Emily Vanichtheeranont

Professional Counselor

In-Person & Virtual Sessions
Therapy for Teens 15+, Adults & Partners

There are moments in life that feel like the ground is being pulled from underneath you. Wherever this might be happening, I want to be able to be there with you. As your therapist, I care about moving at a pace that feels  comfortable — whether that is sitting, walking, or running in the direction of what you desire.

As a second-generation Asian American woman, I am passionate about celebrating diversity and inclusion. I am dedicated to supporting clients from all walks of life, and I strive to create a space that honors each client's unique cultural background and identities.

My approach to counseling is grounded in collaborative, holistic, and evidence-based practice. I seek to personalize therapy to each individual client’s strengths and values, integrating elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to effectively make progress toward your life goals and visions.

I believe that clients are the experts on their own lives, and I hope to honor this in our work together as we strengthen insight, coping, and positive change. 

Psychology Today: Coming Soon!

  • I am passionate about working with individuals in adolescence and adulthood experiencing stress, anxiety, mood swings, life transitions, trauma concerns, and identity exploration. Additionally, I work with couples to improve communication, connection, and conflict resolution within the relationship.

  • A typical session with me begins with a guided check-in and prompt about what feels most supportive to explore in therapy that day. The session will flow in a way that makes the most sense for what has been coming up for you recently. I strongly believe that therapy should be flexible and fit to the evolving needs of the client, not the other way around.

  • Warm, passionate, and funny.

  • I care about creating a non-judgmental space where my clients feel safe and comfortable to show up authentically without any pressure to pretend or perform. Life is not easy, and there is no right or wrong way to live your life. We will brainstorm strategies for sustainable change to reduce distress and increase resilience.

  • I feel illuminated by the beauty of the therapeutic relationship. The gradual process of building trust and safety is my absolute favorite part about therapy. I believe that therapy should be a collaborative, non-judgmental, and experiential opportunity for growth and insight. My ideal client is someone who is open to self-reflection and appreciates a therapeutic style that balances warmth with gentle challenging when necessary.

Areas of Focus

Top Specialties:

  • Anxiety

  • Emotional Regulation

  • Culturally Sensitive Care

Areas of Expertise:

  • Asian American Mental Health

  • Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

  • Coping Skills

  • Child of Immigrant Complexities

  • Depression

  • Identity Exploration

  • Intergenerational Trauma & Healing

  • Life Transitions

  • Mood Disorders

  • Racial Identity

  • Relationship Issues

  • Relationship Therapy

  • Self Esteem

  • Stress & Burnout

  • Trauma & PTSD

Works With
Teens 15+, Adults & Partners

Schedule - Coming soon!
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday

In Network With
BCBS PPO
Aetna
Anthem Blue Cross
Cigna/Evernorth

Education
Master of Science in Clinical Counseling, Illinois Institute of Technology

Personal Interests
I enjoy getting a good workout in. Recently, I have been loving running, lifting, and hot yoga. When I am not out and about, I like to read romance novels, watch reality television, and pet my dog.

Therapy with Emily

I utilize interventions informed by Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Through increasing self-reflection and self-awareness, we will work together to explore sustainable areas for change in life that align with your values and goals. We will also brainstorm how to make healthy coping strategies accessible in moments of emotional distress or crisis.

I want to hear about what works and what does not work. All feelings and thoughts are always welcome; they provide us with helpful information on what to move toward or away from.

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a structured, goal-oriented type of talk therapy that can help manage mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, and emotional concerns, such as coping with grief or stress.

  • Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) addresses the mental health needs of people suffering from the destructive effects of early trauma.

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a type of talk therapy, specially adapted for people who experience emotions very intensely.

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a type of psychotherapy that helps you move beyond negative thoughts and feelings in a meaningful way by accepting that your thoughts and emotions are an appropriate response to certain situations and committing to making changes in your life that match your values.

Schedule a Session or Consult

Interested in working together? Fill out the form, call (630) 940-6828 or email scheduling@paderatherapy.com. We also offer a 15-minute free phone consultation.

Insurance or Self Pay

Learn more about using your insurance. If we are an out-of-network provider or you do not have insurance, our rate is currently $135 for a 50-53 minute session. However, we also offer reduced rates in special circumstances. Finances should never be a deterrent for seeking help.

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