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Carl Hampton is a seasoned psychotherapist, community leader, and supervisor at the Family Institute at Northwestern University. With over four decades of experience spanning criminal justice, rehabilitation, mental health, and private practice, Carl brings a deep well of wisdom, humility, and presence to his work. He is known for his lifelong commitment to mindfulness, relational attunement, and fostering authentic human connection, both in therapy rooms and supervision spaces.
In this episode, Carl shares stories from his early days working in prisons and victim advocacy to his current work as a therapist and supervisor. He talks about the foundational role of mindfulness in his life and clinical practice—starting with a strawberry-scented mantra at age 14—and how humility, curiosity, and trust are essential tools in therapeutic relationships. Together, we explore how mindfulness isn’t just a technique, but a way of being present with others, with ourselves, and with the unpredictable flow of life and learning.
For more about Carl, visit About Carl — Phoenix Clinic.
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Co-Hosted by Corina Teofilo Mattson and Mariana Reyes Daza. Show art by Jae Avilez and Corina. Music by Brandon Acosta.
Click here to view the episode transcript.
Nancy Tartt, LMFT, is a therapist, leader, and founder of Inspirational Synergy, a practice rooted in helping individuals, couples, and families live authentically. With nearly a decade at Live Oak Chicago and a long-standing career in higher education at UIC, Nancy brings a unique blend of organizational leadership and therapeutic depth to her work. Her practice is grounded in feminist, relational, narrative, and emotionally focused therapy, and she is especially passionate about attachment theory and the role it plays in our healing and connection. Through her initiative Sojourner Speak, she also offers space for BIPOC individuals and groups to name and respond to microaggressions with confidence, authenticity, and voice.
In this episode, we explore Nancy’s journey from higher education leadership into full-time therapy and community-building work. She shares how she’s always been drawn to helping people find their voice—whether in couples therapy, the workplace, or social justice settings. We talk about attachment theory, what makes couples work meaningful to her, and how she holds space without rushing to fix or offer answers. Nancy reflects on spiritual knowing, learning to trust herself, and how personal history—including witnessing her mother’s organizing—has shaped her commitment to justice and purpose. We also talk about the launch of Inspirational Synergy and what it means to live aligned with your gifts.
For more about Nancy, visit ABOUT | Inspirational Synergy or Nancy Tartt • Live Oak Chicago.
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Co-Hosted by Corina Teofilo Mattson and Mariana Reyes Daza. Show art by Jae Avilez and Corina. Music by Brandon Acosta.
Click here to view the episode transcript.
Chris Aguirre is a bilingual Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who brings over a decade of experience working with individuals, couples, and families. Based in Illinois and trained at Northwestern University, Chris blends clinical expertise with a warm, down-to-earth approach that makes clients feel truly seen. His work draws from a variety of modalities, with a strong emphasis on collaboration, self-awareness, and personal growth. Whether supporting clients through anxiety, life transitions, family stress, or identity exploration, Chris shows up with humility, humor, and a deep respect for each person’s unique story. Outside the therapy room, he’s a father, partner, and community coach, continually informed by his own lived experiences.
In this conversation, Chris joins Corina and Mariana to explore the transformative power of Internal Family Systems Therapy, both as a therapeutic model and a personal healing path. Chris shares moving stories about his journey through OCD and healing, and how IFS allowed him to connect with a sense of unconditional love. The episode highlights how parts work has shifted his relationships with his family, his clients, and himself. From skeptical beginnings to dancing in his living room with joy, Chris reflects on what it means to live and lead from self-energy. Whether you’re a therapist or a healing-centered human, this episode is rich with insight, vulnerability, and hope.
For more about Chris, visit Center for Psychology & Wellness — Chris Aguirre, MS, LMFT.
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Co-Hosted by Corina Teofilo Mattson and Mariana Reyes Daza. Show art by Jae Avilez and Corina. Music by Brandon Acosta.
Click here to view the episode transcript.
