Lu Rocha, MA, MSW, LCSW, RYI (Founder)
Lu is a bilingual Spanish speaking trauma therapist. Her professional experience includes more than twenty years of counseling, organizing, activism, and advocacy within the Latinx community and other marginalized communities. Lu identifies as a Latina with indigenous roots, first born generation in the United States, a proud daughter of a Brazero. She is the founder of Multicultural Consulting Services, a for-profit business dedicated in helping institutions make their services accessible to everyone.
Lu is dedicated in addressing trauma from a cultural perspective, while using methods that are evidence-based and trauma-informed. She works with clients from a variety of cultural and ethnic backgrounds and has experience in providing services to youth who have experienced and/or witnessed family and community violence. Her professional aspiration is to support the growth of providers of color in the mental health field so that communities of color can have more options in obtaining services that align to their cultural beliefs and values.
About the Team
Lu Rocha, MA, MSW, LCSW, RYI (Founder)
Lu is a bilingual Spanish speaking trauma therapist. Her professional experience includes more than twenty years of counseling, organizing, activism, and advocacy within the Latinx community and other marginalized communities. Lu identifies as a Latina with indigenous roots, first born generation in the United States, a proud daughter of a Brazero. She is the founder of Multicultural Consulting Services, a for-profit business dedicated in helping institutions make their services accessible to everyone.
Lu is dedicated in addressing trauma from a cultural perspective, while using methods that are evidence-based and trauma-informed. She works with clients from a variety of cultural and ethnic backgrounds and has experience in providing services to youth who have experienced and/or witnessed family and community violence. Her professional aspiration is to support the growth of providers of color in the mental health field so that communities of color can have more options in obtaining services that align to their cultural beliefs and values.
Tamara Fermaint, Biller/Community Liaison
Tamara Fermaint has been in the health care field for over 30 years as a registered dental hygienist. She has experience in providing patient care services in hospitals, private practice, and community settings.
She brings with her a commitment to advocate for individuals living with mental health illness, LGBTQ community members, people affected by homelessness, and children with learning disabilities, obtain quality services and support.
Tamara is excited to join Lu Rocha Counseling Service as their new insurance biller and care coordinator.
Nikiya Pruitt, LCSW, Psychotherapist
In a society filled with checkboxes, performances, and expectations, oftentimes we can start to feel overwhelmed, depleted, and left alone to feel like we don’t have much to offer or give. We find ourselves questioning our worth, purpose, and existence, while still trying to live up to societal expectations. Why me? Why wasn’t I good enough? Who am I? All of life’s hurts and disappointments can make us feel like we are just surviving and not living or that even in a crowded room of our loved ones, we still feel alone. Where do we go from here?
Working in the social service field for more than 10 years, as a therapist, I offer a warm, affirming, and non-judgmental approach to help all those in need, feel welcomed, safe, and valued. I specialize in working with individuals who have a hard time managing their anxiety, grief, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, gender identity, HIV/AIDS, stigma, relationship issues, family conflicts, and suicidal ideations using the following approaches:
· Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
· Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
· Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)
· Holistic Psychotherapy
· Journal Therapy
· Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
· Motivational Interviewing
· Person-Centered Therapy
· Psychodynamic Therapy
· Rational Emotive Therapy (REBT)
· Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
Furthermore, as a therapist with a unique style and therapeutic approach, I enjoy helping individuals find comfort and strength in their spirituality along with exploring alternative therapy styles we can utilize both in and outside of sessions. Together, we will work on strategies that will allow you to address the root causes of your stress, identify your strengths, all while helping you build meaningful social connections through community support.
JoAn Vargas-Herzfeldt, LCSW, Psychotherapist
JoAn is a bilingual Spanish-speaking therapist. Her educational background includes undergraduate studies in psychology and intercultural communication with a Latin American focus. She earned her master’s degree in Social Work with a Mental Health concentration from the Jane Addams School of Social Work.
She is a Certified Alcohol & Other Drug Abuse Counselor (CADC). While she enjoys working with diverse populations, the bulk of her experience comes from working with the Latinx community members, the military, and individuals struggling with substance use. She also enjoys working with women navigating the challenges of motherhood. Her experience comes from working in programs such as Women Infants and Children (WIC), Healthy Families of Illinois, and postpartum depression programs.
