VERONICA ORTIZ, mSW, LPC

(she/HER)

Languages: English

* Welcome*

You deserve safety, happiness, health, and to live with ease. In the chaos of all this world has to offer us, it can be challenging to remember this. Therapy is a place that can help us ground back into the present moment and recognize what is important to us and create a life with our most authentic selves. I act as your mirror and guide you through discovering what authenticity looks like for you and how to support the development of the life that you wish to live.

* My Focus *

My passion is in serving folks of multiple marginalized identities, including BIPOC folks and those identifying within the LGBTQIA+ community. Through my background and knowledge of psychology and gender studies, I help folks focus on the messaging they have received throughout their lives and help them to unpack how that influences their current thoughts, feelings and emotions. Ultimately, I wish to serve folks of all diverse backgrounds and experiences that are wanting to pour back into their own cup!

* My Approach *

While my clinical approach will vary from client to client, based on their needs, there are a few frameworks that I generally pull from. These include CBT, DBT, CPT, ACT, and Mindfulness. I offer clients the option to begin their sessions with a gentle mindfulness exercise that allows them to ground into the present moment and prepare for the session. Additionally, I always allow values to guide the work that we do in each session and provide  skills for each client to take home and practice when distress arises.

* My Philosophy on Therapy *

Sessions are always guided by an underlying tone of intersectional feminism, person-first language, and trauma-informed engagement in addition to the frameworks mentioned above, therapy is a place for YOU to have a safe space to discuss and unpack your life experiences. I will offer guidance and structure for our meetings but ultimately, the time and the space is yours to use as you wish!

* Credentials & EXPERIENCE *

  • LSW in Illinois

  • MA in Social Work, UIC

  • BA in Psychology, UW-Madison

  • Minor in Gender & Women’s Studies, UW-Madison

I am receiving ongoing supervision towards my LCSW. Prior to Practical Audacity, I worked as a nursing home social worker, a community case manager, IOP/PHP group therapist, and ER crisis counselor.

* MORE ABOUT ME *

Growing up in poverty on the south-side of Chicago as a bisexual, multi-ethnic woman was less than ideal, and it taught me a lot about identity, trauma, and the impact that our experiences have on our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. I’ve spent most of my life unpacking this personally, interpersonally, educationally, and (over the last several years) professionally. With my lived experience and educational background, I will offer a space for you to be seen and heard from a holistic viewpoint.

When I’m not actively therapizing, you can catch me listening to my favorite artists (including, but not limited to) Taylor Swift, Megan thee Stallion, Kendrick Lamar, and Beyoncé. I love to dance, travel, shop, watch movies/trash tv, and spend time with my four cats! Yes- that’s right, 4 cats!! You are sure to meet either Bonnie, Clyde, Doomy, or Gloomy (or some combination of them) during our sessions!