Clinical Therapist and Trauma Specialist

Savanha Rawls

M.Ed LPC EMDR

Portrait of Savanha, a clinical therapist and trauma specialist, smiling while sitting in a light-filled room with houseplants and a sculpture in the background. Text on the image reads: 'Savanha, Clinical Therapist and Trauma Specialist, therapy for clients 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 and couples 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 Lous University for Clinical Psychology

Find me on Psychology Today
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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.

  • 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.

  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy treatment that is designed to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories.

  • 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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Top Specialties:

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  • Mood Disorders

  • Personality Disorders

  • Trauma and PTSD

Areas of Expertise:

  • ADHD

  • Behavioral Issues

  • Chronic Illness

  • Coping Skills

  • Dissociative Disorders (DID)

  • Dual Diagnosis

  • EMDR Therapy

  • Emotional Disturbance

  • Grief

  • Life Transitions

  • 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.

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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.

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