Ximena Andrino, MA, LPC (Bilingual therapist)
Kids (6-10), Early Adolescents (11-13), Middle Adolescents (14-18), College (18-21), Young Adults (20-30), Parents
Anxiety, Depression, Self-Esteem, ADHD, ADD, Trauma and PTSD, Stressful Life Transitions, Troublesome Childhoods, Parenting,Behavioral Issues, Multicultural Issues, Dissociative Symptoms, Bipolar Disorder, ASD, Racial Identity, Self Harm, Family Dynamics, Addictions, Somatic work.
Hello! My name is Ximena (pronounced he-min-ah), I’m a Latinx therapist and offer therapy in English, Spanish and even Spanglish! I would be honored to support you or your family. If you work with me, together we’ll navigate the challenges and unknowns of life with humor, patience, honesty and warmth. I wake up everyday excited to help people on their journey. No matter what your journey looks like, I am here for you and believe that good things are ahead, with the right tools, communication and support.
I bring more than 5 years of experience from the pediatric development center at Advocate Children’s Hospital, an addictions center and a Chicago community mental health agency. I have a variety of tools we can explore, but most importantly, you are the expert on your life, and together we can make sure you are on the path of being the best version of you possible!
Children, Adolescents, Parents & Multicultural families
I love supporting children, adolescents, young adults and multicultural families. I’ve helped with a wide various of issues, including anxiety, mood disorders, executive functioning challenges, neurodevelopmental diagnoses, cultural transitions, trauma, substance abuse and more.
My “tool kit” includes a lot of different approaches, as I tailor them to each unique client, including CBT, DBT, behavior management, psychodynamic and trauma-informed tools.
Finding belonging and feeling understood
No matter if you feel culturally different, left out, or just out of place in your own skin–I understand personally and professionally. I have experienced the beauties and challenges of emerging in multiple cultural backgrounds, and this has taught me the importance of context and a tailored approach for every single person.
I know how hard it can be to feel unheard, misunderstood and even rejected by others. I have also seen the power of change when we can learn to “live in the gray” areas of life and find light in the universe’s little things. Even during the darkest of times, we can work together to find your light, your voice, and find belonging. I bring compassion and understanding that everyone is their unique constellation of beauty and at the same time, how connected we are from one another.
Family relationships & Parenting Communication
If you a parent who struggles to communicate with your child, nothing makes me happier than improving that relationship. Whether it’s due to a language barrier, a clash in different cultural beliefs or any other reason under the sun. I strongly believe in the importance of family. The relationships at home are some of the most important in your support system. When those relationships are struggling, it impacts your everyday growth and happiness. When we can find a way to make communication more clear, safe and positive, that’s where growth can really happen. I know, firsthand, the importance of looking at each person’s unique strengths and unique cultural values. As part of my work with you, or your child, I can incorporate family sessions.
Cultural Background Challenges
If you’re questioning or struggling with your cultural background, I understand how important it is to feel connected to our ancestral roots and being validated along the way. I support and advocate for families that have lived through discriminatory situations and are left with the belief “I am the problem”. Well you are not! And in session we dig deeper to find the strengths and values that make you the beautiful human that you are
For Fun…
I like to spend time with my family and maintain a work-life balance. I enjoy being attuned to my body and practice movement to regulate when my body and mind are out of sync. I have a pup who is extremely friendly with humans and especially children, therefore, if you ever want to meet him, I am all up for it! Here is a picture of this cutie pie!
![Did you catch my last post on how to make new friends as an adult woman?
I’ll be the first to admit, talking to new people can be nerve-wracking, so I came up with a few easy icebreakers to get the conversation started:
🧊"I noticed your [bag/shirt/shoes, etc.]. That's really cute! Where did you get it?"
🧊"My child is starting at this school/daycare next week. Where does your child go?"
🧊"I've been looking for something new to read. Do you have any recommendations?"
🧊"Have you tried any new restaurants or coffee shops in the area lately? I'm always looking for new places to check out."
🧊“I’m prioritizing staying healthy right now. What kind of exercise do you do?”
🧊“What shows are you loving right now? Mine are [tell them your favorite shows].”
🧊“Do you listen to podcasts? Which ones are your favorite?”
🧊“Do you have any interesting hobbies?”
“Where are you vacationing this summer?”
🧊“I’m interested in volunteering, do you have any organizations you can recommend?”
Remember, icebreakers are meant to be light conversation starters - a good place to start is to simply introduce yourself, shake hands, and smile. For best results, always try to choose an icebreaker that has some context to the situations you’re in.
Finally, it’s 100% normal to feel awkward and you can rest assured that most people feel the same when they’re meeting someone new. Embrace whatever feelings you’re having and just be yourself.
#mentalhealth #mentalhealthmatters #therapist #relationshippodcast #icebreakers](https://inspirecounselingcenter.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png)