Skip to Content
Therapists answer…

Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?

Kalisha CroneK

Kalisha Crone

Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Online Therapy
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
The work of therapy, both as the client and the therapist, requires intentionality, vulnerability, bravery, and patience. As a therapist, I have had the opportunity to develop meaningful relationships with a variety of people, many of whom were passionate about the change they wanted to see in their lives. Supporting my client while they embark on the emotional work of healing and self-awareness is both motivating and exciting. I understand the challenges of sharing the thoughts and feelings that we are not always comfortable sharing. When my clients acknowledge their feeling of discomfort or uncertainty and still decide to move forward in the therapeutic process- that fuels my work as their supporter.
Hi, I'm Kalisha Crone and I’m a licensed clinical social worker who is passionate about supporting communities of color and helping all of my clients improve their overall well-being. My life’s journey paired with my education has afforded me countless learning opportunities that have shaped me into the therapist that I am today. I use techniques such as mindfulness, client-centered therapy, and cognitive behavioral interventions to create a safe space for my clients to process, reflect, learn, grow and eventually go forth on their own. I believe in the power of resilience and I understand that in sharing our stories and receiving the validation that we deserve we can heal the hurt and trauma we have carried for far too long. I care about you, your family, and your story. You can trust that I will treat you with respect, dignity and compassion in every interaction, while maintaining the highest standards for integrity and ethics. Please feel free to contact me for a free consult to see if we are a good fit!
Maria De GuzmanM

Maria De Guzman

PMHNP-BC, FNP-C
Online Therapy
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I became a Nurse Practitioner in Psychiatry because I am passionate about supporting individuals in achieving their mental health goals. My motivation stems from a deep desire to make a positive impact on people's lives by providing compassionate care and helping them navigate their challenges. Witnessing my patients' growth and progress inspires me to continue in this field. I am dedicated to supporting individuals throughout their lives, from adolescents to older adults, and I find great fulfillment in empowering them to improve their mental health and well-being.
Hello! I'm Maria De Guzman. As a board-certified Nurse Practitioner in Psychiatry and Family Medicine, I offer compassionate and comprehensive mental health care through telepsychiatry. This modern approach provides high-quality care from the comfort of your home, eliminating the need for in-person visits and enhancing accessibility. With expertise in both psychiatry and family medicine, I offer a well-rounded approach to addressing a wide range of psychiatric conditions. I specialize in diagnosing and treating a broad spectrum of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, mood disorders, stress disorders, and psychotic disorders. I utilize evidence-based methods combined with personalized care plans to meet each patient’s unique needs. My treatment strategies often involve medication management and brief psychotherapeutic interventions, all aimed at helping patients achieve their mental health goals. I am dedicated to supporting individuals throughout their lives, from adolescents to older adults. I am passionate about building collaborative relationships with my patients, empowering them to actively participate in their journey toward improved health and well-being. Feel free to reach out to me with your health questions or concerns. Together, we can navigate your health journey with confidence and care.
Ardenna DowningA

Ardenna Downing

Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
Online Therapy
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I became a therapist because of experiencing first hand heartache with mental health issues in my family as a child. I was curious as to how and why this happens and wanted to learn how to help. My interest in psychology has not changed since then! My high school guidance counselor's response and support of me when I was experiencing significant grief and loss as a teenager is also the reason I became a therapist. What continues to motivate me is my constant thirst of knowledge, the joy I feel with helping people, and the flexibility of combining art into my practice, which is a passion of mine. I love researching, in depth learning, being creative and am generally energized by engagement with people. My motto is from my undergrad school Virginia Tech, which is Ut Prosim. Ut Prosim essentially means "That I May Serve." I live by this motto. I have worked in community mental health, non profit organizations for domestic violence survivors, hospitals, a police department and in school environments in Chicago, IL and Dallas, TX. I have been a private practice owner since 2019. Individual services begin at $200. I currently do not accept insurance, but am able to provide sliding scale. I also accept FSA/HSA. I look forward to being a part of your journey, whether individually or in a community healing environment!
Are you having difficulty with life transitions such as divorce, infidelity and grief? Are you suffering with anxiety, confusion, flashbacks, inability to spark joy and compassion for self due to trauma? We can work together to develop and execute a plan that makes life more manageable and satisfying. My services are best for individuals and groups who need relief, empowerment, insight, and healing from challenging life events, self destruction and relationships. Most of my clients seek me out for grief, domestic issues such as abuse and infidelity, seeking life balance, and trauma. I have 15 years experience as a therapist and am integrative; utilizing a variety of therapeutic modalities and interventions for treatment. I am a certified EMDR therapist, use Brainspotting, somatic, and creative arts to help people heal. I am also internal family systems informed; encouraging you to explore parts of self for wholistic healing.
Teo Matos SantanaT

Teo Matos Santana

MD
Online & In-Person
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I became a psychiatrist to help people navigate complex mental health challenges and lead fulfilling lives. Seeing the positive transformations in my patients motivates me every day. I am driven by my commitment to providing compassionate, evidence-based care and my belief in the resilience and potential for growth in every individual.
I am a Yale-trained psychiatrist and addiction specialist with over 12 years of experience, and I take great pride in my dedication to patient care. Known for my compassionate and direct approach, I focus on addressing root causes and providing personalized, comprehensive treatment designed to improve both psychiatric symptoms and overall performance. TREATMENT PHILOSOPHY: I am straightforward and compassionate, committed to collaborating with you on your recovery journey. My focus is on selecting the lowest effective dose of medication and the most suitable therapeutic approach tailored to your needs. I consider other illnesses, genetic predispositions, and your lifestyle to ensure a safe and effective treatment plan, minimizing side effects like over-sedation or weight gain. I am trained in psychodynamic psychotherapy and CBT, specializing in Depression, Panic Disorder, trauma-focused Cognitive Processing Therapy, and integrative CBT approaches like CBASP. I also use Motivational Interviewing to support addictions and behavioral changes.