Sierra Petersen
------ Licensed Clinical Social Worker
(she/her/hers)
Sierra Petersen is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). She specializes in the treatment of adults struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, gender-based violence, stress, and LGBTQ related issues. She is also skilled in treating first responders.
Areas of Expertise
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Anxiety, depression, trauma, gender-based violence, stress, and LGBTQ related issues.
A note from Sierra:
I became a therapist because I believe in the power of sharing our story. Through sharing what happened to us and where we want to go, we open ourselves up to meaningful change in our lives. It is an honor to hear my clients' stories and be trusted with their challenges and hopes alike. My therapy style can best be described as empathic, client-centered, and relaxed. I believe in the healing power of laughter and seek to incorporate humor into our sessions, when appropriate. I work with my clients to create a treatment plan that works best for their unique needs, incorporating mental, physical, spiritual, and relationship-based elements. I practice self-care by reading, cooking new recipes, practicing yoga, and going on the occasional run.
Sierra fosters a supportive, open, and non-judgemental space for those she works with by utilizing a healing-centered approach. Her therapeutic practice is informed by Motivational Interviewing (MI), mindfulness, and Harm Reduction. It is important to Sierra that she and her clients work together to determine a plan for therapy that centers on what the client hopes to achieve.
Sierra holds a Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Chicago and a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from Michigan State University. Prior to joining Cityscape Counseling, Sierra trained first responders in how to respond to a person experiencing a mental health crisis, as well as how to identify signs of secondary trauma and compassion fatigue within themselves. While at Michigan State University, Sierra worked with survivors of gender-based violence through Safe Place, an on-campus domestic violence shelter.
While her office is located in downtown Chicago next to Millenium park for in-person sessions, she also welcomes and serves clients for online therapy from anywhere in Illinois. Clients from the Chicagoland area may choose in-office or online therapy and usually commute from surrounding areas such as River North, South Loop, West Loop, Gold Coast, Old Town, Lincoln Park, Lake View, Logan Square, Wicker Park, Bucktown and many more.