Clinical Therapist and Trauma Specialist
Savanha Rawls
M.Ed, LCPC, EMDR
Therapy for ages 18+
I’m a trauma specialist passionate about providing holistic, client-centered care that addresses the root causes of symptoms, often stemming from childhood experiences. I often remind clients that trauma isn’t only about what happened to you, but also what didn’t happen during your formative years. I collaborate with clients to create treatment plans that honor their personal goals while addressing these foundational experiences. Together, we identify patterns of interacting with others that no longer serve you, explore healthier ways of engaging, and strengthen coping strategies to help you achieve your fullest self.
I work with adults across the lifespan, supporting clients through major life transitions, chronic illness, anxiety, depression, and complex trauma. As an Indigenous therapist, I strive to create an inclusive space for all identities and encourage open discussion about systemic oppression and racism, recognizing their profound impact on wellbeing.
A little about me:
Outside of therapy, I enjoy spending time with my children and husband, reading, and occasionally binge-watching Netflix favorites like Friends, Grey’s Anatomy, and Ozark.
Education:
M.Ed in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from DePaul University
Current Doctoral Student at National Louis University for Clinical Psychology
What insurance do you accept?
BCBS PPO, Aetna, Anthem, Cigna/Evernorth and United.
What does a typical session with you look like?
My approach to therapy is both collaborative and client-led. I encourage clients to take the lead in choosing the work for the session, but I will always jump in to guide when a client is unsure where they wish to take the work.
What are your top specialties?
Mood disorders, complex trauma, personality disorders, life transitions and women's issues.
What would you say to someone considering therapy with you?
Take the leap! It's hard work, but also the most rewarding and you deserve it.
Who is your ideal client?
Someone motivated to do the work and understands that for the best outcome, work must be done outside the therapy space. Complex trauma is my bread and butter.
How do clients describe you?
Non-judgmental, genuine and direct.
Savanha’s Approach
My approach is warm, yet direct, building a strong, collaborative therapeutic alliance to foster meaningful change. I primarily use CBT by providing psychoeducation, teaching coping tools, and implementing techniques to challenge/refute unhelpful cognitions. Once you begin to successfully use these tools on your own, we will dive deeper into the clinical issue using Attachment Theory, EMDR, and/or Psychoanalytic to identify and work towards resolution of the root of the presenting issue.
Click here for more detailed information on therapeutic modalities.
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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.
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Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy treatment that is designed to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories.
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Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) addresses the mental health needs of people suffering from the destructive effects of early trauma.
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An attachment-based approach looks at the connection between a person’s early attachment experiences with primary caregivers - and the person’s ability to develop normally and ultimately form healthy emotional and physical relationships as an adult.
Top Specialties:
Anxiety
Depression
Life Transitions
Mood Disorders
Personality Disorders
Trauma and PTSD
Women’s Issues
Areas of Expertise:
ADHD
Behavioral Issues
Chronic Illness
Coping Skills
Dissociative Disorders (DID)
Dual Diagnosis
EMDR Therapy
Emotional Disturbance
Grief
Peer Relationships
Racial Identity
Relationship Issues
Self Esteem
Self-Harming
Stress
Suicidal Ideation
Interested in working together? Fill out the form below, call (630) 940-6828 or email scheduling@paderatherapy.com. We also offer a 15-minute free phone consultation.
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.