Angelica Magana is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over a decade of experience supporting individuals and couples through complex trauma, attachment wounds, and relational challenges. Her work is grounded in attunement, depth, and a deep respect for the protective mechanisms people develop in response to pain. With clinical roots in Chicago, Angelica has since practiced in California, New York, and now the Netherlands, where she continues to see clients internationally. She draws from a range of modalities including EMDR, IFS, and somatic experiencing, integrating body-based and relational approaches to help clients rebuild trust and safety both within themselves and in relationship.
In this episode, Angelica joins us to reflect on her journey as a trauma therapist, a parent, and a global clinician. We talk about what it means to build safety in therapeutic relationships, how attachment injuries can shape how we show up with others, and how being a parent has deepened her ability to show up authentically in her work. Angelica shares what it's been like to work across continents, how volunteering in refugee camps shaped her understanding of systemic trauma, and how she’s continued to adapt, grow, and connect through a career grounded in relational healing. It’s a conversation about showing up—imperfectly but consistently—and the radical power of attunement in healing work.
For more about Angelica, visit About Angelica Rossin | MindfulMFT.
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Co-Hosted by Corina Teofilo Mattson and Mariana Reyes Daza. Show art by Jae Avilez and Corina. Music by Brandon Acosta.
Click here to view the episode transcript.
Jake Penrod (he/him, they/them) is a Couple and Family Therapist at Live Oak who specializes in working with queer and kinky clients, as well as those in non-monogamous relationships. His work is deeply informed by both personal and professional immersion in these communities. In addition to their clinical work, Jake hosts the podcast I Hate James Dobson alongside our colleague Brooke, where they explore the harms of evangelical culture, particularly its messages around parenting, queerness, and morality.
In this episode, we sit down with Jake to explore how he came into his clinical identity with a strong sense of purpose and clarity, as well as the complexities of expertise, queerness, and therapeutic presence. Jake shares their journey of integrating personal history (especially his experiences with religious trauma and queer community) into his professional work. We discuss what all therapists can learn from kink and leather communities, including lessons on consent, aftercare, and expansive definitions of sex and intimacy. Jake also reflects on what it means to live in the tension between idealism and pragmatism, and how humility and curiosity shape his approach to both therapy and learning. Whether you’re a new therapist or a seasoned one, there’s something here for anyone wanting to think more critically and expansively about their role.
For more about Jake, visit Jacob Penrod • Live Oak Chicago. Don’t forget to check out Jake’s podcast “I Hate James Dobson”.
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Co-Hosted by Corina Teofilo Mattson and Mariana Reyes Daza. Show art by Jae Avilez. Music by Brandon Acosta.
Click here to view the episode transcript.
Farrah Walker is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and the founder of Enriched Living Counseling, where she provides care to high-conflict couples, interracial and interfaith partnerships, and African-American women. She is dually licensed in Illinois and Michigan and serves as the President-Elect of the Illinois Affiliation of Marriage and Family Therapists. With a background in criminal justice and social services, Farrah brings a grounded, pragmatic, and compassionate presence to both her clinical and supervisory work. She is also a clinical manager for The Restorative Project and a passionate advocate for mentoring future therapists.
In the first episode of our new season, we sit down with Farrah to explore how her previous career in criminal justice unexpectedly prepared her for a specialty in working with high-conflict couples. Farrah shares how she came into the field as a career changer, what expertise means to her, and why patience, flexibility, and boundary-setting are central to her approach. We talk about the emotional toll of therapy, the behind-the-scenes work therapists do to show up fully, and the importance of staying grounded in emotionally charged sessions. Farrah reflects on her supervisory and leadership roles, her passion for supporting students and early-career clinicians, and the personal rituals she practices to sustain herself in this demanding yet rewarding field.
For more about Farrah, visit Enriched Living Counseling.
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Co-Hosted by Corina Teofilo Mattson and Mariana Reyes Daza. Show art by Jae Avilez. Music by Brandon Acosta.
Click here to view the episode transcript.