Her approach to therapy is solution-focused and goal-oriented, collaboratively creating treatment plans for change. Her intentions as a therapist are to create a non-judgmental and safe environment where she can support self-efficacy to promote behavioral change by incorporating motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and solution-focused therapy, while utilizing strength-based strategies and the principles of dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT). She helps her clients manage their
symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, relationship issues, addiction, and make positive behavioral changes.
Briana Wright, LCSW, Psychotherapist
Briana is an advocate and therapist. Her professional experience includes 20 years of serving young children, adolescents, and communities, including providing home visiting services, training and technical assistance, and counseling. Briana has provided professional development training on working with schools, substance abuse prevention, and supporting trauma impacted families, engaging community leaders, youth, and volunteer development.
As a therapist, Briana wants to collaborate by listening to concerns and challenges, while establishing a healthy rapport. Through these conversations, she hopes to cultivate a consistent and honest dialogue. Collectively, with the individual, Briana creates a space of safety and trust. She employs a blend of therapeutic approaches, which includes Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Strength-Based, and Reality, to yield a more holistic approach to achieving your goals and desired outcomes.
She has experience in providing support to individuals experiencing challenges with anxiety, anger management, depression, grief, healthy-relationship management, life management and post-traumatic stress. Briana has a desire to assist individuals in the process of self-discovery, empowerment and development of strategies that improve your mental and spiritual health.
Gema Gaete-Tapia, LPC, M.S. Counseling
Gema is a bilingual Spanish-speaking counselor, advocate, and Racial Healing Practitioner. She was born in a small desert town in northern Chile. Her family was forced into exile and settled in Little Village, Chicago in 1976.
Gema has over 20 years of experience in youth development, community organizing, and education. In her years of working with community youth and in her own personal healing journey, she struggled to find mental health providers of color. Therefore, in 2015 Gema decided to add her little grain of sand and
contribute to our individual and collective healing and help fill this void by pursuing a master’s degree in counseling.
Gema’s core values include equity, self-determination, and honoring each other’s humanity. In this spirit, she will collaborate with you to create a supportive, safe, and empowering environment where you are an active participant in exploring and addressing your concerns. This process may include narrative and/or art therapy, as well as the practice of meditation and breathing techniques. Gema is devoted to providing a culturally relevant and accessible, trauma-informed, mental health practice.
Dulce Sanchez, MSW, Psychotherapist
Dulce is a bilingual Spanish-speaking psychotherapist who graduated with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in social work from Northeastern Illinois University. Dulce is a first-generation immigrant, living in the U.S. since 2000, and she is currently a DACA recipient.
Dulce's passion lies in supporting BIPOC community members, 1st and 2nd generation immigrants, children, and teens and helping them understand their mental health.
Dulce focuses on:
-emotional awareness
-anxiety
-depression
-anger
-self esteem
-time management
-healthy boundaries
-healthy relationships
She is eager to help and provide a safe environment for all of her clients. She hopes to make a change and help members of marginalized communities see the importance of mental health in all stages of life. Dulce includes meditation, yoga, and clients' religious/spiritual practices (if any) into treatment.
lana@lurocha.org
Lana Sestovic, Intern Therapist
Lana is an intern therapist currently in her third year of a Master's program in Mental Health Counseling at DePaul University. Originally from Serbia and Montenegro, Lana moved to Chicago at the age of 12, offering her a distinctive perspective as a first-generation immigrant.
She is deeply committed to working with immigrants and diverse communities, driven by her dedication to equality and the crucial role of mental health in everyone's life.
Lana has gained valuable experience through her role as a utilization review specialist at a mental health clinic, as well as in various school and community settings. She is committed to meeting clients where they are in their healing process, focusing on emotional regulation, effective communication, and healthy boundaries. Lana prioritizes creating a supportive and inclusive environment to foster her clients' growth and well-being.
Natalie Casal Alcaíno, Intern Therapist
Natalie Casal Alcaíno (she/her/ella) is a bilingual, queer Chilenx immigrant with roots in both Santiago, Chile, and Miami, Florida. Growing up in the aftermath of the 17-year dictatorship, she developed a profound awareness of the interconnected socio-political-environmental factors influencing intergenerational trauma.
