About Me

It’s nice to meet you.


About Me

My name is Margaret Espinoza, and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). I am also trained as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) and a Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional (CIMHP). Over the past 10 years I have provided counseling services for people at varying life stages experiencing anxiety, depression, family conflict, trauma and much more. I have a collaborative nature with my clients wherein we are working together to heal. I want nothing more than for you to gain insight over your life, replenish what’s been depleted and become your own healer. This is my mission and the mission of Empowered Counseling.

Integrative Counseling Approach

While I was trained in traditional therapy approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy/Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy, I have evolved my practice to include an examination on a person’s inner life for a more well-rounded treatment. During our appointments we will explore your feelings, your value system, your body’s functioning and even your day-to-day activities to address the mind-body connection. Counseling is not a one-size fits all.  An integrative counseling approach allows us to gain better insight into your unique needs.

What to expect during your first counseling appointment?

While every counseling office may function a little differently here are some general on goings for your first appointment.

Paperwork 

You will be provided with intake paperwork to complete prior to the first appointment which may gather basic demographic information, emotional health/treatment history and your insurance information for payment. Additionally, you will receive information on confidentiality, HIPPA and others depending on our initial call.

Initial Appointment

You will be greeted by your counselor either in the office hallway or via your telehealth session. Paperwork will be reviewed if needed and you can address any lingering concerns before starting the session. At this point you and the counselor will get to know one another and discuss what your focus for counseling is or issues you would like to address.

After your initial appointment

You and the counselor will assess respective “fit”. If a good match of services to needs is agreed upon then you can arrange for a follow-up appointment. If the counselor or you do not feel it is a good match, then a follow up appointment is not scheduled. The counselor will try to provide you with a reasonable referral to an alternative counselor/service.

*Co-Pay/Payment will be requested at your appointment, in cash or Ivy Pay.

Counseling areas may include

  • Anxiety
  • Anger Management
  • Depression
  • ADHD
  • Self-Care
  • Family Conflict
  • Bereavement
  • Boundary Setting
  • Chronic Pain/Illness

SERVICE FEES

Accepted Insurances

  • BCBS PPO
  • Blue Choice PPO

Contact your insurance carrier to verify that Empowered Counseling is in-network. Inquire about a co-pay or deductible as you may be responsible to meet a deductible before full coverage goes into effect.

Self Pay

  • $130 for individual counseling
  • $160 for couples counseling

Self pay is accepted in cash and Ivy Pay at time of service.

Couples Counseling

Each couple has its own internal strengths and sometimes that becomes less obvious when there are communication issues, unintended behavioral patterns and differing levels of intimacy. We can explore the intricacies of your relationship and work towards healing.

Individual Therapy

Individual counseling allows for a safe space where you can address what has been of concern to you. Those concerns/issues can range from work-related stress, the passing of a loved one, life transitions or unexplained feelings like anger or sadness. In our sessions, we will strive to unravel these issues to help you get to your next chapter. Traditional counseling modalities are employed, but with the added integrative approach.

Contact us

    Accepting new clients

    • Due to Covid-19, only telehealth is offered at this time.
    • Services provided in English and Spanish


    Empowered Counseling

    4526 North Ravenswood Avenue, Suite 100, Chicago, IL 60640
    224.585.9815
    Margaret@empcounselingchi.com