Licensed Professional Counselor

Sara Raja

MA, LPC, NCC

I have a deep desire to connect with my clients and partner with them as they navigate the ups and downs of life. I have a warm and compassionate approach to therapy. Whether you have a clear goal in mind or are dealing with unidentified pain, I can work with you to find a path toward healing.

By working to fully understand the unique circumstances that bring you to therapy– I am dedicated to helping you to build upon your strengths, develop and/or enhance coping strategies, and create the life you want. Overall, I draw from an integrative approach of treatment, including using strengths-based, person-centered, and cognitive behavioral therapies with my clients. However, I consider it very important to have a personalized approach for each of my clients in order to assist you with achieving your individual needs/goals. I believe therapy is a collaborative endeavor and strive to offer an environment of openness, compassion, and commitment.

I welcome diversity of all types and have experience working with people from all different walks of life, genders, ages, cultures, and ethnicities. As a woman of color myself, I have a passion for working with other minorities and offering a safe space where they can be their most authentic self without fear of judgment or misunderstanding.

I have a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northwestern University.

About Sara:

  • Enjoys spending quality time with family and friends

  • Offers therapy in Urdu and Punjabi

  • Exploring new cafes and restaurants, experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, or curling up with a good book

  • 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.

Top Specialties:

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  • Trauma and PTSD

Areas of Expertise:

  • Asperger's Syndrome

  • Autism

  • Children & Teens

  • Codependency

  • Coping Skills

  • Emotional Disturbance

  • Family Conflict

  • Identify Issues

  • LGBTQ+

  • Life Stress & Transitions

  • Men's Issues

  • Mood Disorders

  • Multiculturally Sensitive Therapy

  • Parenting

  • Peer Relationships

  • Personality Disorders

  • Racial Identity

  • Relationship Issues

  • School Issues

  • Self Esteem

  • Self-Harming

  • Spirituality

  • Stress

  • Suicidal Ideation

  • Women's Issues

I’m in network with:

Aetna

Anthem

BCBS PPO

Cigna / Evernorth

Call (630) 940-6828 or email scheduling@paderatherapy.com to set up an appointment or schedule a 15-minute free phone consultation.

“As a woman of color myself, I have a passion for working with other minorities and offering a safe space where they can be their most authentic self without fear of judgment or misunderstanding.”

— Sara Raja

Questions about insurance?

Give us a call or email scheduling@paderatherapy.com. We can often work with insurance companies if we are out-of-network. If we are an out-of-network provider or you do not have insurance, our rate is currently $135.00 for a 53 minute session. However, we also offer reduced rates in special circumstances. Finances should never be a deterrent for seeking help! We work with families to come up with a number that works for you.