Lucas Swenink, LCSW, CADC

Founder

Chief clinical Officer

Pronouns: He/Him

Lucas earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2007, a Master's of Gerontology at Concordia University-Chicago in 2009, a Master’s of Social Work at Loyola University Chicago in 2011, and is currently working toward a Doctorate of Clinical Social Work.

Lucas specializes in working with individuals and couples who identify as part of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer population.  Within the LGBTQ population, he has further expertise in working with those who wish to address the implications of their trauma history, HIV/AIDS-related health and wellness, depression, anxiety, issues related to aging and substance abuse and dependance related disorders.

Lucas practices from an integrative approach with groundings in psychodynamic theory. He believes that insight, awareness and the therapeutic relationship are key parts of any treatment experience. Lucas understands that each client is unique and integrates other techniques to meet the specific personal needs of each individual or couple with whom he works.

Lucas also worked at Howard Brown Health Center and Center on Halsted as a psychotherapist and clinical training manger, respectfully.  In his tenure at Center On Halsted, Lucas provided individual, couples, and group therapy to the LGBTQ population and directed the clinical training program. Lucas has advanced clinical training in working with trauma survivors, individuals and couples identifying on the LGBTQ spectrum, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), and Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT).

Caleb Collins, LCPC

founder

chief executive officer

Pronouns: He/Him

I approach my work with an understanding that each client's experience is unique and I appreciate the courage it takes to engage in therapy. I work to help my client's feel heard and understood while exploring the sources of their difficulty. It is important to me that my relationship with clients is collaborative and I believe that you are the best expert on yourself and what you want for treatment. Sessions typically focus on building insight into how past experiences affect us today as well as developing communication and coping skills.

I work with LGBTQIA+ individuals and relationships struggling to create change in their lives. I believe engaging in therapy is an intimate and earnest course toward better understanding oneself and others. It is important to find a clinician whom you feel safe exploring what brings you to session.

Additionally, I work with children and adolescents who struggle with social/emotional problems as well as issues surrounding sexual orientation and gender identity. I am committed to ending school bullying and work with all levels of primary and secondary educators on the subject of school bullying and current intervention strategies.

Education

THE CHICAGO SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL PSYCHOLOGY
M.A., Psychology 2012

DRURY COLLEGE
B.A., Business 2007

Activities & Affiliations

• NBCC Board Certified
• Human Rights Campaign, Member
• Civil Rights Conservation, Member

Licensure and Certified Trainings

• Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC)
• Emotional Focused Couples Therapy (EFT)
• Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) Institute Graduate

Delaney Savoie, LCPC, CADC

CLINICAL TRAINING DIRECTOR

Staff psychotherapist

Pronouns: She/Her

Therapy can be beneficial for everyone, but it is not one size fits all. Delaney recognizes that what works for one client, may not work for another. Therefore, she values collaborating with clients to find the approach that best fits each individual’s needs and compliments their strengths. She places an emphasis on the therapeutic relationship as an agent for change. She believes that a secure, compassionate, and non-judgmental space is the foundation that is needed to foster hope, resilience, and growth. Delaney is passionate about creating an affirming environment for LGBTQIA+ individuals.

Delaney’s integrative approach uses modalities such as CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing, mindfulness, and trauma-informed therapy. She is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing and currently working toward EMDR certification. Delaney uses these skills to help the client gain insight about their world, make positive changes, and build a toolbox of coping skills. She works with adults and adolescents who struggle with anxiety, depression, gender identity, history of trauma, addiction, relationship issues, and/or codependency. One of her specialties is providing long-term supportive treatment for individuals who have a history of substance abuse and/or behavioral addiction. Therapy is not only place to change but also a place to maintain what is going well!

