Emma Bonilla, LCPC, PMH-C

I practice through an integrative approach grounded in client-centered, relational cultural and feminist theory. Our challenges don't exist in a vacuum - we are impacted by messages from our upbringing and family-of-origin in addition to social norms and pressures. We will examine these messages as well as the role of guilt and shame and provide tools so that you can increase mindful self-compassion. My ultimate goal is for you to become your own inner ally, rather than an inner critic.

I bring a compassionate, warm, and authentic presence to my relationships with clients. I understand and empathize with your challenges and work alongside you to help alleviate pain and suffering. I do this by creating a safe, nonjudgmental space in which you feel comfortable exploring emotional and relational challenges. I help you recognize your strengths and resilience to empower you in and out of the therapeutic room. We all have an inherent ability to heal, we just need the right tools in order to do so. I strongly value the therapeutic relationship and bring my authentic self to the room. I often bring humor to the space and will gently push you when you are ready and I feel you can benefit from it.

I work with adults clients age 18 and older. Some of the challenges I enjoy supporting include, but are not limited to:

• Burnout

• Fertility Challenges and reproductive health concerns

• Grief and Loss (incl. infertility and pregnancy loss)

• Life Transitions (career change, transition to parenthood, graduating)

• Maternal and Parent Mental Health

• Parenting Children with special needs

• Relational and relationship challenges (couples therapy, attachment wounds)

• Trauma and Vicarious Trauma

I have special interest and advanced training in working with clients who are experiencing reproductive and perinatal mental health challenges and infertility. I hold my PMH-C certification from Postpartum Support International - an advanced training degree in perinatal mental health.

As a parent, I understand the challenges of parenthood, its toll on mental health, and the impact of social expectations, pressures and perfectionism on you and your journey in parenthood. We will work together to release you from guilt and shame so that you can approach yourself and your relationships with more presence and compassion.

I know firsthand how lonely, challenging and draining fertility treatments are and the toll it takes on a woman’s mental health and relationship with their partner. I provide a safe, nurturing space for you to be with all feelings related to infertility and reproductive health concerns and help you heal.

I am a parent to a child with unique and special needs. I believe my personal experience allows me more insight and empathy into different parent journeys and enjoy supporting individuals and couples in exploring and normalizing their feelings about their unique experience.

I have extensive training in perinatal mental health, reproductive mental health, and trauma. As an avid learner, I continue to seek opportunities for growth and learning.

Education and Specialized Training

Education and Licensure

• Undergraduate: New York University, Bachelors of Science in Media, Culture and Communication

• Graduate: The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Master of Science in Counseling Psychology

• License: Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), State of Illinois, License Number: 180.014199

Select Specialized Training

• Postpartum Support International Perinatal Mental Health Certification (PMH-C)

• American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) Mental Health Professional Training

• Womencare Counseling Center The Institute on the Relational Treatment of Trauma Certification

• PSI/2020 Mom Online Maternal Mental Health Certificate Course

• Gottman Method Couples Therapy Level 1 Certification