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

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 Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

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

Jon Heiberger, LPC

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, LSW

Staff psychotherapist

Pronouns: He/Him

Therapy is a process of returning home to ourselves. It’s an opening to explore the depths of experience, be with feelings, heal interpersonal wounds, and shape change. With this in mind, I strive to offer presence, compassion, encouragement, and collaboration, with an emphasis on safety, trust, and belonging.

I support people working through the impacts of complex trauma and emotional neglect, exploring relationships and identity, and navigating life transitions. My experience aligns with anxiety, depression, broken-heartedness, expansive relationships, adhd, disordered eating, self-perception, perfectionism, dissociation, over-exertion and avoidance.

My style is relational, integrative, and experiential. I do a mix of parts work (inner-child/IFS), somatic, psychodynamic, existential, attachment-focused and mindfulness-based therapy. I invite narrative, walking, art and other expressive elements to find a way of working together that uniquely fits you. My practice is queer, anti-racist, and grounded in critical intersectionality.

I earned my degree in Social Work from the Jane Addams College at UIC. My past experience includes crisis intervention, philosophy, community food systems, and outdoor adventure. I’m committed to a way of life that nurtures healing, connection, movement, self-discovery and collective liberation.

Education

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

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

Activities & Affiliations

• NASW, Member

Licensure and Certified Trainings

• Licensed Social Worker (LSW)

Moonee Moses, LSW

staff psychotherapist

Pronouns: She/Her

My name is Moonee Moses, and I am a Licensed Social Worker based in Chicago. With a background in community-based mental health and a focus on the sociopolitical systems that bring people to therapy, I approach my work with a thoughtful perspective. I specialize in working with trans and queer individuals, trauma-processing, navigating relationship concerns, and supporting those interested in gaining a deeper understanding of themselves.

Therapy is a powerful tool for self-exploration and healing. I believe that people are remarkably effective at shaping meaningful lives if given the space to confront their concerns without judgment. My therapeutic approach is based on empathetic understanding, profound curiosity, and minimizing professional authority. As a therapist, I aim to create a safe and non-judgmental space for you to come in contact with all parts of yourself, access the courage needed to live authentically, and recognize how past experiences influence your present life.

Education

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

Emily Gumm, LSW

staff psychotherapist

Pronouns: She/Her

Life can bring all kinds of changes, some good, some unexpected and some not so good. Learning how to approach the ups and downs of life is a personal journey and everyone deserves a safe space to explore the tools that will best work for them. As a therapist I believe that everyone deserves a safe space for finding tools which work for them. If you are going through changes in life and want to explore how you can bring your own values to find solutions, I am available to collaborate with you. I am committed to creating a non-judgmental atmosphere where we can look at life’s challenges and find new approaches for managing the thoughts and feelings which arise. I have extensive training in trauma and dealing with its aftereffects. I also have experience working with anxiety, depression and ADHD.

In our work together, I am interested in collaborating with you. I believe you are the expert in your own life and want to work at a pace that respects your process. I bring an eclectic approach to my work drawing on Internal Family Systems as well as making use of CBT and DBT skills and mindfulness practices.

As a therapist I am committed to creating a safe and collaborative space for exploring life’s challenges. I am an intuitive and empathetic therapist, and I bring my trauma informed education to support you in finding the tools and resources that work with where you are at in your life.

Education

LOYOLA UNIVERSITY CHICAGO M.S.W., Masters of Social Work, 2023

ILLINOIS WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY
B.S., Bachelor of Sociology, Minor in Health, 2012

Activities & Affiliations

• NASW, Member
• IASWG Newsletter Committee Member, 2022-2023

Licensure and Certified Trainings

• Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
• ADHD Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP)
• Introduction to IFS – The Healing Power of IFS
• Introduction to Narrative Theory Training
• SBIRT: Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment

Jacob Hosier

PSYCHOTHERAPIST INTERN

Pronouns: He/Him

As a therapist, I work to create a space that is inviting, collaborative, and purposeful. I am firmly rooted in the belief that despite the inevitable challenges we face, we can still live a life of meaning and fulfillment. Drawing from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and person-centered approaches, I assist my clients in clarifying their values and living a life according to them. I work with clients navigating gender and sexuality, religion and spirituality, life transitions, and relational struggles. I also introduce Exposure and Response Prevention techniques in my practice with clients experiencing complex anxiety, OCD, and phobias. Regardless of why you are choosing to embark on your therapy journey, I will be here as an encouraging voice to accompany you.

