Mindful Life Counseling

Meet the Mindful Life Counseling Team!

First Row (left to right):
-Susan Tran (she/her) is a q***r Asian American and is our office manager.

- Nui Waris (she/her) is Bengali American woman who specializes in polyvagal/somatic work, cultural & spiritual identity development, & intergenerational healing.

- Sophia Ou (she/they) is a Cambodian-Chinese American and q***r non-binary femme who specializes in somatic-based therapy, complex trauma, spiritual, gender & s*xuality identity development, & intergenerational healing.

- Alex Ngo (she/her) is a Chinese Vietnamese q***r and trans woman who specializes in trauma recovery, and racial, s*xual, & gender identity development.

- Noah-Christina Reed (she/her) is a Black cisgender woman who specialized in EMDR, anti-oppression & social justice education, racial,
identity development, & intergenerational healing.

- Luz Maria Miranda (she/they) is a q***r individual who specializes in issues related to immigrants, mindfulness, gender & s*xual identity development, & q***r s*x education.

Second Row (left to right):

- Dekhari Dixon (he/him) is a 2Spirited Black man of trans experience who specializes in racial, s*xual, spiritual, and gender identity & transgender health.

- Erika Chavez (she/her) is a Latinx cisgender woman who specializes in EMDR, herbalism & spirituality, racial identity development, issues related to immigrants, & intergenerational healing.

- Masuma Rasheed (she/her) is a South Asian cisgender woman who specializes in EMDR, somatic-based therapy, complex trauma, anti-oppression & social justice education, & spiritual identity development.

- Tiffani Clay (she/her) is a Black cisgender woman who specializes in EMDR, life transitions, occupational stress, and dating & intimate relationships.

- Malarie Marquez (she/her) is a Black cisgender woman who specializes in life transitions, intergenerational trauma, and perinatal health & issues related to motherhood.

- Sylvia Chen (she/her) is a Chinese-American cisgender woman who specializes in racial, ethnic, cultural identity exploration, stress management, & life transitions.

Community is everything 🦋

MLC summer outing 2024 ✨🦋✨

Super meaningful to collectively share this Chicago sunset moment with an incredible team.

*This is not therapy or guidance, it is my personal story 🦋*

Decolonizing My Understanding of “Surrender” 🙏🏽

In 2018, I got a tattoo that said ‘surrender’ in Arabic (استسلام). At the time, my understanding of the term ‘surrender’ came from spending over a decade in white wellness spaces (IYKYK).

The world of yoga helped me so much back in the day but in recent years, as I started to shed all the ways whiteness has held me back, I didn’t feel called to the yoga mat in the same ways I had before. Decolonizing yoga & reclaiming what the practice means to me has been a journey & I’m still on it. For now, it took time & reflection to process this transition ❤️

“Pride for Whom?”
Let’s just name that LGBTQ allyship & protection look different for BIPOC q***r folks than for their white counterparts. Allyship from institutions, like the police, isn’t really allyship for BIPOC q***r folks (i.e. when the Pride Parade has a police float, as if they weren’t just arresting & harming q***r folks protesting at encampments 😒).

MLC stands proudly with the q***r community holding both celebration AND acknowledging Pride’s radical roots led by Black trans women. As we continue to learn about what it means to de-colonize Pride, we scream from the rooftops that PALESTINE LIBERATION IS Q***R LIBERATION 🏳️‍🌈🇵🇸.

Thank you for your support !

The MLC team sharing a communal Palestinian meal was so special! 💕

It’s not lost on us how privileged we were to share this meal together. Palestinian liberation is tied to all of our liberation 🍉.

The MLC team sharing a communal Palestinian meal was so special! 💕.

It’s not lost on us how privileged we were to share this meal together. Palestinian liberation is tied to all of our liberation 🍉.

MLC acknowledges the fathers and brothers who lost their lives in the Baltimore bridge collapse last Tuesday. We witness the grief of their families and across Latin America, holding rage that their lives ended while laboring for a place that disregards their contributions and denies their rights as humans. We are keenly aware that America’s foundation is built on the unacknowledged labor of millions of migrants. MLC respects and honor these men.

