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About Us
Odette O. Rivera
LCPC-FOUNDER, THERAPIST
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I am a bilingual and bicultural therapist passionate about providing culturally sensitive and trauma-informed counseling experiences to the Latino community. Whether you have experienced trauma, are struggling with career or life stressors, relational issues, cultural identity themes, or any other mental and emotional issue affecting you, I am here to help. So feel free to bring your authentic self into the counseling room. Bring in your Spanglish, your traditions, and your beliefs. Te entiendo y estoy para apoyarte!
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Adults
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Adolescents
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Individual
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Couples
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Groups
Marlene Arteaga
LCPC NCC M.A, THERAPIST
Life can feel overwhelming and complex, especially when navigating relationships, cultural expectations, intergenerational experiences, or identity in a world that can feel demanding or divisive. I’m here to create a safe, respectful, and compassionate space where you feel understood, not judged, and heard for who you truly are. Whether you prefer to speak in English, Español, or a blend of both, you are welcome here. Your language, culture, and lived experience are strengths, not barriers. As a bilingual therapist, I value cultural context and how it shapes your story, your relationships, and your goals for growth.
Together, we explore what matters most to you, relationship dynamics, personal accountability, generational differences, stress, anxiety, or life transitions, and build on your resilience to make meaningful change.
My approach blends evidence-based methods (like DBT, CBT, Gottman, and trauma-responsive care) with a multicultural, person-centered lens so therapy feels relevant and empowering. Whether you’re connecting online or in person, I’m here to walk with you, in whatever language feels right for you, toward a life of greater clarity, connection, and balance.
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Adults
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Adolescents
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Individual
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Couples
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Groups
Who
is Avanza?
Avanza counseling provides fair, culturally sensitive, trauma-informed, and quality counseling services to Chicago's Latino community. Our community needs to find therapists who look like us and understand our experiences, challenges, and perspectives. We are committed to working with each client to assist them in healing from the individual, community, or cultural experiences and coping with life stressors' emotional effects.
Mission
Statement
To provide high-quality, ethical, and culturally informed services to Chicago's Latino community. To help our clients reach their fullest potential and richer, fulfilling, and joyous lives. To provide time, space, and attention to healing individual, family, and intergenerational trauma, prioritizing the client's safety and well-being.
In Collaboration With:
