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Our Therapists

When you work with one of us, you work with all of us. We are a diverse team of therapists who partner together. Our collaborative approach of sharing knowledge and skills ensures the best possible outcomes. 

Please note that not all listed therapists are taking new clients at this time.

  • Staff Therapist
Types of Therapy:
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness & Behavior Therapies, Brief Consultation (1-6 Sessions), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Locations:
Teletherapy, Chicago

Daniela Van Pelt is a bilingual (Spanish-English) therapist who is passionate about partnering with adults of all backgrounds struggling with anxiety-based and obsessive-compulsive disorders. Prior to joining The Family Institute, Ms.

  • Therapist
Types of Therapy:
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Brief Consultation (1-6 Sessions), CBT-informed, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), DBT-informed, Diagnostic Assessment, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotion Focused Therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Integrative Systemic Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, Meditation, Mindfulness & Behavior Therapies
Locations:
Teletherapy, Chicago

Pam Martinez is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who completed undergraduate studies at the University of Illinois and earned a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychological Counseling from Chicago State University. Ms.

  • MBT Fellow
Types of Therapy:
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Couple Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Meditation, Mindfulness & Behavior Therapies, Psychodynamic Therapy
Locations:
Teletherapy, Chicago, Evanston

Chris Akel is trained in a variety of 3rd wave theories including Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and the Unified Protocol. Prior to his time at The Family Institute, Mr.

  • Staff Clinician
Types of Therapy:
Psychodynamic Therapy, Humanistic Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy, DBT-informed, CBT-informed
Locations:
Teletherapy, Chicago

Laura Kanaplue is a Licensed Social Worker and provides treatment to individuals, specializing in working with emerging adults and family members supporting individuals navigating that developmental stage.

  • Therapist
Types of Therapy:
Family Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy
Locations:
Teletherapy, Chicago, Evanston

Emily Perepa is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

  • Therapist
  • Teaching Faculty, Marriage & Family Therapy Program
  • Clinical Assistant Professor
Types of Therapy:
Couple Therapy, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, Integrative Systemic Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Relational Cultural Therapy
Locations:
Teletherapy, Northbrook

Dr. Alexandra Solomon is a licensed clinical psychologist at The Family Institute at Northwestern University and a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Psychology at Northwestern University.

We have several satellite locations in addition to our four main facilities.