We are back with a new season of Lessons from the Couch! Tune in to hear co-hosts, Corina and Mariana, chat to various therapists about their areas of knowledge and expertise, and their journeys to finding these.
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In this special episode, co-hosts Corina and Mariana step away from guest interviews and sit down for an open conversation with each other. They reflect on the lessons learned throughout the season—from navigating leadership roles to healing from perfectionism—and share how hosting the podcast has changed them both personally and professionally. Together, they explore the power of slowing down, staying grounded in connection, and growing alongside community. This rare co-host chat offers an intimate behind-the-scenes look at the evolution happening off the mic and closes out the season with honesty, laughter, and care.
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Co-Hosted by Corina Teofilo Mattson and Mariana Reyes Daza. Show art by Jae Avilez. Music by Brandon Acosta.
Click here to view the episode transcript.
Chaazé P. Roberts, LMFT, is a licensed therapist with over 16 years of experience at The Family Institute at Northwestern University, where he continues to serve as a clinical lecturer and supervisor. He recently launched his private practice, CPR Counseling, Ltd., and works with individuals, couples, families, adolescents, and groups. Chaazé is especially passionate about adolescent and men’s issues, life transitions, and culturally responsive therapy. His global travels and experience with cross-cultural and international clients deeply inform his work, with a particular commitment to serving the African American community.
In this episode, Chaaze takes us through his journey from corporate America to a life of service and healing, sharing how global travel became a spiritual sanctuary and a path to self-discovery. He opens up about receiving his West African name, Kofi Mensa, and how that moment marked a shift in his understanding of himself and his purpose. We talk about what it means to do culturally responsive therapy beyond the buzzwords, the importance of reclaiming personal agency, and how his therapeutic framework—Conscious Power Reclamation—guides both his clients and his own life. This conversation is rich with stories, wisdom, and moments of reflection on how we come to know ourselves, how we heal, and how we show up for others while staying grounded in our own truth.
For more about Chaaze, visit CPR Counseling, Ltd. | SimplePractice
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Co-Hosted by Corina Teofilo Mattson and Mariana Reyes Daza. Show art by Jae Avilez. Music by Brandon Acosta.
Click here to view the episode transcript.
Jordan Dunmead (she/they) is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist at Live Oak Chicago, where they provide therapy, supervision, and training for other clinicians. Their work centers on supporting gender-, sexually-, and relationally diverse clients, particularly those navigating sexual trauma and family-of-origin challenges. Jordan is dedicated to creating affirming, trauma-informed spaces that honor identity, lived experience, and healing through an intersectional, anti-oppressive lens.
In this episode, Jordan joins Corina and Mariana for a conversation about the evolving nature of therapy and the ways identity shapes both therapeutic practice and healing. They explore the mind-body connection, dissociation, and the process of rebuilding trust—both in ourselves and in relationships. The discussion also touches on the impact of the political climate on mental health, the necessity of self-care, and the reality that trust must be earned, not assumed, in therapeutic relationships. Together, they unpack the absurdity of functioning in crisis and emphasize the importance of reciprocity, presence, and listening to the body as key elements of healing. Ultimately, they highlight the power of community and the ongoing journey of learning to feel at home in our bodies.
For more about Jordan, visit Jordan Dunmead • Live Oak Chicago
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Co-Hosted by Corina Teofilo Mattson and Mariana Reyes Daza. Show art by Jae Avilez. Music by Brandon Acosta.
Click here to view the episode transcript.
Humza Malik is a psychotherapist and Founders’ Fellow at Live Oak Chicago. He holds an MA in Social Work from the University of Chicago and specializes in working with LGBTQ+ clients, those exploring cultural upbringing, and identity development. As a queer, transmasculine, neurodivergent and South Asian therapist, Humza integrates holistic practices like tarot and astrology to create a compassionate space for self-discovery.
