Online in Illinois
(Online Only)
I believe in the power of healing through promoting self-awareness, autonomy and empowerment, and also in people's strength to move towards change. Though suffering is a part of life, something that all humans share, working to manifest helpful and sustainable coping mechanisms, and skills that will work to serve you long term makes a difference in the quality of life a person experiences. I work from a Health at Every Size (HAES) and humanist framework, observing individuals as a whole, and when it comes to the war against body discrimination and terrorism, I believe in working to enhance radical acceptance through promoting self-contentment, end weight discrimination by identifying the underlying and overlying systems of oppression, dismantling those systems, and working against the cultural obsession with diet culture, and the pursuit of thinness and perfection. I believe in concepts such as radical self-love, self-trust, self-awareness, radical-acceptance, freedom, agency, self-compassion, and self-actualization to help guide individuals to fulfill their potential and maximize their wellbeing.
Client Focus
Session Format: Individual sessions.
Age Specialty: Adult, Young Adult
Demographic Expertise: Black / African American, LGBTQ+, Women clients.
Treatment Approach
- Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) Helps people accept difficult thoughts and feelings instead of fighting them, while committing to actions that reflect their values. It blends mindfulness with practical behavior strategies.
- Biopsychosocial Therapy Takes into account biological, psychological, and social factors in understanding mental health. It looks at the whole person, not just symptoms.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) One of the most widely used approaches, CBT helps people identify unhelpful thoughts and replace them with healthier patterns. It is effective for anxiety, depression, and many other concerns.
- Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) An evidence-based treatment for PTSD that teaches clients to reframe unhelpful thoughts about trauma. It helps reduce guilt, shame, and fear.
- Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) Builds skills in self-kindness and compassion toward others. It is especially helpful for people who struggle with shame or self-criticism.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Combines CBT with mindfulness to help regulate emotions, tolerate stress, and build stronger relationships. Originally designed for borderline personality disorder, it’s now used more broadly.
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) Focuses on strengthening emotional bonds in couples or families. It helps people identify negative cycles and create more secure connections.
- Existential / Humanistic Therapy Encourages people to explore meaning, freedom, and authenticity in their lives. It focuses on personal growth and living in alignment with one’s values.
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) Combines mindfulness practices with CBT to prevent depression relapse. It helps people notice thoughts without judgment and respond more calmly.
- Motivational Interviewing (MI) A collaborative, client-centered approach that strengthens motivation for change. It is especially effective for addictions and health behaviors.
- Multicultural Therapy Acknowledges the role of culture, race, and identity in mental health. It values diversity and adapts treatment to each person’s background.
- Narrative Therapy Encourages people to view problems as separate from themselves and reframe their life story. It helps build resilience and self-identity.
- Person-Centered Therapy (Rogerian) Emphasizes empathy, unconditional positive regard, and authenticity. It provides a safe space for self-discovery and growth.
- Schema Therapy Identifies deep-rooted negative patterns formed in childhood. It combines CBT, attachment theory, and experiential methods for change.
Approach Description: Conversational. Warm. Engaged. I offer 15 minute consultations to hear about your concerns and determine if we are a good fit. Even if I'm not the right therapist for you, I will help you find a therapist who is.
Fees & Insurance
Fees
- Affordable sliding scale therapy: apply if you may be eligible.
- I am open to discussing siding scale needs.
- Accepts Insurance
- Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO, Aetna, Untied Healthcare, and Cigna
Education & Credentials
Emem Itiat LCPC
- Female
- License # 180.014381
- Licensed in Illinois
- Practicing Since 2010
Emem Itiat Practice Details
Therapy Sessions
- Available Online for residents of Illinois
- Online Therapy Details: Telehealth
If you find yourself facing challenges related to mood concerns, body image distress, obsessive compulsive disorders, eating disorders, trauma, identity crisis, racial & cultural trauma, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, bigotry, religious trauma, and substance use, my help and support are available to you. Focusing on the present, let us work together to make changes that will hold space for personal growth and cultivate contentment, congruence, joy, stability, forward movement, and fulfilment.
Navigating life's setbacks, challenges, and adversities can absolutely take a toll on our wellbeing and ability to function, which is why it is important to know that you do not have to work through these concerns alone. I believe in the power of healing through promoting self-awareness, autonomy and empowerment, and also in people's strength to move towards change. Though suffering is a part of life, something that all humans share, working to manifest helpful and sustainable coping mechanisms, and skills that will work to serve you long term makes a difference in the quality of life a person experiences. I work from a Health at Every Size (HAES) and humanist framework, observing individuals as a whole, and when it comes to the war against body discrimination and terrorism, I believe in working to enhance radical acceptance through promoting self-contentment, end weight discrimination by identifying the underlying and overlying systems of oppression, dismantling those systems, and working against the cultural obsession with diet culture, and the pursuit of thinness and perfection. I believe in concepts such as radical self-love, self-trust, self-awareness, radical-acceptance, freedom, agency, self-compassion, and self-actualization to help guide individuals to fulfill their potential and maximize their wellbeing.
I utilizes a variety of evidence-based therapies including the Person Centered approach to foster the trust building process and increase client autonomy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Narrative Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). My experience resides in working with Adult, Elderly, and adolescent Individuals.