Alyssa Aguirre, Intern
She/Her
Sometimes, existing feels like an overwhelmingly difficult task.
Whether you have a history of childhood trauma or are grieving the loss of a loved one, you might find yourself feeling depressed, anxious, or confused about your emotions. It’s natural to seek someone who can listen and help you, whether that means offering a new perspective or simply validating your current feelings. In therapy, a safe space is crucial, and I strive to provide that for every client. You deserve to be heard and understood without the fear of judgment, and you should be able to be yourself in this space, regardless of societal expectations. Whether you are new to therapy or have tried it before, I will work with you every step of the way to determine how I can best support you during our time together.
I am currently an intern working towards my master’s degree in social work. I am dedicated to being a safe space for others and advocating fiercely for quality mental healthcare. It has long been my dream to become a trauma-informed therapist and support others in the best way I know how. I primarily work with older teens and adults, with a particular focus on college students. As someone who is both neurodivergent and LGBTQIA+, I am especially passionate about helping those who don’t fit societal norms. I am also open to working with individuals in alternative relationship structures, such as nonmonogamy and polyamory, which are often stigmatized.
Areas of Focus
I enjoy working with older teens and adults with the following challenges…
Grief and Loss | Anxiety | Depression | Trauma | Self-Harm | Neurodiversity | Alternative Relationships | Setting Boundaries |
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Experience
- During undergrad, I was a Counseling Center Paraprofessional and engaged in mental health outreach across the UIUC campus
- I created and participated in workshops, including neurodiversity and childhood trauma
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Education
- Bachelor’s in Psychology from The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- I am currently finishing my Master’s of Social Work degree at The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
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Fun Facts
- I love Dungeons and Dragons, both playing and watching others play
- I have a large collection of Squishmallows and other assorted plushies
- I love feeling cold but tend to overheat easily. This has led me to being described as a polar bear (which I think fits me well)
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