Education

THE CHICAGO SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL PSYCHOLOGY
M.A., Psychology 2016

DEPAUL UNIVERSITY
B.A., Psychology 2012

Activities & Affiliations

• NBCC Board Certified

Licensure and Certified Trainings

• Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC)
• Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC)
• Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) Trained

Lauren Mosley, LCSW

Staff psychotherapist

Pronouns: She/Her

Lauren is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She earned a Masters of Social Work from University of Illinois Chicago Jane Addams College of Social Work and has a BA in sociology from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Lauren’s clinical skill set includes: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness practice, relational-cultural therapy, solution focused therapy, and trauma focused therapy. She views presenting problems in a multifaceted manner, allowing her to develop a positive therapeutic relationship and understanding with her clients. Lauren tailors therapy to the individual, drawing from various models and theories to best meet the clients’ identified needs and treatment goals. Lauren is authentic, caring, and creative. Ultimately, she strives to empower and challenge clients to progress and evolve in the way they desire. 

Prior to joining the Catalyst Clinical Group, Lauren worked in community mental health settings on Chicago’s south and west side where she provided outpatient therapy to children, adolescents, adults, and families. She also has experience working in residential and school-based settings providing crisis intervention and both short and long term treatment.

Lauren has worked successfully with clients of diverse ability, culture, religion, sexual orientation, and gender identities. She has experience addressing a variety of mental health concerns including ADHD, anxiety, adjustment disorder, depression, family discord, identity issues, and sociocultural stress, among other concerns. Lauren highly values working with a diverse clientele and welcomes the opportunity to support others in meeting their personal goals.

Education

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS-CHICAGO
Masters of Social Work, 2016

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS-URBANA-CHAMPAIGN
B.A., Sociology 2011

Activities & Affiliations

•National Association of Social Work (NASW) Member
•AmeriCorps Member

Licensure and Certified Trainings

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

Jeffrey Pyritz, LCSW

Staff psychotherapist

Pronouns: He/Him

I believe that stories are at the heart of our experience. We receive stories both helpful and harmful from our upbringing, our relationships, and society. When these stories are unexamined, they can take us over and trap us without our realizing it. I feel it is my job with my clients to help expound on these stories and not only get rid off damaging stories, but help write new ones for the future.

I practice a nonjudgmental, sex-positive, client-driven, intergrative approach that incorporates techniques from narrative, solution-focused, psychodynamic, and CBT approaches. I have experience working with individuals facing a variety of difficulties, including identity issues, depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, and LGBTQ+ issues.

I began my career at Trilogy Behavioral Health helping to meet the needs of adults with chronic mental illnesses. Following that, I went on to Heartland Health Centers to work with high school students at an in-school health clinic, delivering much needed behavioral health interventions to teenagers dealing with trauma, identity issues, depression, and anxiety. My position just prior to Catalyst Clinical Group was as a Clinical Supervisor for Response for Teens at JCFS Chicago.

Education

Loyola University-Chicago
Masters of Social Work, 2016

Roosevelt University
B.A., Psychology 2012

Activities & Affiliations

• NASW, Member

Licensure and Certified Trainings

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
• Solutions Focused Treatment for Survivors of Trauma
• Gender and Sexuality Sensitivity Training
• Crisis Intervention Training
• Child Abuse Intervention Training

Jessica Gwilliam, LCSW

Staff psychotherapist

Pronouns: She/Her/They/Them

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, specializing in client-centered, relational approaches to mental health and healing. I earned my Masters in Social Work from the University of Michigan, and hold a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Fort Lewis College. Prior to joining Catalyst Clinical Group, I worked in a variety of hospital and healthcare settings, focusing on clients living with chronic illness. 

I utilize an eclectic, integrative approach to therapy, centering the needs and goals of each client. I have specific training and experience working with individuals who identify as part of LGBTQIA+ community, those who have survived physical or sexual trauma, and individuals living with chronic illness and/or chronic pain. I also have experience with kink, polyamory and other alternative relationship structures. I have special training in mindfulness and meditation, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, solution focused therapy, and affirmative counseling with LGBTQIA+ individuals. 

