Liliana Salas, MHP, Clinical Intern
Children, Adolescents, College Students, Young Adults, New Mothers, Adults, Parents, and Families.
Anxiety, Depression, Women’s Issues, Relationship Stress, Trauma, Self-Esteem, Disordered Eating, Addictions, Stressful Life Transitions, Childhood Adversity, ADHD, and Adoption-Related Concerns, including Attachment and Bonding.
My Story
My passion for counseling is both professional and deeply personal. As a wife and mother of three grown children, I have experienced firsthand the joys and challenges that come with the many seasons of life and relationships. These experiences have shaped my heart for serving others and allow me to bring genuine empathy, patience, and understanding to those navigating life’s transitions.
As an adoptee, I understand firsthand how attachment, identity, belonging, and loss can shape a person’s inner world.
I was born in Colombia and had a happy childhood until I was seven years old, when my biological mother passed away suddenly. I later spent time living in an orphanage before being adopted by a loving couple in the United States who supported me unconditionally and always believed in me.
As a child, I also received counseling, which helped me understand my experiences and integrate my past into my sense of identity. That experience—combined with my clinical training—fuels my desire to walk alongside individuals and families as they navigate life’s challenges.
My Professional Journey
Before pursuing counseling professionally, I had the opportunity to stay home and raise my three children with my husband in the Chicagoland area. Once my children reached adulthood, I decided to pursue my lifelong dream of becoming a counselor.
I earned my undergraduate degree in Applied Psychology from Judson University and later worked in case management for the Pregnancy Support Services program at Evangelical Child & Family Agency. In that role, I supported low-income families and saw firsthand how essential mental health support can be for young mothers and parents. My work focused on providing education and encouragement to help mothers care for both their children and their own emotional well-being.
I am currently completing my graduate training in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Northwestern University.
Who I Help
I enjoy working with children, adolescents, college students, young adults, parents, new mothers, families, and adoptive families as they navigate life’s unique challenges.
In our work together, I gently explore the underlying experiences that may be influencing thoughts, emotions, and relationships. My goal is to provide compassionate, supportive, and dedicated care to each person I work with.
My Approach to Counseling
Through my graduate training at Northwestern University, I integrate clinical knowledge with evidence-based approaches including:
- Person-centered therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Trauma-informed care
- Attachment-focused therapy
- Psychodynamic perspectives
I believe therapy is a collaborative process. I work with clients to develop greater self-awareness, strengthen emotional regulation skills, and build healthier relational patterns. My goal is to help individuals cultivate self-compassion, resilience, and meaningful personal growth.
A Holistic Mind-Body Perspective
In addition to my counseling training, I have over 12 years of experience as a certified Jazzercise instructor and fitness professional. This background gives me a holistic perspective that honors the connection between mental and physical well-being.
I recognize the important role that physical movement, lifestyle habits, and community support play in emotional health. My experience in the fitness field has strengthened my ability to motivate and support individuals as they pursue personal growth and long-term wellness goals.
I often incorporate psychoeducation about the mind-body connection and encourage sustainable wellness practices that can support clients in managing anxiety, depression, stress, and self-esteem challenges.
What It’s Like to Work With Me
I believe healing happens within relationships where each person’s story is honored and understood. I strive to create a safe, affirming, and culturally responsive space where clients feel fully seen, heard, and supported.
When people work with me, they can expect warmth, authenticity, and collaboration. My hope is that every individual and family I work with leaves feeling more connected to themselves and to one another—and confident in their resilience and capacity for healing.
For Fun…
When I’m not counseling, I enjoy spending time with my family—crafting or going for runs with my daughter, watching movies with my husband, and having great conversations with my sons.
I also teach Jazzercise classes, enjoy gardening when the weather allows, and love caring for my growing collection of indoor plants.