Elisha-Rio Apilado

You might be the one others rely on: the helper, the high-achiever, the one who “has it together.” But internally, you feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck between who you are and who you’re expected to be. I work with high-achieving Asian American adults who feel stuck between cultural expectations and personal identity. In our work together, we’ll identify patterns that keep you feeling stuck, process emotional experiences that may feel difficult to access through words alone, and build practical tools to help you feel more grounded and aligned. I specialize in working with Filipino/Asian American adults navigating family dynamics, intergenerational expectations, and identity transitions. I integrate evidence-based approaches such as CBT and ACT with art therapy to support both cognitive insight and deeper emotional processing. I offer telehealth sessions across Illinois. You’re welcome to reach out for a free 15-minute consultation. We can briefly discuss what you’re navigating and determine whether my approach feels like a good fit. Specialties: You may feel overwhelmed by identity questions, grief, burnout, or life transitions—especially when shaped by high expectations, caregiving roles, or cultural pressures. In therapy, we'll explore what you've been carrying and work together to create a plan that supports healing, clarity, and balance using both talk therapy and creative approaches like art therapy. Credentials & Experience: I hold dual master's degrees in Counseling and Art Therapy from Adler University and am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and Registered Art Therapist (ATR). With over five years of experience, I support clients navigating identity exploration, grief, and life transitions.

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