Dr. Dee, a postdoctoral therapist, brings a wealth of clinical and work experience from diverse settings such as hospital intake departments, inpatient, outpatient, private practice, adult day treatment programs, residential, agency, and school settings. Her expertise extends to treating clients with a wide range of mental illnesses and developmental disabilities, including Depression, Anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, Developmental Disabilities, behavioral problems, relationship issues, and religious/spiritual issues.

Dr. Dee provides therapy from an integrative approach, primarily utilizing Person-Centered and Cogni­tive Behavioral approaches to treatment. This involves using a non-directive approach while providing a safe therapeutic environ­ment for the client to decide the direction of their life and increase self-awareness. When the client is ready, Dr. Dee introduces practical coping skills for the self-identified problem areas. Dr. Dee enjoys integrating issues of religion/spirituality into treatment and does so as the client desires.

Dr. Dee's passion for cultural sensitivity is evident in her international experiences, including teaching graduate-level counseling psychology courses and developing training sites in Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia. These experiences have deepened her understanding and respect for diverse perspectives, enriching her therapeutic approach.

Dr. Dee, a Pan-African, is deeply committed to reclaiming her African heritage and identity. Her journey and passion for helping others of African ancestral descent make the necessary connections to embrace their origins and identity, creating a strong sense of connection and empathy with her clients.

**Research Interest

• Integration of faith and practice with black parishioners

• Bridging the gap between Africans born in America and Africans born in the continent of Africa

**Dr. Desta is a License-eligible Clinical Psychologist and also a Caseworker with the Illinois Department of Human Services.