I believe that the therapeutic relationship is a primary site of healing, and strive to create an accepting, collaborative space with clients to explore their thoughts, feelings and behaviors. Together, we can work to gain insight, identify what gives your life meaning and purpose, develop coping skills, enhance your relationships, and create lasting change. 

Education

UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN Masters of Social Work, 2018

FORT LEWIS COLLEGE
B.A., Psychology, 2015

Activities & Affiliations

• NASW, Member • Association for Contextual Behavioral Science, Member • Women Unite! Chicago, Board Member

Licensure and Certified Trainings

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

Lee Thompson, LCSW

Staff psychotherapist

Pronouns: She/Her

I am a Licensed Social Worker who collaborates with clients in order to support them on their journeys of healing and growth. I received my Masters of Arts in Social Work at the University of Chicago’s School of Social Service Administration, where I gained experiences in community mental health and hospital settings. 

I strive to cultivate a culturally-informed, sex and kink-positive space for clients to process thoughts, feelings, and experiences. I’m affirming of all expressions of gender identity and sexual orientation, as well as non-traditional relationship structures. My background includes specific work with those who have experienced traumatic injuries, the sudden loss of a loved one, and interpersonal violence, as well as understanding and coping with complex medical diagnoses. I also work with folks experiencing distress related to anxiety, relationship concerns, and life transitions. 

My approach is flexible to meet the needs of each individual or couple, because I believe therapy looks different for everyone. I will meet you where you are with your goals and strengths. My hope is that our therapeutic relationship will be a space of partnership, warmth, and healing. I look forward to meeting you! 

Education

UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO A.M., Masters of Social Work, 2021

JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
B.A., Psychology, 2016

Activities & Affiliations

• NASW, Member

Licensure and Certified Trainings

• Licensed Social Worker (LSW)

Cindy Recinos, LPC

Staff psychotherapist

Pronouns: She/Her

I'm a multicultural, LGBTQIA+ affirming, sex-positive therapist. I have worked with clients to address issues of desire discrepancy, lack of emotional and physical intimacy, difficulties with orgasm, erectile dysfunction, anxiety, mood dysregulation, substance use disorder, chronic pain, somatic symptoms, and trauma-related disorders.

My work as a therapist is center on my values of compassion, equity, and authenticity. I strive to foster a safe, trusting space to collaboratively explore your internal and external world, identify patterns that no longer serve you and enact coping strategies to create lasting, positive change. I believe we all have a deep longing and capacity to be whole and connected to ourselves and others. I don’t believe we are meant to suffer or work through our pain alone. I know firsthand that what has been most instrumental in healing for me is having a trusted relationship with a warmhearted therapist. I honor your courage to reach out for support.

Education

NATIONAL LOUIS UNIVERSITY-CHICAGO M.S., Clinical Mental Health Counseling, 2022

WAYLAND BAPTIST UNIVERSITY
B.S., Business Management, 2005

Activities & Affiliations

• NBCC Board Certified

Licensure and Certified Trainings

•Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
•Fluent in Spanish

Monique Spells, LSW, PEL

Staff psychotherapist

Pronouns: She/Her

Monique earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education at Chicago State University in 2007, a Master’s in Educational Leadership at American College of Education in 2009 and Master’s in Social Work with a focus on Children and Family at Loyola University Chicago in 2019. Prior to joining Catalyst Clinical Group Monique spent years working with children and adolescents on reaching their educational goals, developing healthy peer relationships and assisting families with restoring and rebuilding relationships in their homes.

Monique uses multiple modalities approaches such as: CBT, mindfulness practices, solution focus therapy and other approaches depending on the clients need. Monique believes in focusing on the whole-person to assist clients through the process of meeting their individual goals and developing skills and strategies to help them cope with difficult situations. Monique has experienced working with adolescents and at-risk youth in a school setting, displaced families, individuals who experienced homelessness and difficulties, anxiety, depression, sociocultural stressors and other concerns.

