OUR APPROACH

We provide caring and skilled counsel relying on psychological therapeutic approaches, as well as on the wisdom and guidance for all of life's situations. There are things inside all of us that we struggle with. Things we want to forget. Avoid. Ignore. Wishing we could just close our eyes and never remember again. There is also a truth inside of you that needs to be awakened. 

The truth that you are not alone. That you have an identity and purpose in this world. That there is hope. Regardless of the circumstances, trauma, or challenge you have faced or might be facing currently, the counselors at Awakenings Counseling Center are the source of guidance and encouragement you need to help you uncover your identity and purpose. 

At Awakenings Counseling Center we provide counseling that is accepting and relevant to people from any faith background. With locations in Algonquin and Schaumburg, our diverse team of therapists provides expertise on a wide array of issues. 

meet our team

As Owner and Clinical Director since 2006, Shoji has developed Awakenings Counseling Center to be a reputable multi-site practice. Shoji’s life is a witness to how God uses adversity to build character and offers a life of freedom and abundance. She holds a holistic vision for her clients addressing the mind, body and spirit through an authentic therapeutic relationship. She holds the Advanced Counselor Certificate in Trauma and Abuse Counseling, trained under Dr. Dan Allender from the Seattle School of Theology and Psychology.

SPECIALTIES INCLUDE:

• Anxiety & Depression

• Trauma & Abuse

• Couples & Marriage

• Adolescent & Family

• Chronic Pain

• Addictions

• Academic and Career

• Narrative & Personal Story Work

• Multicultural Relationships

• Grief & Loss

• Parenting

• Spiritual Direction

Deirdré was born and raised in South-Africa. In 2003 Deirdré and her husband Paul, moved to Chicago to accept staff positions at Willow Creek Community Church where she served in the Pastoral Response Department from 2009-2016. She is passionate about being present with people in ways that increase their awareness of God’s presence, His love and redeeming work in them.  She has navigated her own seasons of heartache and loss by clinging to the tender love and irrevocable care of a God who stays faithful and steadfast when all else is shaken.

SPECIALTIES INCLUDE:

• Spiritual Coaching

• Trained under Dr. Dan Allender

• Advanced Certificate in Trauma and Abuse Counseling -Seattle School of Psychology and Theology

• Member of the Evangelical Spiritual Directors Association.http://graftedlife.org/esda/

• Applying Faith to Life

• Spiritual Discipline and practices

• Certified training in spiritual direction through Sustainable Faith http://www.sustainablefaith.com/spiritual-direction/

Melody Knapp is a Licensed Professional Counselor in our Schaumburg office, holding a BA from Moody Bible Institute and an MA from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. She is passionate about helping individuals, couples, and families attain and maintain hope and healing through meaningful therapeutic relationships and personalized interventions tailored to their unique needs.

With a deep empathy for those facing trauma, grief and loss, unresolved past hurts, mood disorders, and broken relationships, Melody employs an integrated holistic treatment approach. She combines psychotherapy and psychoeducation to support clients on their journey toward wholeness and wellness.

Melody loves walking alongside others, offering encouragement and guidance in their paths of hope and healing. In her free time, she and her husband enjoy spending time in nature and serving in ministry​

SPECIALTIES INCLUDE:

• Anxiety & Depression

• Abuse & Trauma

• Addictions

• Adjustment Issues

• Grief and Loss

• Life Transitions

• Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy

• Gottman Method Couples Therapy

• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing)

• CBT - Cognitive Behavior Therapy

• Brainspotting

• DBT - Dialectical Behavioral Therapy

• Spiritual Formation

• Adolescence and Parenting

Pamela is a licensed professional counselor working via Telehealth who is dedicated to guiding individuals and couples toward healing, recovery, and personal growth. She employs an authentic, compassionate, and collaborative approach within a safe therapeutic setting, ensuring that clients feel supported throughout their journey.

Utilizing a holistic and integrative methodology, Pamela helps clients tap into their full potential. She incorporates art therapy when appropriate, facilitating self-discovery and aiding in the resolution of difficult or traumatic experiences. This technique is particularly beneficial when working with children and adolescents, as it enhances concentration, communication, mood, behavior, and relationships.

Pamela earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Business from Valparaiso University and her Master of Arts in Counseling with a focus on Art Therapy from the Adler School of Professional Psychology. She is passionate about empowering her clients and creating a transformative therapeutic experience. 

