...

Click here to view the episode transcript. Chaazé P. Roberts, LMFT , is a licensed therapist with over 16 years of experience at The Family Institute at Northwestern University, where he continues to serve as a clinical lecturer and supervisor. He recently launched his private practice, CPR Counseling, Ltd., and works with individuals, couples, families, adolescents, and groups. Chaazé is especial...

Click here to view the episode transcript. Jordan Dunmead (she/they) is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist at Live Oak Chicago, where they provide therapy, supervision, and training for other clinicians. Their work centers on supporting gender-, sexually-, and relationally diverse clients, particularly those navigating sexual trauma and family-of-origin challenges. Jordan is dedicated to cre...

Click here to view the episode transcript. Humza Malik is a psychotherapist and Founders’ Fellow at Live Oak Chicago. He holds an MA in Social Work from the University of Chicago and specializes in working with LGBTQ+ clients, those exploring cultural upbringing, and identity development. As a queer, transmasculine, neurodivergent and South Asian therapist, Humza integrates holistic practices like...

Click here to view the episode transcript. Alissa Catiis, LCSW, RYT, PMH-C , is a Chicago-based therapist specializing in trauma, perinatal mental health, and the intersection of mental well-being and social justice. With a background in yoga and somatic healing, she integrates body-centered approaches to therapy. Passionate about working with BIPOC and immigrant communities, Alissa brings warmth,...

Click here to view the episode transcript. Jeff Levy, LCSW, is a seasoned Chicago-based psychotherapist with over 40 years of experience, beginning as a recreation therapist for youth in foster care and later working with runaway and homeless adolescents. He was the founder of The Wingspan Project, supporting front line staff working in historically underserved and marginalized communities, and co...

Click here to view the episode transcript. Misty Major, founder of Journey Within LLC, is a dedicated mental health professional with a rich background in clinical leadership, including her role as the former Clinical Director at Live Oak. Originally from Inglewood, California, Misty earned her graduate degree in Marriage and Family Therapy in Chicago and now practices in Fort Worth, Texas, suppor...