Sirimas Benz Amatayakul

I believe therapy is a gift and that there is always hope, even in the midst of difficult circumstances. I see therapy as an opportunity to tend to yourself, gain perspective, discover new possibilities, and move toward a life that is meaningful and nourished. I’m currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Concordia University Chicago. I previously earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Thammasat University in Bangkok, Thailand, and a Master of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications from Northwestern University. Before becoming a therapist, I spent over twenty years exploring different personal and professional paths. I began my career in Bangkok, Thailand, working in corporate brand management. After our children were born, our family moved to the Chicago area. During those years, I developed a deeper interest in the arts, eventually becoming an abstract painter and earning a certification as an expressive arts facilitator. I am married and currently raising two teenagers in a multicultural home. These experiences have shaped my perspective on identity, relationships, family, and the many transitions we encounter throughout life. I’m passionate about supporting adolescents, young adults and adults who are experiencing anxiety, OCD, depression, and other mood-related challenges, as well as those who are working through career changes, family trauma, questions of faith and spirituality, identity, relational challenges, and other life transitions. My approach to therapy is collaborative, hopeful, compassionate, and individualized. I am particularly drawn to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Existential Therapy, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). At the same time, I believe every person is unique, and I draw from a variety of therapeutic approaches to find what best supports each client’s needs, goals, values, and circumstances.