Postdoctoral Fellow
Dr. JosÉ andres Vila
As a clinician, I believe in fostering an egalitarian relationship with clients that contributes to the self-reflective and exploratory process of personal concerns in therapy. First and foremost, I strive to create a safe-space for clients that nurtures respect and trust.
My experiences as a Black Latino immigrant contribute to my appreciation for cultural diversity in my therapeutic work. As a therapist of color and an immigrant, I have the opportunity to support others, like myself, towards growth.
With clients, I utilize a collaborative and empathy driven approach to form a strong therapeutic alliance that encourages individuals to take risks and make change. I view a clients’ concerns through a holistic lens, emphasizing the cognitive, emotional, biological aspects of human behavior. I find it critical to explore oppressive issues, early life experiences, family dynamics, attachment, and interpersonal relationships.
I am bilingual, fluent in Spanish and English, and provide therapy in both languages. I work with clients of all ages providing individual therapy, couples therapy, and family therapy. I specialize in working with the LGBTQ+ community, treating ADHD, trauma, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, life transitions, relationship concerns, and managing medication compliance. With children, I utilize Play Therapy which aids children in expressing feelings and emotions, developing social skills, building self-esteem, improving communication, and dealing with grief from loss.
I graduated from the University of Havana Medical School in 1993 and practiced as a physician at Comandante Manuel Fajardo Hospital in Cuba. I recently graduated with Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology from Adler University in Chicago. My previous work experience includes: Illinois Masonic Hospital Behavioral Health Center, The Family Institute at Northwestern University, The University of Chicago Student Counseling Center, The University of Northern Colorado Student Counseling Center (UNC), and Genesis Family Therapy Center.
dr.vila@wellmanpsychology.com