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Carla (she/her) started her journey with mental health care in South Africa and opened a private practice in 2013 where she worked predominantly with children and adults who had experienced trauma, relationship challenges, and school related concerns. She then moved to Chicago in 2017 and brought along her international knowledge, training, and expertise where she worked in hospital settings, community mental health care, and private practice. 

As an immigrant multi-cultural therapist with both local and international training, Carla offers unique guidance and perspectives that will make the time, effort, and finances you invest in your wellness journey worthwhile. She thinks of herself as a Soul Surgeon and her goal is to work alongside you while combining your personal story with her knowledge and expertise, together achieving your highest potential and wellness needs. 

While Carla works with a diverse range of clients of all ages, genders, races, cultures, and faiths, she specializes in working with individuals and couples who identify as multi-cultural and/or multi-racial. She understands how identity and culture can have a significant impact on everyday life, the way we see the world, and the way others see us. Sessions with her are personalized to you and your unique story, ensuring it feels relevant and effective. Carla also enjoys working with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship strain, life adjustments, challenging extended family dynamics, pregnancy and postpartum, self-esteem struggles, grief, and trauma. 

Carla has always been passionate about mental health care and believes everyone can benefit from having a trained professional along with a space completely dedicated to themselves and their wellness. Her goal with Serengeti Wellness is to have a practice that is respected within the community for providing culturally attuned and therapeutically competent services, while normalizing and destigmatizing therapy.