Sierra Petersen, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, is an energetic, progressive therapist passionate about supporting young adults and adults seeking to improve their mental and emotional wellbeing. She specializes in the treatment of anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships and attachment issues, LGBTQIA+ issues, burnout/compassion fatigue, as well as general stress management.

About Sierra

Sierra believes the most significant therapeutic change occurs in a space where clients feel understood, empowered, and respected. She takes time to get to know each client, connecting with them on a human level with humor and compassion. She strives to create a relaxing, safe environment where clients can freely express their needs, wants, and vision for a meaningful life, all while building emotional resilience.

In session, Sierra highly prioritizes collaborating with clients to develop their own unique goals for treatment. She incorporates elements of evidence-based practices including ACT, DBT, and Narrative Therapy. Her clinical experience is guided by a lens of psychodynamic, relational, feminist/social justice, and mindfulness-based therapy approaches. Treatment methods are always tailored to address her clients’ distinctive needs.

Sierra holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Chicago with a specialization in violence prevention and trauma-informed care. Before pursuing private practice, Sierra worked in several community mental health settings including domestic violence shelters, homelessness prevention nonprofits, and NAMI Chicago. At NAMI, she helped individuals and families navigate mental health crises and connect to treatment. She also led the creation and facilitation of the Chicago Police Department’s Crisis Intervention Team Training to help first responders engage empathetically and effectively with individuals in crisis and manage their own compassion fatigue.

A Note From Sierra

My journey to become a social worker, and then a therapist, was inspired by working with a therapist during my own struggle with mental health and trauma. My first therapist was intelligent, compassionate, and made me feel that I could be myself, flaws and all, and still be deserving of care. She made me feel that I was not defined by the things that happened in my life and that I was not “broken.” This therapeutic relationship and the coping skills I learned helped me to heal and create a life I love (even on the bad days!). It is truly an honor for me to be a similar source of support for my clients as they navigate life’s inherent challenges.

In my spare time, I love to cook, read, practice yoga (I hold a RYT-200 hr certification), obsessively listen to hip-hop and R&B music, and spend too much time browsing libraries and bookstores.

Sierra welcomes and serves clients for online therapy from anywhere in Illinois.