Therapists
About Charles
I have earned my Bachelors of Science in Psychology from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa and Master of Arts in Community Counseling from Argosy University in Schaumburg Illinois.
Prior to my work as a psychotherapist, I worked for over 8 years with individuals who have Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, in particular individuals on the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at Keshet, which is a Jewish organization and at Clearbrook, a non-for-profit agency. The experience I’ve had working with this population allowed me to foster fruitful connections, as I witnessed them grow and develop a sense of autonomy.
While obtaining my masters degree, I completed my internship at the Community Crisis Center in Elgin, working with individuals and families who experienced domestic violence and sexual assault and abuse. This experience allowed me to be even more passionate in wanting to become a therapist and continue helping individuals, couples and families achieve the positive change in their lives.
A few years after graduate school, I worked as a Floor Supervisor & Psychotherapist at Pilsen Wellness Center and Mulcrone Center for Children in Chicago working with individuals, couples and their families who experienced a multitude of mental health concerns, addictions and substance use issues. Some of the diverse populations I served were Caucasian, Latino, African-American, and Native-American, which helped me develop a wide experience in multi-cultural counseling.
I have worked for over 10 years in the clinical mental health field and recently spent the last 3 1/2 years working as a psychotherapist in a group practice. When I do therapy, I use an approach that is warmth, relational, conversational, and direct with a little sense of humor. I am inquisitive and I do bring my knowledge of attachment, parts work from the Internal Family Systems model, childhood and developmental trauma, ADHD, addictions, and marital issues.
I welcome you to reach out if you feel like you resonated with my background and therapeutic approach. I offer a phone consultation so that we can both explore if we can be a comfortable fit for each other.
Areas of Focus:
Addiction
Anger Management
Anxiety
Disruptive, Impulse-Control and Conduct Disorders (i.e. Oppositional Defiant)
Family Conflict/Parenting
Mood Disorders
Neurodevelopmental/Neurodivergent
Substance Use
Treatment modalities include but are not limited to the following I use
Attachment-based
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Family Systems
Gottman Method (Couples Therapy)
Humanistic
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Motivational Interviewing
Narrative Therapy
Rational Emotive Behavior (REBT)
Prior to entering college, I sought out therapy for myself. With the incredible guidance from the therapist, I was able to re-discover myself, develop a stronger sense of identity, purpose in my life and propelled me into entering the helping profession of being a mental health clinician myself. I would not chosen my current career path if it wasn’t for the strong support from my family, friends and therapist who taught me how to not only have compassion for myself, but to have the courage to change the things that I can control. Through therapy, I am truly grateful for that experience which has transformed me to be more compassionate and foster a stronger sense of empathy with individuals who are seeking help for themselves.
A bit About Me
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, watching movies and sports on TV, going to museums, being outdoors whether it’s grilling, listening to podcast during my walks with two kids, exercising and or exploring new restaurants in my community.
My Journey
About Cheryl
Practicing what I preach is something I personally value. Because of that, I will not ask clients to engage in therapeutic modalities if I have not practiced and or used it for myself. I value holistic practices and I do believe that it is an ongoing pursuit of mine towards learning and growth. Understanding the mind and body connection have provided me with a more in-depth knowledge of how these two mesh with each other when it comes to our physical sensations, physiological effects as well as emotional, mental, and spiritual health.
Areas of Focus:
Attachment wounds and Complex trauma
Existential anxiety
Eating Disorders
Identity Issues
Mood disorders
Parenting issues
Postpartum depression and anxiety
Psychosis
Relationship and Intimacy
Treatment modalities include but are not limited to the following I use:
Psychodynamic
DBT- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
Somatic Psychotherapy- Polyvagal Informed
Internal Family Systems Model (IFS) - Parts Work
Mindfulness Body Based Practices
CBT- Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Family Systems Theory
Solution Focused Therapy
Trauma Focused CBT
My Story
I have been working in the field of psychology since 2001 prior to graduating college in the Philippines. While in college, I had my internship experiences in a private school setting and at a private mental health rehabilitation center. In 2002, I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology from St. Paul’s College in the Philippines and migrated to the US two months after that. Not long after moving to Chicago, I went back to school for over a year at DuPage Community College, in which I worked towards a second bachelor’s degree in nursing. I eventually decided not to continue pursuing nursing school because I realized that it did not feel it was the right fit for me, the passion was not there.