Rest in peace Miguel Luna, Dorlian Ronial Castillo Cabrera, Maynor Yassir Suazo Sandoval, José Mynor Lopez, Alejandro Hernandez Fuentes, and Carlos.

Artwork by:

Posted • We mourn what can only be called the murder of 15 year old Ryan Gainer. But our mourning is filled with incredible rage, as we witness the lack of ANY humanity within institutions of policing that harbors historical roots of anti-Blackness, resulting in adults that hide behind “protect & serve” yet respond to a MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS and “mistakes” a garden tool for a gun. We cannot fathom the sheer heartbreak a family feels when lack of resources lead them to feel like they had no choice but to even call the very people we absolutely KNOW might harm instead of protect their child.

It is all unbearable to continuously grief as more and more police shootings occur, while policing institutions continue to be over funded and cop cities are being build across the nation. Why do we not have institutions and systems in place that are designed and designated to respond to mental health crises without violence? How can we trust or expect policing institutions rooted in white supremacy establishing forces with trigger happy members to protect us? The answer is, we shouldn’t. May we all be motivated towards true abolition.

Rest in Power, Ryan.

Posted • We’re heartbroken to learn of the murder of Nex Benedict, a 16-year-old Chahta (Chocktaw) nonbinary student who was brutally beaten by fellow students at Owasso High School and died the next day on February 8th. This is a devastating act of violence.

In the words of , “We are tired of asking for dignity. We demand Justice. We demand survival. We demand respect! Nex deserved a long, loving life. Nex deserved FREEDOM & JOY! We ask that you dismantle colonial systems and assimilation, and stand up and fight Transphobia and Transmisia. Protect Trans People!”

All movements for liberation and justice across the world are connected. None of us are free until all of us are free — from here to Palestine.

Visuals by and

MLC wants to acknowledge the statement that put out a few days ago. MLC invites you to read through this post above by .therapist & digest the implications of , a white woman in a position of power with a massive following, sharing what she did.

As a self-proclaimed researcher & advocate for humility, ’s statement reflects a glaring lack of research on her part. Sharing her thoughts and feelings with the world without understanding it is extremely dangerous. True humility would involve her acknowledging to us that she lacks knowledge and understanding and is committed to learning & growing and that in the meantime calling for a ceasefire is the right and immediate action to take.

Recognizing that reactions to ’s statement may vary—some may feel disturbed/disappointed, while others may feel indifferent, and some may be okay with her statement. For all those who feel betrayed by Brené Brown, your grief is seen ❤️

The overwhelming grief you feel while witnessing the horrific attacks on Rafah that started during the Superbowl on Sunday is VALID.

It’s okay to not be okay right now.

In solidarity & support 🍉,
Mindful Life Counseling

OPEN LETTER!

Silence and neglect within the mental health field are forms of psychological warfare.

We demand immediate response, accountability, and reparative actions for the mental health fied’s perpetuation of trauma through its complicity in the ongoing gen*c1de in Palest1n3.

21,110 people have been killed, 8500+ being children (40%). (Source: protectpalestine.org).

✉️ Read open letter written by Dr. Jennifer Mullan and Melody Li here: bit.ly/endcomplicity

See documentation of complicit organizations, ethical codes in violation, and voices of advocacy from our community.

CALL-TO-ACTION:
📝 Sign petition
🚫 Contact and tag complicit parties
📣 Amplify

Share widely, hold the mental health field accountable, demand action today.

Visit letter for details, actions steps, resources, & more.

Mindful Life Counseling sees the people of Gaza and fully condemns the years of oppression and massacre against Palestinians. What we are witnessing is a global trauma and cycle of violence that is being gaslit and ignored, only leading to more and more deaths each minute. When we go to bed at night, we know that when we wake up, there will be fewer people who are just like you and me on this earth. Daily, we see live, unimaginable footage of children, and we hear of the complete extinguishment of lineages... three generations erased as the world watches.

Dr. Yasser Abu Jamei, the head of the Gaza Community Mental Health Programme, repeatedly stresses that trauma for Palestinian children is never ‘post’ but is triggered daily and that trauma experienced by Gaza’s children is
“relentlessly ongoing and reactivated.”

