Maria Shenkman, LCPC

I am an experienced clinician specializing in anxiety disorders, including panic and social anxiety, ADHD, depression, trauma, and complex life transitions. I offer evidence-based, integrative treatment designed to support clearer thinking, improved emotional regulation, and sustainable behavioral change. My approach helps clients understand their patterns, build resilience, and move toward a more grounded and intentional way of living.

I am an experienced Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) specializing in anxiety, panic disorder, social anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, and complex life transitions. My work is grounded in evidence-based care and an integrative, relational approach designed to support clearer thinking, emotional steadiness, and meaningful, sustained change.

I hold advanced training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (C-DBT), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), and ADHD-focused interventions. I help clients understand the internal patterns that shape their emotions, behaviors, and beliefs—because when you see yourself clearly, you gain the power to respond rather than react. Through mindfulness practices, cognitive restructuring, emotional processing, and experiential methods, I guide clients toward healthier boundaries, deeper insight, and a more intentional way of being.

My clinical experience spans private practice, school settings, nonprofit organizations, and organizational environments. These diverse settings have shaped my belief that transformation is always possible when we engage honestly with our inner world. In addition to therapy, I conduct psychological immigration evaluations, offering comprehensive assessments for hardship waivers and asylum-related cases.

I also work from a multicultural perspective and provide therapy in both English and Russian. My goal is to create a grounded, supportive space where you can explore your concerns, reconnect with your strengths, and build a life that feels purposeful, aligned, and authentically your own.

Therapeutic Approach
Maria integrates evidence-based psychotherapy with accessible mindfulness and experiential methods. Her work blends:
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills (DBT-informed)
• Emotion-Focused techniques
• Insight-oriented reflection
• Skills-based work for ADHD and emotional regulation

Her approach is collaborative, practical, and deeply compassionate. She focuses on helping clients understand the origins of their struggles, build emotional awareness, shift unhelpful patterns, and strengthen their sense of agency.

Specialties
• Anxiety
• ADHD
• Depression
• Trauma and emotional overwhelm
• Life transitions
• Identity development
• Relationship patterns
• Stress management
• Cultural or immigration-related concerns
• Emerging adulthood challenges
• Self-esteem and confidence

Issues Treated
• Anxiety disorders
• Panic
• Chronic stress
• Mood concerns
• Role changes & transitions
• Family conflict
• Relationship challenges
• Burnout
• Multicultural identity
• Perfectionism
• Emotional reactivity
• Attachment patterns
• Grief & loss
• Executive functioning struggles

Client Focus
Ages:
• Teens 13+
• Young adults
• Adults
• Older adults

Populations:
• Bilingual clients (English/Russian)
• Immigrants and first-generation individuals
• Students & emerging professionals
• Parents
• Highly self-reliant or high-functioning adults
• Clients navigating career and identity shifts

Types of Therapy
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT-informed skills)
• Emotion-Focused Therapy
• Psychodynamic / Insight-oriented
• Mindfulness Practices
• Strengths-based & Values-based exploration
• Experiential/Game Consulting (abridged description if desired)

Languages
• English
• Russian

Training & Credentials
• M.A., Clinical Psychology – Illinois School of Professional Psychology (2010)
• B.A., Applied Behavioral Sciences – National Louis University
• Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) – Illinois
• C-DBT: Certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy
• ADHD-CCSP: Certified ADHD Professional
• Certified in Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
• Future direction: Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) training in progress