Aimee Kathleen

About

Salam! Hello! I am Aimee Kathleen, an LMHC-licensed mental health therapist and NCC National Certified Counselor originally from Pakistan, currently serving as a full-time therapist at Candeo Counseling Center. I was born and raised in a Christian household, and my faith continues to shape the compassionate, Christ-centered approach I bring to my work.

I hold a Doctoral degree in Counselor Education and Supervision from Southern Illinois University, a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Southern Illinois University, and a Master's degree in Applied Psychology from Punjab University, Pakistan.

Outside of the counseling room, I love spending time with my family, cooking Pakistani food, and caring for myself through dance workouts, painting, archery, and cooking.

My therapeutic approach is holistic and existential, drawing from both Eastern and Western psychological traditions with a strong emphasis on trauma-informed care. Using somatic work and expressive arts as primary vehicles for healing, I help clients process trauma stored in the body through movement, breathwork, and sensory-based interventions. Expressive Art Therapy plays a central role in my work, where clients engage in drawing, painting, collage, and storytelling to access emotions that words alone may not reach. Play therapy techniques such as sandtray, puppet work, and therapeutic games are woven into sessions to create safe, developmentally appropriate spaces for healing.

Evidence-based modalities I integrate include Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Emotionally Focused Couple and Individual Therapy, Gottman Therapy, Psychosomatic Therapy, mindfulness, grief therapy, and bibliotherapy.

I work with a wide range of clients, including children, teens, university students, adults, couples, and the elderly, and I also facilitate group counseling. Areas of specialization include trauma, depression, anxiety, autism, and ADHD.

Central to my practice is creating a nurturing, non-judgmental environment where clients feel empowered to begin their healing journey. As a passionate advocate for cultural sensitivity, acceptance, and belonging, I bring an inclusive, compassionate lens to mental health care. Whether through online sessions or in-person consultations, I am committed to guiding clients toward holistic well-being, resilience, and growth.

Qualifications

Years in Practice: 3.5

Postgraduate: Southern Illinois University, Punjab University Pakistan

Alternate Languages: Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi

Finances

Insurance: Accepts Most Insurances

Accepted Payment Methods: Credit, Debit, Check