Sara Raja

Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, NCC

In-Person & Virtual Sessions
Therapy for Children 12+ and Adults
Therapy in Urdu, Punjabi and English

A young woman wearing a beige hijab and black shirt sitting on a black chair, smiling with her hand resting on her chin in a well-lit room with a painting on the wall.

I have a deep desire to connect with my clients and walk alongside them through life’s ups and downs. My approach is warm, compassionate, and collaborative. Whether you come to therapy with a clear goal or simply a sense of pain you can’t yet name, I’ll work with you to find a path toward healing and growth.

I use an integrative approach, drawing from strengths-based, person-centered, and cognitive behavioral therapies, while tailoring treatment to each client’s unique needs and goals. Together, we’ll build on your strengths, develop coping skills, and create meaningful change that supports the life you want. I welcome diversity in all its forms and have experience working with people from many different backgrounds, cultures, and life stages. As a woman of color, I am especially passionate about supporting minorities and creating a safe, judgment-free space where clients can be their most authentic selves.

I hold a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northwestern University. I also offer therapy in Urdu and Punjabi, providing culturally responsive care for clients who feel most comfortable in those languages.

Areas of Focus

Top Specialties:

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  • Trauma & 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

Works With
Children 12+
Adults

Schedule
Tuesday Virtual (Evenings)
Wednesday Virtual (Evenings)

Thursday Virtual (Evenings)
Saturday (Mornings)
Sunday (Mornings)

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

Education
Bachelor’s, Psychology, University of Illinois at Chicago
Master’s Degree, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Northwestern University, 2021

Personal Interests
Outside of therapy, I love spending quality time with family and friends, exploring new cafes and restaurants, experimenting with recipes in the kitchen, or curling up with a good book.

Therapy with Sara

I use an integrative, client-centered approach that pulls from several evidence-based therapies. Much of my work is informed by Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, mindfulness-based approaches, and solution-focused strategies.

In plain language, this means I help you better understand how your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors interact, especially when anxiety, low self-esteem, depression, or relational wounds are involved. We look at unhelpful thinking patterns and emotional habits, not to judge or “fix” you, but to create more flexibility and choice in how you respond.

I also use solution-focused approaches when it feels appropriate. This means we spend time identifying what’s already working, what small changes feel doable, and what you want life to look like moving forward. The pace and direction of therapy are always shaped by the client’s readiness. Some people want to explore deeply, while others want practical steps and relief first, and we adjust accordingly.

Mindfulness is woven into sessions in a realistic, accessible way, helping you slow down, become more aware of your internal experience, and feel more grounded in the present moment.

Overall, my approach is collaborative, flexible, and tailored to the individual. Rather than following a rigid formula, therapy is shaped around your goals, values, and capacity, with the aim of creating meaningful and sustainable change.

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.