Natalie draws extensively from studies in post-memory, epigenetics, and liberation psychology, placing emphasis on uplifting non-Western healing modalities that honor ancestral praxis. Currently pursuing a Master of Social Work at the University of Chicago, she aspires to attain licensure in clinical social work.
Her commitment extends beyond academia, as she actively engages in organizing efforts with immigrant and undocumented communities, addressing the harsh realities of body terrorism. Inspired by popular education, fat liberation movements, and abolitionist values, Natalie firmly believes that genuine healing necessitates a recognition of systemic harm and a pursuit of justice.
Estefania Zavalija Cruz, Intern Therapist
Estefania is a bilingual Spanish-speaking intern who completed a bachelor’s degree in psychology and Spanish studies at Dominican University. Currently, she is pursuing a master’s degree in social work at Dominican, with an expected graduation in May 2025. As a first-generation Mexican immigrant who has resided in the US since 2010, Estefania is committed to giving back to her community. Her studies are focused on the Global track, specializing in immigrants and refugees.
Estefania’s passion lies in promoting mental health awareness and supporting the community. She is eager to gain insights into various mental health approaches and to contribute firsthand at Lu Rocha Counseling Services. With prior experience in community organizations, Estefania is dedicated to identifying and sharing beneficial resources with individuals in need.
Jessica Saldana, Intern Therapist
Jessica (She/Her/Ella) hails from Chicago's Southwest Side, where her roots run deep. Currently pursuing a master's degree in social work at Dominican University, she builds upon her bachelor's in social work from St. Augustine College.
Jessica is deeply committed to guiding individuals on their paths to healing. She believes in the profound impact of Narrative Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), empowering individuals to rewrite their narratives and uncover resilience in their experiences.
As a first-generation Mexican American with immigrant parents, Jessica brings a personal understanding to her work, empathizing with challenges such as navigating intergenerational trauma, establishing healthy boundaries, and embracing cultural identity and personal achievements. Bilingual in English and Spanish, she actively promotes self-care through practices like breathwork, mindfulness, and movement, honoring the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit.
Outside of her professional pursuits, Jessica finds joy in exploring new recipes, nurturing her garden, and cherishing moments with her family.
citlali@lurocha.org
Citlali Ventura, Intern Therapist
Citlali (she/her/ella) is a bilingual Mexicana hailing from Chicago's South Side. Growing up there, she witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by her community due to a lack of affordable and accessible resources. Motivated by these disparities, Citlali began volunteering with community organizations during high school, working tirelessly to connect individuals with essential support services during difficult times.
Her commitment to community well-being deepened as she noticed the glaring gaps in mental health care, exacerbated by insurance limitations and the unavailability of Medicaid at private practices. This situation often left community members underserved, relying instead on overwhelmed government agencies. Determined to address these inequalities, Citlali has dedicated herself to roles where mental health support is accessible to all who seek it.
In her advocacy work, Citlali emphasizes the importance of destigmatizing mental health discussions within BIPOC communities through education about available resources and care options. She views social justice as integral to her practice, recognizing its profound impact on communities and striving to stay informed about issues affecting her clients' lives.
arleigh@lurocha.org
Arleigh Kraker, Intern Therapist
Arleigh Kraker (she/her) is currently pursuing her Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree at Adler University, having earned her B.A. in Psychology from Lake Forest College. With a career spanning three years at Thresholds, Arleigh serves as a Community Support Team Leader, focusing her efforts on providing essential mental health services to low-income individuals in diverse north side Chicago communities.
Arleigh's counseling approach is rooted in holistic and strengths-based methods. Her professional experience encompasses supporting individuals grappling with poverty, homelessness, substance use, psychosis, domestic violence, medical trauma, and acute psychiatric crises. During her undergraduate years, Arleigh dedicated herself to researching sexual assault perpetration and prevention, serving as president of Lake Forest College's It's On Us chapter. She collaborated closely with the college administration to reduce instances of sexual assault on campus.
