CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST
224-603-2058
Our Team
Dr. Liara Montesano, Psy.D
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
CEO/Founder
224-603-2058
montesanopsychologicalcenter@gmail.com
Hablamos Español
Dr. M as she's affectionately known views humans beings as having vast amounts of potential that is often diminished by different complications/circumstances. Dr. M's passion is helping her clients flourish and become the best versions of themselves.
Today, Dr. M works with adults and teens at the Montesano Psychological Center and engages in individual/group/equine assisted psychotherapy. Having a strong background in existential philosophy and person-centered psychotherapy Dr. M's priority is designing a unique and individualized treatment plan for all those under her care that incorporate the client's goals and desires for their future and well being rather than her own.
In addition, Dr. M is the Director of Clinical Training at Guada Psychological Services. At Guada she trains and supervises aspiring clinicians in evidence based psychotherapies such as: CBT, ACT, H-E, Person Centered Therapy along with teaching warmth, empathy and genuineness within the therapeutic relationship.
Education and Training
After finishing her BS in Clinical Psychology at Florida State University, Dr. M, completed a Master's degree and worked in low income communities engaging in home visits and safety checks with the FACT team. Followed by her work in community psychology Dr. M spent two years providing care to individuals with traumatic brain injuries before spending an additional five years of intensive study at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology where she earned her Doctorate. Through this schooling she engaged and trained in health psychology, outpatient care, inpatient care and community psychology at some of the most prestigious and rigorous training sites in the Chicago area such as: Northwestern University’s Family Health Center in Humboldt Park, The Circle Center for Women, Riveredge Hospital and Illinois Masonic Medical Center.
Areas of Expertise
Dr. M provides therapy to individuals who struggle with insecurities, self-doubt, loneliness, obsessive thinking, phobias, depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, and many other challenges that compromise their quality of life. Her office offers a place where people can explore themselves and find ways to better cope with their lives without losing what makes them uniquely them. Without imposing any agendas on you, Dr. M will work to meet you where you are at in your journey and act as a guides towards positive treatment outcomes.
Lori B. Cohen, BA in Ed
Equine Specialist
Advanced PATH Instructor
Eponaquest Advanced Facilitator
Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning
CEID-Ed
Lori has loved horses and teaching since childhood. Sharing her knowledge of horses and equine behavior along with integrating horses into therapy to help individuals in their personal development journey, has captivated her spirit. As a lifelong educator, she's trained in many different equestrian modalities to enable her to fine tune her ability to create safe practices for individuals to experience working with horses and to open up new ways of thinking and learning. Lori specializes in working with adults, teens and in conducting group workshops (large or small). Epona work can provide tremendous growth in self esteem, boundaries and patience.
"It is an honor to be joining with Dr. Montesano and bringing the wisdom of the horse to clients and groups that want to learn to live a more grounded and truthful existence."
Keerthana (Kee) , LPC
Therapist
Licensed Professional Counselor
Hi my name is Kee, I’m a passionate a mental health professional and I deeply care for my clients well-being. In my experience working in community mental Health I’ve been able to refine my techniques and nurture my helping skills. I specialize in domestic violence, sexual trauma, grief, stress management, adjustment issues, relationship issues, anxiety and depression. Along with using Cognitive behavioral therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, I incorporate creative activities into my sessions including mindfulness and artful coping. Together we will create a unique toolkit with coping skills that will help you realize your potential and be the best version of yourself. I will be there to support your healing journey on your terms.
My overall approach to therapy is Person-Centered in order to build the rapport and maintain a judgement free environment. I use Trauma- focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and narrative therapy.
I like to start my session with a mindfulness activity to bring awareness into the present moment, move into addressing immediate needs, process a situation, talk through thoughts, feelings and reactions and end my session with a progressive muscle relaxation technique.
I use the feelings and needs inventory from DBT, it helps clients verbalise their emotions as well as reflect. I also use worksheets from CBT and DBT and in each session engage the client in learning a new coping skill. I like to make my sessions creative so I encourage keeping a therapy journal, store worksheets, assess and rate their reactions to a situation (label emotion and what skill they used to cope). I use models from CBT for anxiety in identifying triggers, negative thoughts and coping.
Sometimes my client and I will work on a chronological trauma chart (helps to keep tract of progress, reflect on unhealthy coping patterns etc). I also like to use artful coping such as making affirmation stones, ‘1 day 1 activity’ jar (to help deal with depressive thoughts) and using expressive art. A combination of learned techniques along with my natural ability to connect with clients on a deeper level have helped me grow as a therapist.
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Cory Tomlinson, M.A.
Doctoral Clinician in Training
Student Therapist Under Supervision
Human existence can be painful, challenging, and isolating. It's common to question your
self-worth and yearn for relief through use of harmful coping. I believe that facing these
challenges is most successful when we receive acknowledgment, support, and empathy. The
therapeutic environment I offer is a transformative space that equips individuals with the tools to
tackle recovery and personal growth. I prioritize meeting clients where they’re at and providing
support as they uncover their own truths. I approach every client from a perspective that
highlights their strengths, acknowledges trauma, and embraces a holistic approach.
As a psychologist-in-training with a specialization in alcohol and other drug counseling, I
view therapy as a collaborative journey of personal growth and transformation. I adopt a flexible
approach that is characterized by warmth and authenticity. My healing toolkit contains
techniques derived from third wave CBT and family/systems theory. I equip clients by
promoting self-acceptance, compassion, and genuine understanding. If you’re interested in
beginning or continuing your mental health and recovery journey, I provide teletherapy services
for individuals and couples through convenient and confidential options under the clinical
supervision of licensed psychologist, Dr. Liara Montesano.