We'd like to introduce you to the four new therapists who have joined our workplace here at CCIH! We are so glad to have Jenny, Christy, Nancy, and Hannah be a part of our professional community.
Why CCIH?
Why CCIH? Great question! When I initially stumbled upon CCIH website I knew it was a place I could see myself working at. What really sold me on this place was its' values and the effort the staff makes into making this a place where all people feel welcomed. I especially appreciated the articles and resources shared on CCIH website because it shows that the people who work here are passionate about educating and helping.
What initially got you interested in therapy?
I remember being a child and already being interested in people's experience in the world. As I grew older, I realized that I enjoyed one on one conversations and connecting with others on a deeper level. My journey in the Marine Corps solidified my decision of being a therapist after witnessing how trauma affected those around me.
What do you like to do when you're not in session?
When I am not in session, I love to run and weight lift as well as tend to my garden. Here and there when I am feeling brave I attempt to bake sourdough bread. Sometimes successfully but many other times not! I also love spending time with my loved ones and friends.
Why CCIH?
CCIH's commitment to somatic-based, trauma-informed, anti-oppressive therapy resonated with me deeply. I knew that I would continue to learn and evolve as a clinician by joining the practice.
What initially got you interested in therapy?
I had been considering a career in medicine, but I ultimately realized that what most interested me was emotional wellbeing and the way our environments influence us. My own experience in therapy was also very meaningful to me!
What do you like to do when you're not in session?
I practice karate, love to be out in nature, and I get out to dance when I have the chance!
Nancy Toncy, LCPC, BC-DMT, ICADV, GLCMA
Why CCIH?
The community and working alongside professionals who are curious about the body and see the value in movement-based work.
What initially got you interested in therapy?
Dance got me interested in therapy. It helped me connect to self/others, convey stories and feelings for which I had no words, and integrate different parts of myself. So, I immigrated to Chicago to study Dance/Movement Therapy and Counseling, because I was curious about the power of dance as a healing modality and wanted to pursue movement-based work to assist others' in their healing process just like I was very much supported by Dance.
What do you like to do when you're not in session?
Play basketball with my son 'Sayge', long hikes, jogging and exercise, sit in my backyard quietly, visit art galleries, spend time with friends and family.
Hannah Klawes, Social Work Master's Student
Why CCIH?
Establishing a trauma-informed foundation (in a meaningful and not rubberstamped way) to my practice is super important to me. Also, my classes at UChicago thus far have mostly focused on top down intervention and I am excited to be learning and practicing with body-centered interventions.
What initially got you interested in therapy?
I stumbled into a social work job after undergrad and it was a very mixed experience, high highs and low lows. But! I learned from it that I really love social work and it was the therapy-y work that I did there that I loved the most. Before applying for social work masters I actually applied for English phd programs, planning to write my dissertation about the intersection between science fiction, queerness, and mental illness/neurodivergence and how scifi specifically is a site of healing and community. I planned to either get my social work masters after getting my phd or maybe even while I was dissertating. I didn't end up getting into the phd programs (such a bummer at the time but I am glad of it now, I feel like I dodged a bullet) so I went straight to my social work degree. I'm still super interested in fiction in therapy and if I can get all my ducks in a row will be doing an independent study about it this year.
What do you like to do when you're not in session?
Well! Right now I'm a full time student and I also have a part time job tutoring high school students for the SAT and ACT, so I don't have a ton of free time. As you might've guessed from my answer to the last question, I really love sci fi and fiction in general. (Insufferable English major until the day I die). I write my own stuff too and I've been really into multimedia storytelling lately (think House of Leaves). I used to practice and teach martial arts but because of a knee injury and covid I'm very rusty. I'm hoping to find a practice that's easier on my joints once my life is less hectic (jiu jitsu and/or tai chi are what I'm interested in). Otherwise, I'm about halfway through a binge watch of Burn Notice with my girlfriend.
