About Us

Dr. Ghaffari is a licensed clinical psychologist and earned her Ph.D. from Purdue University. She completed her pre-doctoral internship at the Milwaukee VA Medical Center, and her post-doctoral fellowship at Rush University Medical Center specializing in Rehabilitation & Geriatric Psychology. Following, she worked in the Spinal Cord Injury/Disorders Program at Hines VA Hospital for nearly 7 years. She has been trained in a number of evidence-based treatment approaches including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). 

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"My approach to therapy is collaborative and supportive, and based on the individualized goals and needs of each client. My style incorporates the connection of the mind, body, and emotions. Clients have described me as warm, supportive, non-judgmental, and calm. My goal is to help better manage your thoughts, feelings, and to help you feel happier and healthier. I welcome the opportunity to join your journey to healing and recovery."

She has specialized training in working with individuals adjusting to and recovering from chronic medical conditions. Her areas of expertise include but are not limited to helping those struggling with

depression, stress, anxiety, grief and loss, and relationship concerns. 

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Dr. Ghaffari is licensed to see patients in both Illinois and Georgia. She is also certified through PsyPact and is available to see patients in participating states. She speaks both English and Farsi.

Dr. Sarah Sarhaddi is a licensed clinical psychologist, and Board-Certified Bariatric Counselor
(BCBC), who earned her PsyD from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She completed her predoctoral internship at the DuPage County Health Department and her post-doctoral internship at DuPage Community Clinic. Regarding treatment modalities, she employs CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), facets of DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), and ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, among others.

“My approach involves creating an individualized plan tailored for each client’s individual needs. Along
with educating the client about different therapeutic techniques, I believe that the therapeutic
relationship is paramount in generating change. Consequently, it is important that I create a supportive
and empathic environment for my clients.”

Dr. Sarhaddi has specialized training working with mood disorders, bariatric clients, relationship issues, grief, and stress. Concerning assessment, she has experience completing pre-surgical evaluations for bariatric surgery.

Dr. Joanna Buscemi is a licensed clinical psychologist who earned her Ph.D. from the University of Memphis. She completed her predoctoral internship at the Medical University of South Carolina with a specialization in Behavioral Medicine and completed two postdoctoral fellowships: one at Northwestern University in Preventive Medicine and one at the University of Illinois at Chicago in the Institute for Health Research and Policy. She has received training in a number of evidence-based therapy approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. 

 

"My approach is empathic, client-centered, goal-oriented and evidence-based. I believe in treatment that considers the best available research evidence along with client goals and preferences and engage in shared decision making to select the right course for treatment. I set concrete goals each week with clients to make sure there is measurable progress and if not, I am open to changing the course of treatment with client input. I believe that with the right evidence-based tools, the client has the ability to make desired changes outside of the therapy room and that the best use of the therapeutic setting is making a plan for what will change on the outside and supporting that change week to week." 

 

As a psychologist with extensive training in health psychology and behavioral medicine, Dr. Buscemi often works at the intersection of health and behavior. For example, she often works with medical patients who also suffer from depression or anxiety and is an expert in the science of health behavior changes (e.g., obesity, diet/physical activity, substance use, adherence to medical protocols and treatments, etc.). 

Dr. Haneen Efein is a licensed Clinical Psychologist who earned her bachelor's degree with honors from DePaul University in Chicago, Il, and her PsyD from Adler University. She completed her predoctoral internship with Adler Community Health Services with a specialization in primary care psychology, and her postdoctoral fellowship with Diamond Headache Clinic at St. Joseph Medical Center. She utilizes evidence-based treatments including Cognitive-Behavioral therapy, Solution Focused therapy, Person Centered therapy, and incorporates positive psychology principles.  

 

"It takes a lot of courage to begin therapy. If you are here and considering beginning treatment, congratulations on taking the biggest step of all! My approach involves creating a supportive, non- judgmental and empathic environment in which clients feel seen, heard, and most importantly, understood. My focus is on maximizing client autonomy. I believe the therapeutic relationship is the most important part of the therapeutic process as clients often are faced with their most vulnerable selves in therapy. I meet my clients with compassion and strive to provide a safe and supportive space for all."

 

Dr. Efein has worked in various settings with individuals who have struggled with depression, anxiety, stress, chronic illness, relationship and family issues, women's issues, cultural issues, employment stress/difficulties, and trauma. Dr. Efein also specializes in Health Psychology and chronic pain. 

 

Dr. Efein speaks both English and Arabic.