THOUGHTFUL CARE. HUMAN CONNECTION.

Bilingual therapy for a life that feels more your own.

Thoughtful, culturally responsive counseling for adolescents, adults, couples, and families across Illinois. We accept insurance.

THE AWARE PRACTICE

“Wonder is the beginning of wisdom.”
-Socrates

Find a Therapist
Find a Therapist
Contact Us
Contact Us

English + Spanish

Telehealth across Illinois

Insurance accepted

Chicago office

Wonder is the beginning of wisdom.

At Meliora, we work with clients who want to understand themselves more deeply. We believe self-understanding is an important first step toward meaningful change.

We combine practical strategies with a broader understanding of your relationships, culture, development, values, and life history. The goal is to understand what keeps a pattern going—and what can meaningfully change it.

SERVICES

Care for individuals, couples, and families.

01

Individual Therapy

Personalized support for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, identity, and life transitions.

We combine practical strategies with a broader understanding of your relationships, culture, development, values, and life history. The goal is to understand what keeps a pattern going and what can meaningfully change it.

02

Couples & Families

Structured conversations that clarify patterns, strengthen connection, and support lasting change.

03

Children, Adolescents & Adults

Developmentally responsive care for children and adolescents, with caregivers involved thoughtfully when appropriate. Services for younger children depend on clinician availability and clinical fit.

Meet the Team

  • Maria Fernanda Cardenas

    • Masters clinician M.A.

    • Children, adolescents & adults Family therapy

    • LGBTQ+ culturally responsive care

    • Psychoanalytic approaches

    • First-generation Hispanic immigrant

  • Tania Chapper

    • Masters clinician M.A.

    • Children, adolescents & adults

    • EMDR

    • Brainspotting

    • Yoga-informed care

    • First-generation Hispanic immigrant

  • John Abad

    • Masters clinician M.A., NCC, CCMHC

    • Child, adolescent and adult therapist

    • 2nd generation Hispanic citizen

    • Unique style = psychoeducation, eclecticism