We know that antisemitism, Islamophobia, and racism are all cut from the same cloth: Western colonization, white supremacy, and anti-Blackness. At the core of MLC’s mission statement is the recognition that the struggle against one form of oppression cannot be fully realized without confronting all forms of injustice. MLC’s mission statement transcends geographical boundaries and stands for justice for all manifestations of colonialism, racism, and systemic discrimination.

As an anti-oppressive practice, we are fully aware that decolonization
is not theoretical, it is REAL and we continue to commit our
clinical theory and practice to support our clients and stand firm in
DEMANDING A CEASEFIRE NOW!

In the midst of a world marked by oppression and injustice, there must be those who bear witness to joy. Our team gathered together this weekend to share in collective healing, embracing joy and laughter as our forms of resistance. We reclaim our agency and find strength in spaces of togetherness. These moments are our deliberate act of defiance against despair and a refusal to let oppressive forces diminish our spirit or sense of humanity.

To my Mindful Life Counseling therapist team, I appreciate each one of you so much! Working with ya’ll is an honor. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to decolonizing mental health. & thank you from the bottom of my heart for choosing Mindful Life 🥹

Excited to announce we are offering support groups this fall!

Growing up Latine/x

Facilitator: Erika Chavez, LSW (she/her)

A monthly peer-led support group dedicated to create a safe and non-judgmental space for young adults who self-identify as Latine/x to come together and share lived experiences, provide support to each other and process how culture specific topics impact our well-being. Whether you’re in or finishing college, starting your professional career, or navigating your position in the world, this collective space is for you. We’ll also incorporate psycho-education (information & supportive tips) and coping strategies to help you along your journey.

Topic Highlights:

Who am I?.. What do I do now?..”
College/post-college experience
First-gen experience, navigating post-college life, imposter syndrome.

“Ni de aqui, ni de alla”
Not Latine/x enough, not American enough.
Bicultural identity, colorism , language, assimilation/acculturation.

“Can I say no?”
Setting boundaries: collectivism & individual needs, childhood/family dynamics and roles, shame/guilt, mental health stigma.

“Planting new seeds”
Breaking generational cycles of trauma, going to therapy, coping skills, self-compassion, building community.

Join us as we delve deep into these themes and more, offering a safe space to connect, share, and grow.

Apply here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdMqpJ4TY5gqvLhNXZ8yLCGViTAKupjdIEXL51GknxtFvy9Eg/viewform (link in bio)

*Pls note this group is for IL residents only.

Excited to announce we are offering support groups this fall!!

Facilitator: Noah-Christina Reed, LPC (she/her)

For all the professional Women of Color out there who feel stuck, frustrated, or unfulfilled at work, this support group is for you! In this space, we aim to reclaim and redefine what it means to be a professional as a Women of Color. We'll challenge societal norms and stereotypes that have been placed on us, while simultaneously celebrating our professionalism and the authenticity of coming as we are.

Our discussions aren't just limited to work. Here, we can also explore the challenges WoC face in balancing self-worth with productivity.
In this support group, we will blend research (the latest scoop of what the counseling field says about our mental health, relationships, and quality of life), pop-culture and music, and psychoeducation (information and supportive tips).

Noah-Christina says: "This is more than just a support group; it's about finding sisterhood, building community, and leaning on each other both in and out of professional settings".

Apply here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeai0xB-0iXk45P2BFP1_4TyKeT9bw_T9IcOq6EPcx9ob3zWw/viewform (link in bio)

We welcome all women of color, including those of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ individuals, people of all faiths and beliefs, and those with intersecting identities. We strive to create a safe and inclusive space where everyone can feel valued and heard.

If you're wondering whether this group is the right fit for you, we encourage you to reach out to us at mindfullifecounseling.com with any questions or concerns at. We're here to help and would love to hear from you.

*Pls note this group is for IL residents only

Our team at Mindful Life Counseling had such a beautiful experience this summer at the Equine Therapy/Wellness Retreat catered just for us! Our facilitators, Jennifer Baker (she/her) and Marie Sian (she/her), founders of opened up their ranch in Crete, IL, sharing with us the mutual healing power between humans and horses, as supported by research from the Heartmath Institute.

During our retreat, we formed special bonds with three horses: Skip, Maya, and Gracie (who we miss dearly!). The facilitators also integrated somatic practices of Qigong and Yoga.