Monique values meeting the client where they are and creating a non-judgmental space where clients can focus on them becoming the best version of themselves. Monique strives to create an authentic relationship with her clients that empowers, motivates and challenges them to understand that they are worth the process. Monique is passioned, excited and welcomes the opportunity to support you on your journey of growth, resilience, and healing.

Education

LOYOLA UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO M.S.W., Masters of Social Work, 2019

AMERICAN COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
M.Ed., Masters of Education Leadership, 2009

CHICAGO STATE UNIVERSITY
B.S., Elementary Education, 2007

Activities & Affiliations

• NASW, Member • CTU, Member

Licensure and Certified Trainings

• Licensed Social Worker (LSW) • Professional Educator License (PEL) • Suicide Prevention & Awareness • Supporting Transgender, Non-binary, Gender Non-confirming Students

Celeste Bonanno, LCSW

Staff psychotherapist

Pronouns: She/Her

As an intercultural and bilingual therapist, I provide culturally responsive, client-centered services to diverse populations in Spanish and English. I have extensive training and experience supporting children, youth, adults, couples, and families. I strive to create a safe space that is responsive, affirming, and inclusive. I use an integrative approach in therapy, considering personal strengths, values, culture, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, and intersectional identity. My approach is person-centered, strengths-based, trauma-informed, anti-racist and social justice frameworks. My areas of focus include complex trauma (recent, past, intergenerational, historical), family of origin and attachment issues, grief/loss, anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, relational or family concerns, acculturation and migration challenges, PTSD, as well as identifying and unpacking conflict and biases.

Education

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS - CHICAGO M.S.W., Masters of Social Work, 2016

REGIS UNIVERSITY
B.A. Sociology, 2009

Activities & Affiliations

• NASW, Member

Licensure and Certified Trainings

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) • Fluent in Spanish

Mikey Anderson, LCPC

Staff psychotherapist

Pronouns: They/Them

Mikey is a queer artist-art therapist who graduated from School of the Art Institute of Chicago with a BFA in Fine Art and an MA in Art Therapy and Counseling.

Mikey's therapy lens is informed by their intersectional LGBTQIA+ affirming art therapy practice—incorporating a variety of art modalities for clients to explore. Their art therapy practice has spanned multiple age groups, from children, adolescents, and young adults to elders across Chicago. Mikey truly values working with a diverse array of clients on a wide range of issues clients may be facing.
 
In sessions, Mikey encourages art-making with clients if they choose — creating inclusive therapeutic spaces that are collaborative, participatory, creative, non-judgemental, and open-ended with clients. Mikey believes artmaking in therapy can be a radical tool for clients to heal trauma, encourage resilience, explore their gender and sexuality, and develop a deeper insight into themselves and their experiences. 

Education

SCHOOL OF THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO M.A., Art Therapy and Counseling, 2019

SCHOOL OF THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO B.F.A., Fine Arts, 2017

Activities & Affiliations

• NBCC Board Certified

Licensure and Certified Trainings

• Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC)

Jon Heiberger

STAFF PSYCHOTHERAPIST

Pronouns: He/Him

My therapeutic approach is rooted in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Client-Centered Therapy, but I integrate a diverse set of interventions, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Adlerian, and Solution-Focused theoretical approaches. 

You have experienced and understand your experiences deeply, and I am here to guide your mental outlook into a positive direction through reflection, goals, and reframing. I can adjust my therapeutic approach to meet you where you are to best suit your needs, and set you up for success through unconditional positive regard and empathy. Using a strengths-based approach, I help instill hope and inspiration for clients, even when faced with difficult circumstances. 

My career has taken several turns and has provided me with many stories of success by patrons, members, and colleagues in the differing industries I have had the pleasure to work in. My diverse vocational background has presented me with the realization that I really want to help people and celebrate their milestones, but also hold space for growth in uncomfortable situations. I invite you into a positive therapeutic space without judgment and I look forward to navigating the therapeutic journey with you, together. You are safe in this space to express yourself, heal, and grow. 