Education

UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO A.M., Masters of Social Work, Expected Graduation 2025

WHEATON COLLEGE
B.A., Bachelor of Arts, English Writing, 2021

Claire Sonne

PSYCHOTHERAPIST INTERN

Pronouns: She/Her

Claire is a psychotherapist intern who earned her Bachelor of Arts in Gender and Women’s Studies at the University of California, Berkeley. She is currently a graduate student working on her Master’s of Social Work at the University of Chicago. Claire specializes in working with adults and relationships who identify as part of the Queer community. As a queer woman herself, she brings a unique perspective and understanding to her work. As a former Division 1 athlete and coach, she also specializes in working with athletes and sports psychology. Additionally, Claire enjoys working with young adults navigating entering adulthood, persons struggling with anxiety, and relationship-based work. 

Claire’s therapeutic approach is firmly rooted in being client-centered, strengths-based, trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, anti-racist, LGBTQIA+ affirming, poly-affirming, sex-positive, and kink-positive. She utilizes queer and feminist theory, relational theory, attachment theory, acceptance and commitment therapy, mindfulness, and other evidence-based modalities in her practice to tailor her approach to meet the unique needs of each individual. 

Claire strongly believes that each human being makes perfect sense when their entire context is seen and understood. She believes that systemic oppressions are deeply intertwined with our individual well-being and mental health, taking a contextual lens in her work. Claire is passionate about walking alongside her clients on their mental health journeys and takes a collaborative approach on the path towards reaching each client’s goals.

Education

UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO A.M., Masters of Social Work, Expected Graduation 2025

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-BERKELEY
B.A., Bachelor of Arts, Gender and Women Studies, 2021

Activities & Affiliations

• 2021 Gender & Women’s Studies “Excellence in Action” Award Winner
• President and Co-Founder of the Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance of Berkeley

Licensure and Certified Trainings

• Contextual Behavioral Practice Program of Study
• Clinical Internship Program Participant

Courtenie Taccolini

PSYCHOTHERAPIST INTERN

Pronouns: She/Her

I am a psychotherapist intern in my final year of the Masters in Counseling Psychology program at The Chicago School. I believe there is power in the stories we tell ourselves, and more importantly, the stories that have been told for us. Because of this, I am drawn to therapeutic approaches rooted in Queer and Feminist Theory, Narrative Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. I have a warm, compassionate approach that is also playful.

As a queer clinician, I’m passionate about serving the LGBTQIA+ community. Some of my clinical interests include sexual health and intimacy, identity exploration, relationship orientation exploration, and working with young adults through life transitions. Therapy is an opportunity to mirror the authenticity and connection that we strive to achieve in our lives outside of therapy.

In between sessions, I’m usually playing fetch with my two cats or memorizing songs from musicals. I am looking forward to providing a safe space for vulnerability and growth to support you through life’s many chapters.

Education

THE CHICAGO SCHOOL M.A., Counseling Psychology, Expected Graduation 2025

WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
B.S., Bachelor of Science, Special Education & Psychology, 2018

Eden Fultz

PSYCHOTHERAPIST INTERN

Pronouns: She/They

I am a psychotherapist intern working on my Master’s of Social Work at the University of Chicago. I am firmly committed to the idea that healing isn’t linear, and everyone’s journey looks different. I draw on Contextual Behavioral Therapies (ACT, DBT, and CBT) to provide a person-centered approach that is warm and empathetic for my clients.

As a queer clinician, I work with clients who are navigating the complexities of gender and sexuality or those who are seeking to heal from grief and trauma. Some of my clinical interests include trauma, transition, navigating relationships, and processing grief in all its forms. As a therapist, my goal is to create a safe place for you to explore your identity, learn to reflect on the past, and discover what it means to live out your own journey.

When I am not in session, I am often cuddling my cat or trying out a new cozy video game. I look forward to providing an affirming environment and supporting you through all of your transitions.

Education

UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO A.M., Masters of Social Work, Expected Graduation 2025

EASTERN UNIVERSITY
B.S.W., Bachelor of Social Work, 2022

Activities & Affiliations

• NASW, Member
• Clinical Internship Program participant

Licensure and Certified Trainings

• 40-Hour Domestic Violence Training Certification
• State of Illinois Mandated Reporter Certified