Hi, I’m Victoria akhteebo [She/her/hers].
I’m an EMDR-trained, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Illinois with experience helping adults navigate trauma, anxiety, and depression. I have 4½ years of mental health experience across private practice, university counseling, community mental health, and long-term care settings. I completed my EMDR training in 2020 and have a goal to become certified in the near future.
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from North Park University and a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from DePaul University. My academic background and professional training allow me to combine evidence-based methods with a compassionate, personalized approach.
I specialize in trauma therapy, integrating EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) with Attachment-Focused EMDR, Polyvagal Theory, and parts work. My approach also includes CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused, and Client-Centered therapies to create a plan tailored to your needs. Whether you’re struggling with unresolved trauma, persistent anxiety, or depression, my goal is to help you understand the “why” behind your struggles and guide you toward meaningful healing.
I believe in providing a warm, empathetic, and nonjudgmental space where you can feel both supported and empowered—sometimes with a touch of humor when the moment calls for it. I’m passionate about cultural competence and work with individuals of all backgrounds, races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, gender identities, and socioeconomic statuses.
When I’m not in session, I love activities that spark creativity, such as painting my nails, reading, traveling, and spending time with my family and my many nieces, nephews, and goddaughter.
Taking the first step toward therapy can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Contact me at info@empoweredemotionscounseling.com to schedule a free 15-minute consultation and begin your journey toward healing.
My Approach
I use a trauma-informed approach to therapy, focusing on creating a safe, empowering, and collaborative environment while acknowledging the impact of trauma on a person’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
Specialties
Trauma and PTSD
Depression
Anxiety
Emotion Dysregulation
Services
EMDR & Attachment-Focused EMDR for repairing developmental deficits from childhood
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
Solution-Focused Therapy
Motivational Interviewing
Client-Centered and strengths-based Approaches