Education

DEPAUL UNIVERSITY M.Ed., Masters of Clinical Mental Health, 2023

UNIVERSITY OF IOWA
B.B.A., Marketing, 2013

Activities & Affiliations

• American Counseling Association, Member

John Ludwig

Clinical training intern

Pronouns: He/Him

My approach is relational, trauma-informed, strengths-based and collaborative. I practice from a LGBTQIA+ affirmative, anti-racist, and social justice perspective. Drawing on many modalities – with special interest in attachment, psychosocial development, and relationship systems theories – my style is foremost eclectic and personalized to your needs, desires, and aspirations.

I’m currently a MSW graduate student at the University of Illinois, Chicago, specializing in clinical mental health. My background includes crisis intervention work and emotional support counseling with diverse and intersectional populations in Chicago. My prior experience also includes philosophy, community agriculture, and outdoor adventure programs. Together this underpins my work with a balance of humility, resilience, theory and embodiment practice.

I strive to offer a restorative environment rooted in safety for you to express authentically, unpack at your own pace, and shape change. I look forward to partnering with you in this process.

Education

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS-CHICAGO M.S.W. Masters of Social Work Expected Graduation June, 2024

DEPAUL UNIVERSITY
B.A., Postmodern Philosophy, Queer Theory, Public Policy

Activities & Affiliations

•Clinical Internship Program participant

Beck Gardner

Clinical training intern

Pronouns: He/Him

As a therapist I aspire to listen deeply in an open and supportive manner that helps you feel understood and seen. I see therapy as a collaborative journey in which the safety of our relationship allows you space to be curious and explore yourself and your experiences, as well as practice new ways of being.

I use psychodynamic theory to guide my work. I believe that powerful healing can take place by examining our past and looking for the hidden grasp it has on our present experience. Developing a fuller and more complex understanding of ourselves in this way often provides relief from our current struggles and opens up a creative space where we can see possibility in our future.

I’m currently a graduate student at the Institute for Clinical Social Work in their Clinical Counseling and Psychotherapy Masters program. Before pursuing my Masters degree, I obtained my BA in Fine Art at the University of California, Santa Cruz. I believe my education and experience as an artist has greatly informed my therapeutic work by expanding my capacity for empathy, curiosity, creativity, and appreciation for communication in all forms—all elements I think are essential in my role as a therapist.

Education

INSTITUTE OF CLINICAL SOCIAL WORK M.S.W. Masters of Social Work Expected Graduation June, 2024

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-SANTA CRUZ
B.A., Fine Arts, 2011

Activities & Affiliations

•Clinical Internship Program participant

Moonee Moses

Clinical training intern

Pronouns: She/Her

My approach to therapy is based on empathetic understanding and minimizing professional authority. People are remarkably effective at shaping meaningful lives if given the space to work through concerns without judgment. I believe that the most rewarding aspects of therapy are self-discovery, finding meaning in each of our lives, and developing a client-therapist relationship built on trust and honesty. 

I am currently a student at the University of Chicago, getting my Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work. My background includes community-based mental health and addressing the systems that bring people to therapy in the first place. I draw most strongly from Rogerian Client-Centered, Psychoanalytic, Psychodynamic, and Existential therapies, but I also integrate Contemporary Behavioral approaches based on each client’s goals. 

Special clinical interests of mine include gender identity exploration, Trans* parenthood, couples/partnership therapy, and trauma processing.

Education

UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO A.M., Masters of Social Work Expected Graduation June, 2024

UNIVERSITY OF UTAH
B.S.W., Bachelor of Social Work

Activities & Affiliations

• NASW, Member
• Clinical Internship Program participant

Licensure and Certified Trainings

• Gottman Level 1 Training Certified
• Certified Clinical Training Professional
• Mental Health First Aid Certified
• Phi Alpha Honors Society for Social Worker