SPECIALTIES INCLUDE:

• Anxiety & Depression

• Art Therapy

• Adlerian Techniques

• Academic & Career

• Boundaries

• Codependency

• Family & Parenting Issues

• Grief & Loss

• Life Transitions

• Marriage & Couples - Gottman Therapy

• Stress Management

• Trauma

Nick is a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) in our Schaumburg office who is passionate about helping individuals, couples, and families create and maintain positive changes. Nick holds both Gottman Level 1 and Level 2 marital counseling training certifications, and is passionate about helping couples create dynamics to maintain balance while continuously growing in relational intimacy. As a  Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), Nick has worked with clients to explore and identify their own cherished personal values to help overcome setbacks and obstacles. Nick is understanding and empathic to individuals who might be hesitant or new to the counseling process, and enjoys working collaboratively with these clients at their own pace to increase hope, healing, and emotional intelligence to enhance all areas of life.    

SPECIALTIES INCLUDE:

• Anxiety & Depression

• Life Transitions

• Trauma & Abuse

• Marriage & Couples Counseling

• Addictions

• Adjustment Issues

• Grief & Loss

• Men’s Issues

• Applying Spirituality into Daily Living

•  Codependency

Marc Mantasoot is a Licensed Professional Counselor in our Schaumburg office, bringing over 16 years of experience as a school counselor, literacy specialist, and English teacher. He is also a graduate of the Crucible Project transformational leadership program. In addition to his counseling work, Marc has served in ministry as a section pastor, coach, teacher, and writer.

Marc practices an integrated approach grounded in solution-focused therapy, aiming to empower clients to achieve greater levels of fulfillment and success in their lives. Having benefited from counseling and coaching in his own journey, he is passionate about guiding others toward the same transformative experiences.

SPECIALTIES INCLUDE:

• Anxiety & Depression

• Life Transitions

• Trauma & Abuse

• Marriage & Couples Counseling

• Addictions

• Adjustment Issues

• Grief & Loss

• Men’s Issues

• Applying Spirituality into Daily Living

•  Codependency

Angela Canton is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Nurse in our Schaumburg office, dedicated to fostering hope and healing in her clients. She is passionate about witnessing the unification of the heart, soul, mind, body, and relationships of those she serves. Angela believes that the bravest step a client can take is to begin understanding their past, live fully in the present, and embrace change for the future.

With a warm and authentic approach, Angela walks alongside her clients to inspire hope, courage, and transformation. She respects each individual’s values, culture, and life stage, utilizing a variety of techniques to provide personalized care that helps clients achieve their unique goals.

Angela holds a BS in Nursing from Olivet Nazarene University, as well as an MA in Mental Health Counseling and an MA in Theological Studies from Trinity International University.

SPECIALTIES INCLUDE:

• Anxiety & Depression

• Grief & Loss

• Stress & Coping Skills

• Addictions

• Life Transitions

• Spiritual Formation

• Trauma & Abuse

• Racial Identity & Trauma

• EMDR Therapy

• Caregivers, Frontline Workers & Secondary Trauma

• Marriage & Couples

• Chronic Illness & Aging

Deborah Choi is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) based in our Algonquin office. She holds a BSW from Michigan State University and an MA in Mental Health Counseling from Roosevelt University. Deborah tailors her therapeutic methods to meet the unique needs of her clients, drawing primarily from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Informed approaches, Strengths-Based strategies, and Person-Centered therapy.

With extensive experience working with adults and adolescents who have faced trauma and abuse—including domestic violence and emotional, physical, and sexual abuse—Deborah is committed to providing compassionate support. She has also received specialized training in Certified Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault.

At the core of Deborah's practice is the belief in building genuine therapeutic relationships and providing empathy. She is dedicated to helping clients uncover the strength and potential that reside within them, guiding them through the therapeutic process toward healing and growth.

SPECIALITIES INCLUDE:

• Domestic Violence

• Trauma & abuse

• Anxiety & Depression

• Stress management & Coping Skills

• PTSD

• Codependency & Boundaries

• Adults & Adolescents

• Self-esteem & Self-confidence

• Life Transitions & adjustment issues

• Marriage & Couples

• Grief & Loss

• Anger Management

• CBT & DBT

• Pregnancy Option Counseling

Matth Aguilar is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in our Schaumburg office. He holds a BS from Loyola University Chicago and an MA in Mental Health Counseling from Adler University. Matt employs an integrated approach that combines person-centered therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), positive psychology, and mindfulness strategies.

With experience working with both adults and adolescents, Matt assists clients in navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, and life transitions. He offers valuable tools and skills to address issues related to coping, racial identity, trauma, relationship dynamics, grief and loss, and adjustment difficulties.