As a queer individual, Arleigh embraces clients from all backgrounds and prioritizes creating a safe, open-minded space where they can freely express their authentic selves. She celebrates diversity and acknowledges the enduring impact of prejudice and discrimination across generations. Arleigh is a staunch advocate for social justice, seamlessly integrating these principles into her clinical practice.
eugenia@lurocha.org
Eugenia Ortiz, Intern Therapist
Eugenia, a bilingual Spanish-speaking intern, is currently pursuing her master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Northeastern Illinois University. As a first-generation Latina with parents who immigrated from Mexico, Eugenia possesses a profound understanding of navigating cultural expectations in the United States.
Her professional focus centers on supporting first-generation individuals, college students, BIPOC communities, and those with immigrant backgrounds. Eugenia is committed to providing culturally responsive and holistic mental health care, integrating physical health, brain function, and spiritual practices into her therapeutic approach. She specializes in addressing intergenerational trauma and assists clients in reconnecting with ancestral wisdom while navigating inherited challenges.
Eugenia strives to create a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their inner selves and embark on a journey of healing.
ben@lurocha.org
Ben Xing, Intern Therapist
Ben, a fluent Mandarin-speaking intern, completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Illinois at Chicago with majors in Psychology and Criminal Law and Justice.
Currently pursuing his second year in the Mental Health Counseling master’s program at DePaul University, Ben brings a distinctive perspective shaped by his experience working with at-risk teens and previous classroom engagements.
Hailing from an immigrant background, he deeply values the significance of community support. Ben is dedicated to leveraging his empathy and expertise to make a meaningful difference in his community.
daniela@lurocha.org
Daniela Navarro, Intern Therapist
Daniela, a bilingual Spanish-speaking intern, who grew up in Pilsen is a first-generation American. She is currently pursuing a master’s in social work at Northeastern Illinois University, building on her extensive 12-year background in Early Childhood Education.
Daniela's decision to pursue a master’s degree stems from her desire to extend her impact beyond the classroom, aiming to support children and families in diverse, marginalized communities. Her goal is to continue making a positive difference in their lives. Daniela looks forward to creating a safe healing space for her clients.
yaritza@lurocha.org
Yaritza Vidaurre, Intern Therapist
Yaritza Vidaurre is a bilingual Spanish-speaking therapist who identifies as queer, with deep cultural roots in Colombia, El Salvador, and Houston, TX. Currently serving as an intern therapist, she is dedicated to fostering personal growth and well-being through compassionate, client-centered therapy.
During sessions, her priority is to establish a safe, nonjudgmental environment where clients can freely explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Yaritza is committed to supporting her clients' journey towards healing while ensuring that the therapeutic work is culturally sensitive and inclusive. She develops personalized treatment plans that blend evidence-based practices with holistic, culturally informed approaches tailored to each client's specific needs.
Her passion lies in working with BIPOC individuals, survivors of sexual and domestic violence, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and 1st and 2nd generation immigrants. Yaritza’s goal is to empower clients with the tools and insights necessary to cultivate growth and enhance their overall well-being. She eagerly anticipates the opportunity to collaborate and contribute to her clients' mental health journey towards healing.
Lu's Method of Therapy
Lu prefers to provide therapy from a strength-based approach. This form of therapy emphasizes a person’s self-determination and strengths. It is a philosophy and a way of viewing a client as resourceful and resilient in the face of adversity. To help clients improve their mental health, Lu utilizes diverse inclusive therapy (DIT), which includes talk therapy and other modalities that have been proven to be effective and beneficial.
DIT includes:
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Talk therapy
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Breathing exercises, meditation, and yoga, which are proven to improve one’s mental health. And as a registered yoga instructor (RYI), trained in therapeutic yoga, Lu teaches her clients how to use these tools to better manage anxiety, anger and other overwhelming emotions and sensations.
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Understanding how trauma and anxiety effects the body, brain, and one’s overall health is important; therefore, Lu teaches her clients how the effects manifests within the body.
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Lu believes that having a spiritual practice is important in one’s healing, so when appropriate, Lu addresses spirituality in her therapy sessions. This may include conversations on connecting with one’s ancestors, practicing traditions or rituals, smudging etc.
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Historical trauma (HT) is an emotional and psychological wounding experienced by a group/community across generations and within one's lifespan. When appropriate, Lu believes it is important to explore how historical trauma is currently affecting one’s mental and physical health.