By the end of the retreat, it was undeniably clear the deep impact of immersing in nature and nurturing community ties.

Thank you to everyone who made it out! An experience we'll never forget!

Graphic Designer Credit: Sareena Dogar (13 yrs old). Sareena is a curious, passionate, and impressive young woman! In a world where women are taught from a very young age to shrink themselves, it is vital that we encourage young girls to showcase their skills, express their creativity, and confidently TAKE UP SPACE. Sareena, thank you for bringing our content to life with your talent! 🙌🏽

What is Feminism to You?
Feminism is about empowerment and autonomy. But who defines what empowerment looks like?


Mainstream Feminism often champions s*xual liberation and body autonomy as not covering the head. This suggests that women's liberation and empowerment should look the same for everyone.

On the other hand, Intersectional Feminism acknowledges the different ways women may choose to express their autonomy.

For instance, a woman may choose to cover as an expression of her autonomy, identity, and beliefs.

Or she may choose to practice abstinence - a decision that's just as empowering and valid

An intersectional feminist therapist recognizes and validates these choices, seeing them as personal expressions of feminism.

 The key is understanding, not assuming. It's about recognizing the unique intersections of each individual's identity. For therapists, this also means confronting any biases we might have, such as preconceived notions about what women’s empowerment looks like or what choices are 'right' for a woman.

As therapists, our commitment lies in embodying an intersectional feminist approach. We are dedicated to creating a therapeutic space that respects and validates all expressions of womanhood, honoring every individual's unique journey.

Recent decisions made at the highest levels of our society have had a profound impact on our clients and community. Your feelings in response to these changes are valid and connecting with those around you is more important than ever.

Trauma doesn't just impact our minds, it leaves a profound imprint on our bodies too. It alters our physical responses and manifests as chronic tension, fatigue, and other somatic symptoms.

Breath work and somatic practices help us to do just that— they bridge the gap between mind and body, aiding in holistic healing.

Imagine trying to navigate a road trip with a map that's been scrambled and mixed up. That's tough, right? It's the same challenge our brain faces during a stressful event.

Our emotional GPS and memory road map, the Amygdala and Hippocampus, get disorganized and dysregulated. It's as if they're stuck rerouting, attempting to decipher a jumbled map.
Merely 'talking' to our navigators isn't enough. We can't communicate with them using words alone, because they're busy trying to decode the scrambled map. It's similar to trying to give someone directions over the phone when their GPS isn't functioning properly.

That's where the importance of a comprehensive approach to healing from trauma comes in. The issue goes beyond our thoughts; it's about a protective response in our body that was interrupted and couldn't be completed. It leaves our brain struggling to make sense of this disarray, a state that can't be effectively addressed with cognitive or talking therapies alone.

Therefore, it goes beyond thoughts and words and involves our bodies and breath. These body/somatic psychotherapy approaches can help reorganize our internal 'map,' aiding our emotional GPS and memory road map to navigate through the confusion and complete their journey. By engaging the body and allowing it to 'complete' its response to stress or trauma, individuals can release the unresolved tension and potentially find a greater sense of closure and peace.

Trauma doesn't just impact our minds, it leaves a profound imprint on our bodies too. It alters our physical responses and manifests as chronic tension, fatigue, and other somatic symptoms.

Breath work and somatic practices help us to do just that— they bridge the gap between mind and body, aiding in holistic healing.

Imagine trying to navigate a road trip with a map that's been scrambled and mixed up. That's tough, right? It's the same challenge our brain faces during a stressful event.

Our emotional GPS and memory road map, the Amygdala and Hippocampus, get disorganized and dysregulated. It's as if they're stuck rerouting, attempting to decipher a jumbled map.
Merely 'talking' to our navigators isn't enough. We can't communicate with them using words alone, because they're busy trying to decode the scrambled map. It's similar to trying to give someone directions over the phone when their GPS isn't functioning properly.

That's where the importance of a comprehensive approach to healing from trauma comes in. The issue goes beyond our thoughts; it's about a protective response in our body that was interrupted and couldn't be completed. It leaves our brain struggling to make sense of this disarray, a state that can't be effectively addressed with cognitive or talking therapies alone.

