Annette Popernik

My Story

Hi, I’m Annette, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in practice since 2017. As a multilingual and Latina therapist, I provide psychotherapy to college students and adults struggling with depression, anxiety, life transitions, family dynamics, relationship issues, grief and loss, chronic illness/pain, racial injustice, and various disabilities. From the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, I received my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Master of Social Work with a specialization in Mental Health. I completed my Clinical Internship at Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital. I have extensive experience in practicing various treatment modalities including cognitive-behavioral therapy, exposure and response prevention therapy, motivational interviewing, and self-compassion. 

Overall, I believe therapy is a conversation and a first step. Asking for help is such a sign of strength. My goal is to guide you to use your strengths while believing in yourself and what you can do on your own healing journey. I am here to shine a flashlight, to guide, but you are and will be the person to create the change and healing you need in your life. To support that emotional wellness, I focus on promoting both physical and mental health and care. As a Latina therapist and Mexican-American, my cultural identity is integral to who I am and to my practice. Fluent in English, Spanish, and Italian, I am passionate about providing linguistically and culturally competent care and continue to serve individuals from various races and ethnicities including many immigrant individuals and communities. Using this culturally aware and strengths-based approach, I listen to your needs and guide you based on your values and beliefs whether that be to incorporate your culture, faith, identity, or simply your values as a person.