Our Team of Therapists in Chicago and Austin
Bright Light Counseling Center's clinicians provide quality, individualized, and attuned counseling and psychotherapy sessions. We strive to play a positive role in the lives of teens, young adults, and adults.
We provide in person and teletherapy/online counseling sessions throughout Illinois, Indiana, Texas, Wisconsin, and Florida. We are dedicated to helping light a path through life’s most complex and difficult matters.
Pronouns: She/Her
Staff Therapist
In Person Therapy: Chicago, IL
Online Therapy: Illinois
Anything you do alone can be made better by having another person with you along the way. Therapy is the same. You could watch all the YouTube videos, TikToks, or read all the self-help books in the world, but the power of a personalized, one-on-one connection that therapy offers is something that no book or video could ever give you. In our sessions, you'll have a safe space where you can dig a little deeper and get to the root of what is holding you back. It takes a strong person to be willing to face their challenges, and by seeking therapy, you are already showing incredible strength. Finding the right therapist is crucial, and when the fit is good, therapy becomes productive, exciting, and meaningful. Our sessions can be whatever you need - a place to vent about your day, work through significant challenges, or focus on self-improvement. Remember, healing isn't always linear. There will be bumps along the way, but I'm here to support you through every step, and your efforts will be worth it. You deserve a space to work through your stressors and struggles. As your partner in this journey, I'm committed to helping you get what you want out of therapy. My practice is LGBTQIA+-affirming and Trauma-Informed. Together, we'll work towards improving your life in ways that matter most to you.
Chronic Illness・ Neurodiversity・ Anxiety ・ Relational Issues
Pronouns: She/They/Ella
Staff Therapist
In Person Therapy: Austin, TX
Online Therapy: Texas, Virginia
It can take a lot to start therapy, but it can be even more challenging to remain committed. Therapy is most successful when we approach our work as a team. It is not a place where you show up, get the tools, and “that’s that”. All the tools in the world won’t help, unless you are willing to put in the work to use the tools we create together. Getting comfortable using the tools, adjusting them based on your day-to-day experiences, and adapting them to your life as we go, will make a huge impact on how you feel each day. Even when it feels scary, unsettling, or exhausting, I am there with you, making sure you have a space of safety and security, to put your tools to work. No topic is too big, nothing you share is too much. Nothing you say will be shunned or shamed. I will offer consistent encouragement, thoughtful reflections, and a reassuring presence to help you get to where you want to be. We will find your strengths and resilience and weave that into our work. I am excited to bring an empathetic, judgment free, and gentle yet direct approach. I practice from an explicitly anti-racist, LGBTQIA+ affirming, and trauma informed lens. I will be your cheerleader and your accountability buddy as we build an even better you.
Intergenerational Trauma ・ Cultural Stress ・ Grief ・ Anxiety
Kate Morales Sárraga, M.Psy, LPA
Pronouns: She/Her/Ella
Staff Therapist
In Person Therapy: Austin, TX
Online Therapy: Texas
Provides Therapy in Spanish
Terapia en español
We all get stuck sometimes and getting out can be really hard to do on your own. That is where I come in, you don’t have to suffer in silence alone. I know that it can feel like your emotions are a messy closet that you don’t want to open because it’s too much work to even look at. When things feel painful, icky, or scary, even when it feels exhausting, I know that there is always a way forward. Together, we can sort through the clutter to make room for the life you actually want. The space you free up will be ready for you to bring in new perspectives, putting you in a better position to stay balanced in the face of any adversity that comes your way. It’s time to break free from old emotions and thoughts that are holding you back. You're not alone, we will move forward together. My practice is LGBTQIA+-affirming and Trauma-Informed. I create safe, inclusive, judgment-free spaces where vulnerability is welcomed. I'll meet you where you are, gently nudging you toward growth. As an active listener, I offer respectful, honest, and empathetic feedback, often infused with a touch of humor. Your beliefs will always be respected and validated.
