Caroline Vega

Hi, I'm Caroline Vega, LCSW! I'm passionate about working with identity after trauma, PTSD, first responders, high-performing ADHDers, and people pleasing (fawning).

To the anxious therapist seeker, it takes a great deal of courage to start therapy after stress becomes unmanageable or you've experienced a recent trauma. Take your time and give yourself grace. If no one has told you, I'm proud of you. Good luck with your search!

I earned my Master’s of Social Work from Loyola University Chicago (2020). I specialized in Clinical Mental Health and Alcohol and Drug Counseling. Prior to that, I earned dual Bachelor’s degrees from Loyola: a B.S. in Criminal Justice and Criminology with a minor in the Psychology of Crime and Justice, and a B.S. in Social Work.

My clinical training and professional background span community mental health, community outreach, non-profit organizations, residential treatment, law enforcement, and diverse settings within the criminal justice system. These experiences have shaped my trauma-focused, relational, cultural, and systemic approach to therapy, allowing me to understand the environments and circumstances often linked to traumatic experiences such as abuse, neglect, and violence.

Through my clinical work, I have gained a front-row perspective on the complex structural roots of psychological stress and trauma—stemming from systemic oppression, inequality, and intergenerational trauma—as well as the adaptive resilience and resistance of the human spirit. These experiences have deepened my understanding of stress and trauma across individual, familial, and community levels, particularly within BIPOC communities.

I enjoy working with individuals from all backgrounds and with a wide array of mental health concerns. As a multi-ethnic Latina raised in a bicultural household, I am deeply committed to supporting BIPOC individuals and communities. I aim to create a safe, inclusive environment where your experiences are recognized, and your truth is honored—even the parts that may have felt invisible or unheard.

My work focuses on helping clients reconnect with themselves after trauma and build a stronger sense of empowerment, authenticity, and self-compassion. I take a holistic approach, considering emotional, relational, cultural, and systemic factors that influence each person’s healing journey.

In session, my style is conversational, curious, and collaborative. I incorporate your cultural identity, personal values, strengths, and lived experiences into the therapeutic process to develop a personalized approach tailored to your needs. Drawing on psychodynamic and parts-work perspectives, I aim to help you explore how past experiences shape your present life and sense of self. I bring warmth, gentle humor, and genuine presence to each session, fostering emotional safety and meaningful connection.

My goal for your first session is to create a space that feels warm, welcoming, and safe so you can start building a healthy therapeutic relationship within your time frame. I encourage you to be yourself and, over time, explore different aspects of yourself. I’m a client-centered and trauma-trained therapist, and I will do my best to follow your pace and respect your limits during the intake process and future sessions.

My overall goal for therapy is to help you discover meaning, achieve balance, and reach your goals. Through our work together, you’ll strengthen your resilience, confidence, and sense of self, empowering you to live with greater purpose, connection, and emotional freedom from the effects of trauma.

Note: The bolded words are for my neurodivergent folks. I hope it helps!