In 2009, I decided to pursue a higher education and ended up going back to school for my masters. I graduated in 2013 from Argosy University in Schaumburg Illinois with a Master of Arts degree in Community Counseling. I completed my internship at Asian Human Services, a community mental health agency in uptown Chicago, which I provided individual and group counseling with in the LGBTQ community who struggled with addiction and have been diagnosed with HIV. Prior to me beginning to work in private practice, I worked for over 2 years at a residential eating disorder program in Glenview as a residential counselor. I also worked for almost 6 years at Thresholds in Ravenswood Chicago as a Clinical Support Specialist, providing advocacy, case management and counseling for individuals as well as families who are living with severe mental illness and substance use disorders.
As a woman of color, being born and raised in the Philippines until I was 20, I deeply value my work on cross-cultural relationships and intersectionality. The experiences that I have had in my community, has shaped me in my pursuit to emotional resiliency and my own healing. Witnessing people’s hopelessness, helplessness, being marginalized, and disempowered due to the systemic issues, really clarified my values as I hope to continue providing them space, support and guide them to get some sense of agency in their lives.
When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I love outdoor activities that involves the water (lake or ocean), board games, yoga, reading books, dancing, watching docuseries and sports on TV. I also enjoy cooking and experimenting different dishes that coincide with the season/weather. Cooking has been such a therapeutic activity for me.
Christopher Dominguez, LCSW, CADC
Choosing to pursue therapy can be a big step to take, and allowing yourself to be vulnerable with a stranger is no easy task. My goal is to meet you where you are. My work with you is focused on working collaboratively to explore your authentic self, using your strengths to help empower you to live a life that aligns with your needs and your values.
Regardless of the current challenges you may be facing, I believe that you are able to grow and heal. Naturally, people’s needs are different and can change throughout therapy, which is why I believe in providing a safe, non-judgmental environment.
Areas of Focus:
Addiction
Anxiety
Depression
Family Conflict(s)
Life Transitions
Stress Management
Substance Use/Abuse
Treatment modalities include but are not limited to the following I use:
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy(ACT)
Client-Centered Approach
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT),
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Motivational Interviewing
My Story
I graduated from Aurora University for both my undergraduate and graduate degrees. In 2018, I was able to obtain my B.A in Psychology and in 2020, my Masters in Social Work with a specialty in substance use. I have been fortunate enough to be working in the field of Psychology since 2018 and since then have had the opportunity to experience different settings and levels of care. From residential, inpatient hospitalization, PHP/IOP, to outpatient level of care. I have enjoyed my journey and experiences throughout each level of care as I was able to provide group therapy and individual therapy to young adults and adults who suffered from depression, anxiety, substance use disorder, and trauma among others.
Having grown up and lived in the south side of Chicago, I witnessed firsthand much of the poverty, violence, and systemic inequalities that my community faced. This included access to few resources that provided support for mental health within my community, and a culture that did not openly discuss or accept mental health concerns. Seeing close friends and family suffer from what I now know as substance use, depression, anxiety, and trauma led me to want to help people initiate that conversation. My approach to therapy has been influenced by these experiences in taking a kind, open, and empathetic approach. My overall personality can be described as lighthearted and humorous, which has allowed me to connect with my patients and create a comfortable space for them to be themselves and succeed.
About Me
As a bilingual Latino, I offer services in English and Spanish to accommodate your preference in communication. My multicultural background allows me to be sensitive to and understand how culture and race can impact our mental health.
During my free time, you will find me in the gym lifting weights, out on the soccer field, or spending time with my family and friends. The thing my family and I enjoy the most is going out to eat together, having a good laugh, and catching up with one another. I am a big sports
fanatic and will often spend my time watching games or highlights. Getting the chance to travel and visit major football (soccer) stadiums in Europe is on my bucket list.