Parenting ・ Anxiety ・ Trauma・ Depression ・ Life Stress
Teal Jackson-Mappus, MSW, LCSW
Pronouns: She/Her
Staff Therapist
In Person Therapy: Austin, TX
Online Therapy: Texas
It’s totally normal to feel nervous or uncertain about taking the first step in starting therapy. It’s a lot to put your faith in someone you’ve never met before, but I’m here for you, no matter what inspired you to try therapy. Together we will look around at how things have been going for you and find new ways to overcome the obstacles holding you back from the life you want. Most of my sessions feel like talking with a trusted old friend; laughing, crying, and celebrating the successes. I think therapy should be compassionate, but honest. I strive to embody these beliefs in my sessions. I won’t always tell you what you want to hear, but I’ll tell you what you need to know. You have the answers within you, but sometimes to better understand yourself, you need to reflect your thoughts off of others who have your best interests in mind. I work from a LGBTQIA+-affirming and Trauma-Informed stance. No matter what hurts, harms, or struggles have brought you to therapy, I am ready to hear where you are and help you take the next step toward a better future for yourself.
Abuse & Neglect ・ Anxiety ・ Neurodiversity・ Depression
Pronouns: She/Her
Associate Therapist
In Person Therapy: Chicago, IL
Online Therapy: Illinois
I believe therapy is a very important way to realign your actions with meaning in your life. Understanding the obstacles that get in the way for you is one step on the path to savoring the beauty of what life has to offer. Getting stuck in the negatives, fearing the future, and preoccupying your mind with needless reminders of the day ahead, does not have to be the norm. Through a focus on patience, support, and action, I empower people to uncover new ways of conquering old problems. I view people through an intersectional lens and am explicitly antiracist and LGBTQIA+ affirming in my therapeutic practice. I am committed to creating safe spaces for clients. I am excited to be with you on the path to a fulfilling future!
OCD ・ Anxiety ・ Relational Issues・ Depression
Pronouns: She/Her
Associate Therapist
In Person Therapy: Chicago, IL
Online Therapy: Illinois
Main character energy is something that you deserve to give off, why? Because this is your life and everyone deserves to live the life that they want to live (yes, including you), and I deeply believe this. Since this is something I am passionate about, I will work with you to help make sure that you are able to live life fully and happily. I do this through active listening, patience, open mindedness, kindness, and support. I ensure that you will have a space that is welcoming to be who you are, as you are, safe and judgment free. My practice is LGBTQIA+-affirming and Trauma-Informed. Whether you are experiencing; stress, anxiety, depression, or any unpleasant emotion.. you are not alone, and together you will take back control.
Anxiety ・ Grief ・ Cultural/Racial Concerns ・ Life Stressors
Adam Scartozzi, MA, LCPC, LMHC
Pronouns: He/Him
Co-Owner/Staff Therapist
In Person Therapy: Chicago, IL
Online Therapy: Illinois, Indiana, Florida, Wisconsin
I help people develop flexible, resilient, and kind minds. I bring a sense of direct, lighthearted collaboration to therapy. Open, thoughtful dialogue, in tune with the needs of my clients, is central to my practice. I regard my practice as explicitly anti-racist and LGBTQ+ affirming which is a reflection of my values in and out of the office. I strongly believe in striving for a world in which there is a shared acceptance of our variation as strength, acting in solidarity with one another as we strive to reach both our personal/collective potential.
Chronic Anxiety ・ Existential Dread ・ Men's Issues
Beth Marnix, Psy.D., LCP, HSPP, LP
Pronouns: She/Her
Co-Owner/Clinical Director
In Person Therapy: Austin, TX
Online Therapy: Illinois, Indiana, Texas, as well as states a part of PSYPACT( See here for an updated list)
I believe the most important part of therapy is the relationship between us. I build open, warm, calm, and collaborative relationship with my clients. Acceptance, honesty, empathy, and affirming are key pillars in my practice. Through our therapeutic relationship, change is fostered by the development of insight and the implementation of behavioral changes. I guide clients in connecting present concerns with past experiences with a focus on living in the moment. I strongly believe that when we are living the life that we want to live, we are most content. I strive to make conscious choices and reflections in my life and in my work that are anti-racist and LGBTQIA+ affirming.
Chronic Trauma/PTSD ・ Family of Origin Stressors ・ EMDR
Take the first step in feeling better
We provide Virtual Counseling from the comfort of your own space
Our therapists provide telehealth psychotherapy to people who live in the following locations:
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Illinois
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Indiana
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Texas
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Colorado
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Virginia
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Wisconsin
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Florida
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Residents of PSYPACT participating states