Teresa, known by friends and family as Terri, embraces an eclectic and wellness-based approach to therapy, incorporating elements of art therapy, CBT, DBT, visualization, and mindfulness, as well as a full spectrum of expressive and healing arts to help her clients better navigate their life’s journey. Terri works with children, adolescents, and adults. To engage her younger clients, she incorporates play therapy with other efficacy-based treatment modalities to best support their healthy development. 

Terri is a Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional and is skilled at treating such conditions as OCD, panic, phobias, GAD, and social anxiety. Terri is also trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), which she combines with art therapy to help children and adolescents understand and process traumatic experiences. 

Terri describes Art Therapy as using visual expression to intuitively tap into right-brain knowing—often bypassing the left-brain’s world of ego defenses. In a society that can place too much emphasis on logical and practical (left-brain) thinking, accessing the healing potential of the right brain’s holistic, experimental, and playful nature can be a game-changer for mental and emotional growth. By implementing art techniques, clients can express themselves authentically, and with Terri’s guidance, can then “decode” the nonverbal messages, symbols, and metaphors often found in their art, leading to a better understanding of their own feelings and behavior so they can move on to resolve deeper issues.

Terri is also trained in Brainspotting, Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), and Reiki. Brainspotting is a technique that simply uses the client’s focused gaze to naturally process and release experiences and symptoms that are often out of reach to the conscious mind. EFT, which is sometimes called “tapping”, is a powerful tool that clients can learn, empowering them to rapidly reduce symptoms of emotional distress. Reiki is an ancient energy healing technique that can assist with emotional release, mental clarity, and physical healing. Terri is a Reiki Level II practitioner and offers Reiki to clients that find this resource beneficial. 

In addition, Terri is a certified Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) practitioner. Based on the Polyvagal Theory, the SSP is an auditory, “bottom-up” treatment that uses specially treated music to help regulate the nervous system – reducing “fight, flight, freeze” responses. The SSP is a supplemental treatment within psychotherapy and is helpful for children, adolescents, and adults who have experienced trauma, struggle with anxiety/depression, or have sensory processing issues. 

Terri’s professional background includes experiences in both inpatient and outpatient sectors of mental health which has assisted her in honing her skills in treating trauma, anxiety, depression, and ADHD with a holistic approach. Just before starting at Illuminate Therapy & Wellness, Terri worked as an art therapist supporting Afghan refugees during Operation Allies Welcome – an experience she describes as “extraordinary.” 

Terri is committed to supporting and responding to the needs of her community. In response to a request from a friend in 2020, Terri joined other community members to form the Backyard Caucus, a grassroots anti-racism group. She is a contributing author to Stories of Race in Elmhurst, a collection of personal essays. The book is now a popular read in the community and taught at York Community High School. 

To refresh herself, Terri enjoys meditation and reading books for personal and spiritual growth. Her hobbies are painting, gardening, yoga, and nature walks.