Introducing Mae A. Ypil, 1 st  generation Filipina born in Chicago. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents and adults. Her work primarily focuses on ways to help individuals connect in meaningful ways to the divine spirit, their inner knowing and others. She emphasizes that the therapist’s role is to walk alongside clients on their personal journey and strongly believes in the healing power of the therapeutic relationship.

Mae is a Certified EMDR therapist, Early Intervention specialist, certified yoga instructor RYT and practices Focusing. She views therapy as a creative process and integrates a collaborative approach that nurtures each client’s needs.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an extensively researched, evidenced-based psychotherapy method proven to help people recover from trauma and otherdistressing life experiences including: PTSD, anxiety, depression, and panic disorders. EMDR
therapy does not require talking in detail about the distressing issue. EMDR therapy is designed to resolve unprocessed traumatic memories in the brain. For many clients, EMDR therapy can be completed in fewer sessions than other psychotherapies.

Early Intervention is a federal mandated program that focuses on building the capacity of a caregiver, by supporting their ability to foster their child’s optimal development. The goal from a social work perspective is to build parental self-efficacy and facilitate their child’s participation in family and community activities, by primarily supporting a healthy attachment.

Yoga is a way of life that centers on continuous self-study and disciplined practices incorporating breathwork, meditation and asanas. The fundamental aim of yoga is liberation, to recognize and alleviate causes of misconception to achieve harmony with oneself and the universe.

Focusing is a body-oriented and mindfulness-based practice.  This process enables clients to have a more accepting relationship with their own emotional states, resulting in a greater ability to self-regulate in stressful situations, encouraging self-compassion and creating a sense of wholeness.

Outside of work, Mae co-facilitates spiritual women’s retreats through Sibyls Retreats. She prioritizes quality time with her loved ones and hiking with her dog Mango. She continues to strive for balance and dreams of a simple, peaceful life in the Philippines!