Meet Our Therapy Team

Erin’s passion for people is evident in the therapeutic bonds she forms with her clients. She believes that individuals of all ages are ever-changing, and growth is limitless even in the moments when it may not feel like it. It is through her empathetic and fun spirit that she connects with her clients and is able to form a safe and open environment encouraging of exploration and growth. Erin uses a variety of therapeutic approaches to create a treatment plan unique to each client that will harness their individual strengths to work toward positive growth and a positive sense of self. When working with children, Erin understands a child’s social and emotional needs and the impact environmental and relational influences have on their development. As a result, she works to provide a therapeutic process that is inclusive of the child’s family, builds on their strengths, and addresses the child’s needs on a multitude of levels.

Marlem is dedicated to creating a warm, supportive environment where children feel seen, heard, and valued. Using a client-centered approach, She works closely with both children and their families to ensure the therapy process aligns with the child’s needs and goals. Marlem is skilled in building relationships with children, allowing them to express themselves freely through conversation, play, and creative outlets. Her goal is to help children develop self-awareness, emotional resilience, and confidence to navigate life’s challenges.

Kurtis’s approach to therapy centers around spotlighting the stories in which all his clients have lived and developed. He has found that it is through play that a child’s most visceral expression of emotions comes to life. With this, he emphasizes constructing narratives and cultivating genuine connections for every family, teen, young adult, and caregiver he works with. It is vital for Kurtis to transform what he witnesses from clients into therapy sessions that are meaningful to them on a personalized level. Such values make it evident that in Kurtis’s work, he chooses to prioritize creating a space for clients that supports their vulnerability, challenges their negative thoughts and behaviors, and allows them to pursue mindfulness in a safe way.

We love having Rita’s warm, supportive presence around IFC. Even our most shy and anxious clients feel immediately at ease when they meet Rita for the first time. Rita is able to connect with some of the most ‘hard to reach’ clients by validating their struggles and taking the time to understand the unique way they view the world. She is often quick to identify her client’s strengths (even when they can’t find them for themselves) and is able to help them utilize these strengths to reach their fullest potential. Rita views therapy as a collaborative effort to create positive change and strengthen family systems and relationships.

Ritamaria also offers workshops and seminars on a variety of topics. To have Ritamaria speak with your group or school, please contact us at 773-270-0469 or hello@ifccounseling.com.

In Maxine’s sessions with clients, she knows the value of storytelling. Maxine learns their clients’ stories, perspectives, and truths, and uses them to create connection and understanding in their work. Furthermore, she is also passionate about hearing about the experiences of the caregivers they work with, building bridges between clients and their families through attunement, curiosity, empathy, and shared moments of joy. They encourage their clients to embrace their creativity and expressiveness regarding feelings, understanding just how uniquely this can be displayed in the therapy room. However, Maxine believes that treatment transcends the work that she does in the office, and she takes advantage of this fact by ensuring that clients and families know that they are vital parts of the team that is always working on developing stronger relationships and moving towards growth.

As the Founder and Executive Director of IFC, Julianne is passionate about providing families in Chicago with a quality pediatric therapist who understands their child’s unique needs. She believes that each family goes through seasons of life where extra support is needed. She considers it a privilege to step into others’ struggles and challenges in order to offer a listening ear and a helping hand. She is approachable and easily establishes rapport with children and their families.

Julianne also offers workshops and seminars on parenting and pediatric mental health. To have Julianne speak with your group or school, please contact us at 773-270-0469 or hello@ifccounseling.com.

Rooted in both professional training and lived experience, AJ brings authenticity, empathy, and a deep respect for each client’s unique journey into their work as a therapist. They strive to create a warm, supportive space where children, teens, young adults, and families feel seen, heard, and empowered. Their own experiences have shaped their belief in the power of connection, resilience, and the importance of feeling truly understood. They integrate creativity, play, and evidence-based practices to meet clients where they are, using curiosity and compassion to guide our work.They also collaborate closely with parents and caregivers, recognizing how essential they are in supporting a child’s emotional growth. Whether navigating challenges or celebrating small victories, They aim to create a space where healing, growth, and authentic self-discovery can thrive.