Yao Amegan
Yao Amegan
Personal Statement

Hi there! You are probably here because something about life is not going well or doesn’t feel right. First of all, thanks for being here! Second,you are not alone and that’s why God has equipped me and others like me through our professional training to do what we do. I believe that health encompasses a wide range of factors, including emotional well-being, social connections, and the ability to function optimally in daily life. Therefore, As a licensed mental health counselor, I am dedicated to supporting individuals as they navigate life’s challenges, heal
from the past, and reconnect with their sense of purpose and self.

I believe that who we are—and how we experience the world—is shaped by both nature and nurture. Our biology, upbringing, culture, relationships, and life events all interact to influence our behaviors, emotions, and patterns. In therapy, I hold space for the complexity of your story, recognizing how your early experiences, worldview, and past pain or trauma have impacted your current sense of well-being. My approach is holistic, meaning I consider the whole person—mind, body, spirit, emotions, relationships, and environment. Healing is not just about symptom relief; it’s about building a life that feels aligned, grounded, and meaningful. During my graduate training and supervised clinical experiences, I worked with diverse populations facing a range of challenges, from anxiety and depression to grief, identity issues, and complex trauma. These experiences solidified my belief that mental health is not a luxury—it is the foundation for living an authentic and fulfilling life. I have experience working with children and adolescents, as well as couples and families. Other areas of experience are working with individuals with special needs and as an immigrant myself, working alongside children and parents struggling with adjustment in their foreign nation and grief over their homeland. I approach therapy with genuine curiosity so even if your concern is not listed, I strive to create a space that is warm, nonjudgmental, and collaborative—where clients feel safe to explore, reflect, and grow. Where all parts of them are welcome, including the ones they’ve had to hide or
protect.. Whether you’re feeling disconnected from yourself or stuck in old patterns, therapy offers a space to slow down, reflect, and begin to shift—at your pace, in your own way. As I build and refine my skills, my mission remains clear: to support individuals in reclaiming their stories, rediscovering their strengths, and fostering resilience in the face of life’s challenges. 

Mental health work is not just a career for me—it’s a commitment to continual learning, cultural humility, and walking alongside others with empathy and authenticity. It is my privilege to witness my clients’ courage, and I approach this work with reverence, hope, and an unwavering belief in the capacity for change. If you’re ready to explore the deeper layers of your story and
reconnect with your sense of wholeness, I’d be honored to walk alongside you.
I am Married, father of a toddler daughter and a baby boy. I speak English, French, and EWE fluently. Besides work and school, I enjoy singing and being involved in my church’s ministry, writing “fac-tion” stories about family and loved ones, playing with my kids, and watching action TV shows with my wife.

Treatment Areas and Competencies

ADHD

Anxiety/Depression

Behavioral Issues

Life Change Issues

School Related Issues

Relationships

Life Transition

Spirituality

Trauma

Life Transition

Immigration Issues

Addiction

Approach to Therapy

My therapeutic approach is grounded in a person-centered philosophy, which means I see you as the expert of your own life. I strive to create a warm, nonjudgmental space where you feel heard, respected, and empowered to explore your thoughts and emotions at your own pace. In our work together, I integrate evidence-based techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help you recognize and reframe unhelpful thinking patterns, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to build skills in emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and mindfulness. I also honor the importance of self-compassion, nervous system regulation, and spiritual or existential exploration if that resonates with you. These tools, combined with a strong, supportive therapeutic relationship, can help you gain insight, navigate challenges, and move toward meaningful, lasting change. I tailor each session to your unique needs, blending structure with flexibility to meet you where you are. Whether you’re seeking support for anxiety, life transitions, trauma, or emotional overwhelm, my goal is to walk alongside you with compassion, curiosity, and care.

Treatment Modalities and Theoretical Orientations

Person-Centered

CBT

CBFT

DBT

Multicultural Approach

Spiritual Integration

Education, Licenses and Certifications

  • BS in Nursing
  • BA in Human Services, Pre-Counseling
  • MA in Clinical Mental Health
  • Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
  • ADHD-CCSP ADHD Certified Clinical Services Provider

Contact Carey

Meet

53 W. Jackson, suite 1615 Chicago 60604

Call

(773) 234-6581

Email

yao@pneumachicago.com