Our Staff

Lead Therapist and Founder

Aysha Hagene
I am grateful to have the opportunity to help you. I am a licensed therapist and honors graduate of Northwestern University with 20 years of experience specializing in individual, couples and family therapy. I am the lead therapist and supervisor of Simply Counseling, LLC a group practice in both Evanston and Chicago, IL. I specialize in helping you feel happier, healthier, and understood so that you can achieve your life goals. I treat issues related to anxiety and depression, work/life balance, stress reduction, body image & eating disorders, LGBT concerns, parent/child/sibling conflict, creating loving relationships, infertility and grief and loss. I am trained to utilize many techniques including CBT(cognitive behavioral therapy), and traditional talk therapies but find that each person is unique so I would like to talk with you about what approach you would like. I also teach meditation and relaxation training. As a bonus option I have additional training in Expressive Art Therapy and am a certified yoga instructor so please ask if you would be interested in incorporating that in a session.

I am described as an interactive, solution-focused therapist with a warm demeanor who truly understands. My therapeutic approach is to provide support and practical feedback to help you effectively address personal life challenges. I integrate complementary methodologies and techniques to offer a highly personalized approach tailored to you. With compassion, understanding, and respect I look forward to working with you.

Education

Northwestern University, Magna Cum Laude, Counseling Psychology 2002

Art Therapy Training, Northwestern University 2008

License, Certifications & Awards

Illinois Licensed Therapist (LPC, LCPC)

Certified Yoga Instructor



Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) and a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

Ana Popa is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) and a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). She holds a Master of Science in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling from Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT). Ana has provided both rehabilitation and mental health services to seniors, younger adults, and families with intellectual, developmental and mental disabilities. Ana has experience in the co-facilitation of multiple psychoeducational groups and she has participated as a research assistant in multiple studies. As a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, she possesses the skills and knowledge that enables her and clients to collaboratively understand their struggles, barriers, adjustment concerns, and provide them with both empowerment and self-advocacy skills in order for them to lead a happier and more independent life. When providing counseling services, Ana implements a holistic approach where she utilizes Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Existential Therapy, Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, and Psychoeducation in her sessions with clients. Ana applies a multitude of therapeutic techniques which are dependent on the person's goals, needs, and levels of comfort. In conjunction with addressing client goals, she adds a focus on a person's employment, satisfaction, and meaning of self. By using a Person-Centered Approach, Ana helps foster trust and she is a proponent of being open and accepting of clients. Due to the wide range of each client's goals for seeking counseling services, she provides individualized therapeutic interventions in order for individuals, couples, and families to lead a more successful life.


Elizabeth Maurno, Counselor in Training

I am currently a counselor-in-training at Adler University expecting to graduate in the summer of 2020. Part of my licensure requirements include practicing individual and group therapy under the supervision of a licensed professional counselor. I am honored to be joining Simply Counseling for the duration for my practicum and to be given the opportunity to work with a wide variety of individuals of all different backgrounds. I am passionate about therapy and love to help people learn how to work through their own struggles and hardships and develop the skills to self-regulate and tolerate future issues. I specialize in adolescents and young adults struggling with issues such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, self-harm, sexuality and sexual diversity, gender identity, trauma, and addiction. I like to practice from both a strength-based lens and a trauma-based lens that values multicultural competence, understanding, and deep compassion for all different experiences. One of the most importance things to me about counseling is understanding my client’s experiences and helping them improve their lives by molding my approach to their specific needs and capabilities. I use elements of both CBT and DBT in my practice as well as elements of existential therapy, feminist therapy, and psychodynamic therapy. I look forward to working with you in the future to help you find inner peace and healing within your own body, mind, spirit, and space.



Adrianna Rivera, Billing Coordinator 

Ms. Rivera brings more than 5 years of experience in administration. This experience has been concentrated in the fields of healthcare and education. Ms. Rivera holds a Bachelor of Science degree in History from DePaul University and is earning her Master's of Management in Health Care Administration from Robert Morris Graduate School of Management.  

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