Christian Santiago

My approach to therapy is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Stoicism, and the belief that meaningful change begins with understanding our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. I earned my Bachelor of Arts (BA) from the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) and my Master of Social Work (MSW) from Loyola University Chicago. I work with individuals experiencing anxiety and depression, helping them develop practical coping strategies, challenge unhelpful thought patterns, and build greater emotional resilience.

My goal is to create a supportive, nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to work toward their personal goals. I draw on CBT techniques and Stoic principles to help clients focus on what they can control, develop a healthier perspective on life's challenges, and respond to difficult emotions with greater clarity and confidence. I believe therapy is a collaborative process, and I strive to help each client build the skills and self-awareness needed to create lasting, meaningful change.

During our first session, clients can expect a welcoming, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where they can feel comfortable sharing their experiences and concerns at their own pace. We will discuss what brings them to therapy, their current challenges, and what they hope to gain from the process. I will take time to learn about their background, strengths, and goals while answering any questions they may have about therapy.

My goal is to build a strong therapeutic relationship based on trust, collaboration, and understanding. Together, we will begin identifying patterns of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that may be contributing to difficulties such as anxiety or depression. Clients can expect an open conversation focused on understanding their needs and exploring practical strategies for moving forward. There is no pressure to have everything figured out during the first session; it is an opportunity to get to know one another and begin building a foundation for growth and positive change.