Carlos Cantu

Hi there, I am a Mexican clinical psychologist with a degree from UASLP and a Master's degree in clinical social work from the University of Illinois. I am a licensed LCSW in Illinois and specialize in mental health focused on difficult transitions, trauma, individual and couples therapy, group therapy, and psychological evaluations for immigration. I would love to help you or anyone you know who may benefit from my services.

My approach

My approach to therapy is all about building a strong and trusting relationship with you, working together as a team to achieve results that improve your overall well-being. I use an eclectic therapy style, tailored to your specific needs and focused on short-term solutions that address any negative habits or patterns impacting your character. The most common tools I use in this process, which I refer to as psychotherapy, include CBT, ACT, EMDR, and Ego State Therapy. I'm excited to work with you and help you transform any obstacles in your life.

My focus

As an eclectic therapist, I work with a diverse range of clients from all backgrounds and experiences. I am most comfortable treating clients who are motivated to make positive changes in their lives and who are open to exploring different therapeutic approaches. I have experience working with clients dealing with a variety of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and relationship issues. My approach is focused on short-term solutions that aim to alleviate symptoms and improve overall well-being. That being said, I am also comfortable working with clients who require a more long-term, in-depth exploration of their issues, including those dealing with complex trauma or chronic mental health conditions. My goal is to meet my clients where they are at and provide a safe and supportive environment for them to explore their emotions and experiences.

My communication style

I strive to create a warm, empathetic, and non-judgmental environment in my sessions with clients. My goal is to create a space where my clients feel comfortable and safe to share their experiences, emotions, and thoughts without fear of being criticized or judged. During our sessions, I listen actively to my clients, provide validation and support, and offer feedback and insights that help them gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their experiences. I aim to create a collaborative environment where we work together as a team to achieve positive results and overcome any obstacles. Clients often describe my sessions as empowering and transformative. They feel heard, understood, and supported, and leave our sessions with a sense of clarity and direction. I work to build a strong therapeutic alliance with my clients and create a sense of trust and partnership, which is essential for making progress in therapy.

My journey to mental healthcare

What drives me to do this work is the knowledge that I can make a significant difference in people's lives. I feel very fortunate to be able to provide a safe and supportive environment for my clients to explore their emotions, experiences, and beliefs, and to help them identify and overcome any obstacles that may be affecting their wellbeing. Seeing my clients achieve their goals and make positive changes in their lives is extremely rewarding and makes me feel that my work has a real and meaningful impact on the world. I love being able to help people discover their potential and overcome the challenges that they face, and I am very grateful to be a part of their healing and growth journey.

My goals for you

By taking a collaborative, goal-oriented approach, I help my clients stay focused and motivated throughout their therapeutic journey and provide a framework for achieving positive and lasting change. Throughout the therapy process, we regularly revisit these goals to assess progress and make any necessary adjustments. I encourage my clients to celebrate their successes along the way, no matter how small, and to view setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning.

My first session with you

In our first session, I typically ask my clients what they hope to achieve through therapy, what specific changes they would like to make in their lives, and what outcomes they are hoping for.