About Cynthia:

Cynthia Sanchez Vazquez is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and certified EMDR therapist. She graduated with a double major in Nutrition, Health, and Wellness and Psychology from Northern Illinois University. Afterward, Cynthia received her Master’s Degree in Counseling from Northwestern University. Prior to joining CCBH, Cynthia has worked with high schoolers, young adults, adults, and couples. Some of the issues Cynthia has helped clients better understand and navigate are anxiety, depression, stress management, trauma, perfectionism, relational concerns, self-harm behaviors, life transitions, and suicidal ideation. Cynthia has worked in a variety of settings including a partial and intensive outpatient hospitalization program at Roger’s Behavioral Health, the outpatient and employee assistance programs at AMITA Center for Mental Health, and The Family Institute.

Cynthia utilizes an eclectic approach that combines Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness, and Psychodynamic theories. She believes that an eclectic approach helps with symptom reduction and gaining insight into answering the big question, “why is this happening.” Cynthia believes that by gaining awareness of the why behind re-occurring patterns in life that are causing distress, a client can work towards creating lasting changes that can bring a client closer to achieving life goals.

Throughout her treatment approach, Cynthia highlights the importance of a collaborative approach by helping a client understand why something is recommended and by getting a clear picture of a client’s values and opinions. Cynthia also believes in the importance of acknowledging the impact cultural factors have on a client’s values, long-held beliefs, and current distress. Her goal throughout treatment is to create a safe haven where a client can feel heard by providing an escape from the fear of being judged and leaving space for a client to ask questions that can foster trust in the therapeutic relationship. To start the process of getting to know each other and building a trusting relationship some information about Cynthia is that she identifies as a Mexican American female using she/her/hers pronouns and is a first-generation American. While in the therapy room her personal aura is being warm, open-minded, and conversational.