In this episode, Humza joins Corina and Mariana for an honest conversation about the realities of being a mental health professional. He discusses navigating identity and authenticity in therapy, and the importance of showing up as a real person with clients. Humza also shares how his own healing journey shapes his approach to therapy. With humor and insight, he explores what it means to build genuine connections, trust your intuition, and create space for marginalized identities in mental health care. Tune in for a thoughtful and unfiltered discussion on breaking the mold in therapy.
For more about Humza, visit Humza Malik • Live Oak Chicago.
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Co-Hosted by Corina Teofilo Mattson and Mariana Reyes Daza. Show art by Jae Avilez. Music by Brandon Acosta.
Click here to view the episode transcript.
Alissa Catiis, LCSW, RYT, PMH-C, is a Chicago-based therapist specializing in trauma, perinatal mental health, and the intersection of mental well-being and social justice. With a background in yoga and somatic healing, she integrates body-centered approaches to therapy. Passionate about working with BIPOC and immigrant communities, Alissa brings warmth, cultural humility, and deep expertise to her work. She is a therapist at Live Oak Chicago and a dedicated advocate for mental health accessibility.
In this episode, Mariana and Corina chat with Alissa Catiis about her journey in mental health, her approach to trauma and relationship therapy, and the cultural influences that shape her work. Alissa shares how her Filipina-American background and trauma-sensitive yoga training inform her practice, emphasizing body awareness and consent in healing. She reflects on the role of relationships in her career, the complexities of love and cultural identity, and lessons learned from clients about connection, accountability, and growth. The conversation highlights the power of community in therapy and life, closing with Alissa’s advice to her younger self: never let a relationship hold you back from pursuing your dreams.
For more about Alissa, visit Alissa Catiis • Live Oak Chicago
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Co-Hosted by Corina Teofilo Mattson and Mariana Reyes Daza. Show art by Jae Avilez. Music by Brandon Acosta.
Click here to view the episode transcript.
Jeff Levy, LCSW, is a seasoned Chicago-based psychotherapist with over 40 years of experience, beginning as a recreation therapist for youth in foster care and later working with runaway and homeless adolescents. He was the founder of The Wingspan Project, supporting front line staff working in historically underserved and marginalized communities, and co-founder of Live Oak, Inc., which provides psychotherapy and professional training. A former adjunct faculty member at the University of Chicago and University of Illinois at Chicago, Jeff also enjoys blogging, poetry, painting, and photography.
In this episode, Jeff and Corina reflect on their evolving therapy practices, discussing changes in intimacy and boundaries, the influence of political events, and the importance of self-care for therapists. They highlight the value of feedback, understanding power dynamics, and embracing discomfort as a path to growth.
For more about Jeff and his practice, visit Jeff Levy, LCSW
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Co-Hosted by Corina Teofilo Mattson and Mariana Reyes Daza. Show art by Jae Avilez. Music by Brandon Acosta.
Click here to view the episode transcript.
Misty Major, founder of Journey Within LLC, is a dedicated mental health professional with a rich background in clinical leadership, including her role as the former Clinical Director at Live Oak. Originally from Inglewood, California, Misty earned her graduate degree in Marriage and Family Therapy in Chicago and now practices in Fort Worth, Texas, supporting individuals, families, and couples on their paths to self-discovery and healing. Her therapeutic approach, rooted in flexibility, flow, and a love ethic, emphasizes embracing all aspects of oneself.
In this episode, Misty discusses the evolving nature of therapy, including challenges faced by therapists such as perfectionism, ADHD, and Medicaid billing. She highlights the importance of self-awareness, self-compassion, and Internal Family Systems (IFS) as a tool for understanding one’s internal parts, emphasizing patience and care as essential to personal and professional growth.
For more about Misty and her practice, visit Journey Within LLC.
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Co-Hosted by Corina Teofilo Mattson and Mariana Reyes Daza. Show art by Jae Avilez. Music by Brandon Acosta.
If you're interested in therapy services, either in person or via telehealth, and reside in Illinois, visit Live Oak • Therapy in Chicago to learn more.
