Hi! I’m Alana, a Licensed Professional Counselor at Empowered Therapy! My passion for clinical counseling comes from a deep desire to help people feel seen, heard, and understood. Being someone others naturally turned to in times of need helped me realize how meaningful it is to sit with people in their struggles—and that deep sense of connection is what led me to pursue a career in counseling. I’m especially drawn to working with grief—let’s navigate it together. Amid the overwhelm, I believe there’s something profoundly human in honoring loss, and as a team, we can work toward healing and discovering meaning through it. My interest in mental health extends beyond traditional therapy settings and into the realm of performance. What began as a focus on sports evolved into a broader understanding of performance under pressure—whether in athletics, the arts, first response, or corporate leadership. This intersection of mental health and performance inspired me to pursue a dual Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Sport & Human Performance from Adler University in Chicago. There, I was shaped into a therapist who views mental health as the core of how we live, relate to others, and show up in our communities.

Before joining Empowered Therapy, I worked at a group practice that prioritized uplifting the BIPOC community and operated through a multicultural, identity-affirming lens. This experience strengthened my ability to support individuals from diverse backgrounds, reinforcing my belief that while each person’s story is unique, we are all deeply connected through our shared humanity–which I find both beautiful and important.

I work with clients facing a wide range of concerns, including grief, complex trauma, anxiety, performance-related stress, perfectionism, relationship challenges, and major life transitions. I’m passionate about walking with people through grief—it shows up differently for everyone and can really impact how we feel and function day to day. I also find fulfillment working with those who struggle with performance anxiety or perfectionism, helping them release the pressure and giving themselves grace in the midst of high expectations. My therapeutic style balances deep emotional processing with levity and humor, creating a space where clients can safely experience the full spectrum of emotion at their own pace.

When we meet, I show up as my full, authentic self because real connection matters to me. I want you to feel comfortable enough to laugh, cry, and explore everything you’re going through. I am here to be on your team, no matter what. Together, we’ll work side by side in a way that helps you feel truly seen and supported as you navigate life’s challenges.

Outside of my time at a therapist, I love being active and outside—whether that’s playing a sport, going for a walk, or laying in the sun. One of my favorite things to do is to curl up on my couch and watch a new show or read a book. I also love to explore and travel around Chicago, and when I can, around the world. And all of this is more fun with my family and friends by my side!