Therefore, it goes beyond thoughts and words and involves our bodies and breath. These body/somatic psychotherapy approaches can help reorganize our internal 'map,' aiding our emotional GPS and memory road map to navigate through the confusion and complete their journey. By engaging the body and allowing it to 'complete' its response to stress or trauma, individuals can release the unresolved tension and potentially find a greater sense of closure and peace.

Here’s something to introduce the concept of why involving the body and breathwork is important.

Trauma doesn't just impact our minds, it leaves a profound imprint on our bodies too. It alters our physical responses and manifests as chronic tension, fatigue, and other somatic symptoms.

Breath work and somatic practices help us to do just that— they bridge the gap between mind and body, aiding in holistic healing.

Imagine trying to navigate a road trip with a map that's been scrambled and mixed up. That's tough, right? It's the same challenge our brain faces during a stressful event.

Our emotional GPS and memory road map, the Amygdala and Hippocampus, get disorganized and dysregulated. It's as if they're stuck rerouting, attempting to decipher a jumbled map.
Merely 'talking' to our navigators isn't enough. We can't communicate with them using words alone, because they're busy trying to decode the scrambled map. It's similar to trying to give someone directions over the phone when their GPS isn't functioning properly.

That's where the importance of a comprehensive approach to healing from trauma comes in. The issue goes beyond our thoughts; it's about a protective response in our body that was interrupted and couldn't be completed. It leaves our brain struggling to make sense of this disarray, a state that can't be effectively addressed with cognitive or talking therapies alone.

Therefore, it goes beyond thoughts and words and involves our bodies and breath. These body/somatic psychotherapy approaches can help reorganize our internal 'map,' aiding our emotional GPS and memory road map to navigate through the confusion and complete their journey. By engaging the body and allowing it to 'complete' its response to stress or trauma, individuals can release the unresolved tension and potentially find a greater sense of closure and peace.

What it means to hold multiple truths at the same time. 💙

Our relationships with our parents are often complex and filled with a range of emotions and experiences. For example, we may deeply appreciate our parents for their sacrifices, the values they've instilled in us, and the cultural heritage they've passed down. We recognize their struggles, maybe as immigrants, as working-class individuals, or simply as parents trying their best in their own ways. We feel gratitude for their love, care, and all that they've done to provide for us.

At the same time, we also acknowledge that there may have been instances of pain, misunderstanding, and conflict in our relationship with them. Maybe they held expectations we felt burdened by, or maybe they didn't understand or validate our feelings in the way we needed.

Holding these two truths at the same time is a powerful act of self-validation. It allows us to honor our full range of experiences and emotions, without oversimplifying or denying any aspect of our reality.
This doesn't mean we ignore the pain or excuse any hurtful behavior. Rather, it means we're acknowledging our full, complex relationships with our parents. We're honoring our own feelings and experiences, while also understanding their context and origins in an authentic way.
This balanced perspective allows for healing, growth, and a better understanding of our familial and cultural identities. It's a journey of compassion for ourselves.

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Happy Juneteenth! 💛 ❤️ 💚

Today is a symbol of liberation and it’s also a reminder of the ongoing journey toward true freedom and equality.

In our work as therapists, we witness daily how historical traumas continue to shape lives and experiences. We understand the complexities these traumas bring to mental and emotional health.

As we observe this day of commemoration, we reaffirm our commitment to fostering understanding, healing, and growth. We stand in solidarity with the Black community in the collective pursuit of a more just and equitable society.

Let us remember, learn, and strive for better, together.

How will you be observing Juneteenth?

Swipe to read more about how Internal Family Systems (IFS) can be helpful for clients in therapy with marginalized identities.

***raffirmingcare

In the Netflix series "Beef," Amy and Danny, two AAPI individuals with seemingly different lives, are united by their shared struggles with mental health.

Swipe and read more about why cultural attunement in therapy is so important.

Our therapists at Mindful Life Counseling provide culturally responsive care and understand the intricacies and nuances of social identities.

Swipe to see why attachment-based therapy can be helpful for BIPOC and q***r folx.

***raffirmingcare

Read about how EMDR (Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) therapy can be helpful for people of color and q***r folx.

***raffirmingcare