Who We Are
Andrew Farra, Psy.D
Group Practice Owner / Licensed Clinical Psychologist
I have 10+ years experience providing psychotherapy services to wide range of people. I have a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, and am currently licensed as a psychologist by the state of Illinois. My professional affiliations include membership in the American Psychological Association and the Illinois Psychological Association.
After completing my doctoral training I sought Advanced Training in Adult Psychotherapy from the Chicago Institute for Psychoanalysis. I’ve enjoyed serving as a clinical supervisor of students and postdoctoral fellows at the Chicago Institute for Psychoanalysis and Northshore University HealthSystem, Department of Psychiatry.
Linda S. Grossman, Ph.D.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
I have been a psychotherapist for 30 years, and I love the satisfaction of working with clients who actually make changes that render their lives more joyful. I welcome clients from all walks of life, cultures, and backgrounds.
In terms of academic life, I am Professor of Psychology at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). I earned my Ph.D. from Northwestern University, and have worked at the University of Chicago, Rush University, and most recently at UIC where I have been on the faculty for more than 25 years. At UIC, I have been the Director of the Women’s Mental Health Service and the Director of Psychotherapy. I have conducted research studying women’s mental health, major psychiatric illness, and legal (forensic) psychological assessment. Altogether, I have published more than 80 scholarly papers in refereed journals. I have been a teacher throughout my life, first as a high school English teacher, and later giving seminars on psychotherapy and the promotion of emotional well-being, mental health/illness, research methods, and psychological testing.
My goal in therapy is to help you feel better and derive more pleasure and satisfaction from your relationships and work.
Robert R. Farra, Ph.D.
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
I’ve been practicing psychotherapy for the past forty years. One of the great joys of my life is working with people who have mood and anxiety disorders using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). CBT is a type of treatment that helps identify and change thoughts and behaviors that may be holding them back from reaching their goals. I believe people can change at any point and these changes can greatly enhance their lives. MBCT helps us use the wisdom of our mind and body to help us cope with inevitable stresses of life. Mindfulness helps us increase our awareness about where our thoughts and attention are focused, and to work toward keeping our focus on the present moment.
Depression is often related to harshly judging ourselves about things that have happened in the past, and anxiety tends to focus on “worst case scenarios” for the future. In either of these situations, all we are doing is increasing emotional distress over situations that we can’t control, all the while missing the great things that are happening in the present moment.
One of the most gratifying experiences I have is, at the completion of treatment, hearing a patient say, “I feel better and I have learned the cognitive and behavioral skills to enjoy my life.”
Julieanne Pojas, Psy.D.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
I have been practicing psychotherapy for the past 6 years. I earned my Master’s and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Midwestern University and am currently licensed as a psychologist by the state of Illinois.
I specialize in the treatment of anxiety disorders and obsessive compulsive and related disorders using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). CBT is a short-term, skills based, goal oriented type of treatment that focuses on identifying, challenging, and modifying thinking and behavior patterns that affect how you feel. It is the most effective treatment for anxiety disorders, OCD, and depression. ERP is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy in which a person confronts a feared situation, thought, image, or sensation in a gradual and systematic manner. I offer sessions in the office, in the home, at school, at a mall, in a restaurant or wherever exposures may be helpful. For clients with complex anxiety or OCD, I provide intensive treatment, which offers 2 – 4 sessions per week that may last several hours at a time.
After I completed my doctoral training, I received specialized training and certification from the Behavior Therapy Training Institute (BTTI) at the International OCD Foundation. I have also done several talks training mental health professionals and educating parents about mental health topics. In addition to my clinical work, I am an executive committee member of the Chicago Hoarding Task Force. I am also a member of the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, International OCD Foundation, and the Asian American Psychological Association.
My passion is empowering clients to step out of their comfort zone and overcome their fears. My goal in therapy is not just to help you function better but to also give you the tools you need to be resilient and live a happier more fulfilled life.
Jennifer Martinez, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
I believe people have innate strength and capability to solve their problems but that there are times we lose sight of our strengths or are overwhelmed by situations. We may feel shame, alienation or loneliness and often these feelings pervade our sense of self and our relationships. My role is to create an accepting and non-judgmental environment for you and to help you toward self-understanding, self-acceptance and positive change. I am honored that I am entrusted with one’s vulnerabilities to hold and keep safe as we work together toward these goals.
I utilize various therapeutic techniques including CBT and DBT. I also draw from psychoanalytic theories such as object relations and attachment theory to inform my practice.
I look forward to working with individuals and couples who need help during a life transition, to increase self-understanding and self-esteem, decrease destructive behaviors and patterns in relationships, regulating mood and anxiety and issues impacting intimacy.