Dana Barakat

Outside of my clinical work, I value balance and connection, and I enjoy creating art, staying active, reading, and spending quality time with loved ones—practices I believes support overall psychological well-being.

My name is Dana Barakat, and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor serving the greater Chicagoland area. I work with adolescents (ages 12 and older) and adults who are navigating mood and anxiety-related concerns, trauma, life transitions, and relationship challenges. I believe therapy is a collaborative journey where your goals, needs, and experiences are prioritized within a supportive and safe environment.

I take a person-centered, trauma-informed approach and integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to support meaningful and sustainable growth. I also provide individual therapy for those impacted by intimate partner violence, working with both individuals who have experienced harm and those seeking accountability and change. Dana earned her master’s degree from Roosevelt University and is currently pursuing a PhD in Art Therapy at Adler University, where her training emphasizes trauma-informed and culturally responsive care.

I value creativity as a powerful tool for psychological growth and self-understanding and may incorporate creative and expressive approaches when clinically appropriate. No artistic experience is required, and all therapeutic work is guided by each client’s comfort level and goals.

In the first session I will communicate policies, confidentiality and its limits and go through a biopsychosocial at your pace. I will also try and get to know you and understand your needs and goals for therapy. Throughout this process, we will work together to find what best fits your needs in a holistic manner. Together, we will explore how therapy can be helpful as well as how the therapeutic process typically goes.