Aradhana Walker (she/her)

Hi! I’m Aradhana Walker, and also go by Rudi (she/her).

Life’s challenges can leave us feeling stuck and unable to imagine and move
towards a better future. Often, the areas of our lives in which we feel the most stuck reflect unresolved issues from our past. As a culturally sensitive therapist with expertise in healing trauma, my goal is to help you get unstuck
to find more meaning and joy in the present and greater hope for the future.

I am passionate about working with individuals who are coping with anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, relationship challenges, and the impacts of complex trauma, including childhood abuse and inherited generational trauma. Understanding how trauma manifests in our body, feelings, thoughts, and actions can help us transform behaviors and relational patterns that are no longer serving us from a place of wisdom and compassion. While the past is a critical source of learning, it does not define us. Therefore, our work together will also remain focused on creating meaningful change in the here and now. We will do this by leveraging your strengths, culture/s, communities, and sources of joy to help define what a meaningful life means to you while mapping out how to get there.

Transformation is not easy, and you deserve someone by your side as you
navigate the ups and downs of this journey. I am here to be with you in your
darkest moments while also partnering with you to invite joy, relaxation, and even fun into the process. My approach centers on collaboration and anti-oppressive practice. This means that you are the leader of your own healing, and I will work to ensure that you feel safe, understood, and empowered at every stage of the therapeutic process. Together, we will co-create goals, discuss evidence-based strategies, and reflect on what is and is not working.

To support our work together, I will offer a blend of evidence-based, trauma-focused strategies, including psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness, and expressive therapies (art/narrative/movement). My training is rooted in a relational approach that integrates the neurobiology of trauma to address the impacts of early experiences and ongoing stress on our nervous system. Through this lens, I incorporate therapeutic strategies that address the connection between our mind and body to heal deep emotional pain. Additionally, I draw on Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help individuals shift stubborn, negative thought patterns, increase their sense of self-worth, and act on their dreams. I hope you choose therapy as a means to get the care and support you deserve in your healing process, and I would be honored to join you on this journey.

Things that bring me joy

I love to dance, sing, write, cook, and find hidden gems to explore in Chicago and while traveling.

Education

Master of Social Work from The University of Chicago

Focus: Clinical Track Specializing in Trauma-Responsive Care, Policy, and Practice

Bachelor of Science from Ohio University

Focus: Cultural Anthropology

Licensure

Licensed Clinical Social Worker, State of Illinois

License Number: 149028641

Payment & Insurance Accepted

Locations

While Aradhana’s office is located in Dearborn, Chicago for in-person sessions, she also welcomes and serves clients for online therapy from anywhere in Illinois. Clients from the Chicagoland area may choose in-office or online therapy and usually commute from surrounding areas such as River North, West Loop, Gold Coast, Old Town, Lincoln Park, Lake View, Rogers Park Logan Square, Pilsen, Bridgeport, Little Village, Bronzeville, South Shore, Hyde Park, Back of the Yards, Wicker Park, Bucktown and many more.