Azi Ghaffari, Ph.D.

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. 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).
"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.
Dr. Ghaffari speaks both English and Farsi.
Robin B. Katz, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C

Robin B. Katz is a licensed clinical social worker and earned her Master’s in Social Work degree from Loyola University Chicago. Robin works at The Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University and has substantial experience working with cancer patients and their care partners. She applies strategies from evidence-based treatments including Solution Focused Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Meaning Centered Psychotherapy, Strengths-based Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
“Life is challenging and full of transitions - which can feel overwhelming. I believe it takes strength, courage and hope to reach out for support. I feel privileged to work with you throughout the process of feeling more confident, happy and better about yourself.” We will work together to find the best treatment plan based on your needs at the time we meet. I am supportive, non-judgmental, warm - with a calm style… and some humor."
Robin is experienced in working with individuals and groups who are affected by depression, anxiety, cancer (diagnosis through after treatment), chronic illness, grief, loss, stress and relationship issues.
Sarah Sarhaddi, Psy.D.

Dr. Sarah Sarhaddi is a licensed clinical psychologist, 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 ADHD testing and pre-surgical evaluations for bariatric surgery.
Joanna Buscemi, Ph.D.
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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.).