As a passionate empath, Matt is dedicated to advocating for his clients, fostering personal healing and growth, and creating an open and safe space for them to share their thoughts and experiences.

SPECIALTIES INCLUDE:

• Anxiety/stress

• Addictions

• CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)

• Depression

• Grief & Loss

• Men's issues

• Life Phases / Adjustment

• Boundaries

• Family / Relationships

• Racial Identity

• Trauma

Nicole Kwon is an LPC Counselor based in our Schaumburg office. She earned her BA in Political Science from Benedictine University and completed her Master’s degree at Wheaton College. Utilizing Psychoeducation and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Nicole adapts her counseling techniques to align with each client’s unique needs.

With experience supporting young adults through various life stages, Nicole focuses on navigating relational issues and developing effective coping mechanisms. Drawing from over 10 years in the service industry, she has gained valuable insights into the diverse backgrounds, cultures, and values that shape individual experiences.

Nicole is passionate about building strong therapeutic relationships, with the goal of instilling hope and promoting healing in her clients.

SPECIALTIES INCLUDE:

• Anxiety/Stress

• CBT

• Stress Management

• Transitions/Stage of Life

• Grief and Loss

• Boundaries

• Parent-Child Relationships

• Racial/Cultural Identity

• Adolescents, Emerging Adults and Adults

• Self Esteem and Confidence

Amanda Lai Wai Kuen is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and an Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professional (ICDVP). She holds a BA in psychological studies from Cardiff Metropolitan University, United Kingdom, and an MA in mental health counseling from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (TEDS), Illinois. She enjoys working with children, teens, young adults, couples, and families. In counseling, Amanda aims to create a safe space where clients can share their story without feeling judged or shamed. Her goal is to meet clients where they are and come alongside them in their journey of growth and healing. Her therapy style is relational, client-focused, and insight-oriented. Aside from work, Amanda loves a good cup of coffee, working out with her husband, and spending quality time with her young sons and dog.  

SPECIALTIES INCLUDE:

• Anxiety & Depression

• Domestic Violence

• Family Conflicts

• Trauma

• Stress & Coping Skills

• Life Transitions

• Self-Worth and Self-Esteem

• Postpartum Support

• Marriage & Couples

• Spiritual Formation

• Racial Identity & Intergenerational Trauma

Mattlyn is a dedicated LPC Counselor with both a BA and MA from Cornerstone University. She tailors her therapeutic methods to meet the unique needs of each client, utilizing approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Person-Centered Therapy.

With experience working with teens, young adults, adults, and couples, Mattlyn strives to create a safe and non-judgmental space for clients to share their stories. Her goal is to help individuals develop skills to manage intense emotions, cultivate healthy coping mechanisms, and empower them to make lasting changes in their lives.

SPECIALTIES INCLUDE:

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Stress & Coping Skills

• Self-Worth and Self-Esteem

• Marriage & Couples

• Spiritual Formation

• Family/ Relationships

• CBT

• DBT

• Boundaries

Joel Purohit is a Master's Level Intern from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (TEDS) and is finishing an MA in Mental Health Counseling. He has a BA in Ministerial Studies from Christian Life College. Joel has worked with youth for over a decade and is currently in pastoral ministry as a Youth Pastor. Joel utilizes narrative and person-centered therapy to empower clients and to create an environment of encouragement, safety, and healing. His passion is helping clients discover their value and worth regardless of the challenges they may be facing.

SPECIALTIES INCLUDE:

• Anxiety/Depression

• Adolescent Transitions

• Teens

• Self Worth/Esteem

• Identity Formation

• Spiritual Abuse/Neglect/Trauma

• Marriage and Families

• Trauma

• Identity Formation

• Racial/Cultural Identity

• Men’s Issues

• Life Transitions

OFFICE ADMIN

Ryan is working as the Business Director at Awakenings. With a Bachelor’s in Information Systems and experience in Business, Ryan supports the practice from an operations perspective. He has a Masters in Divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and 13 years of experience on the pastoral staff at Willow Community Church. His leadership, theological and relational gifts allow him to build into the holistic vision of Awakenings. Ryan and Shoji have taught classes at Willow Creek as well as globally, in the Middle East and India. There is no doubt that Ryan loves celebrating the unique aspects of diverse cultures and the adventurous aspects of being married cross-culturally to Shoji.

SPECIALTIES INCLUDE:

• Leadership & Management Coaching

• Pastoral Counsel

• Team Development

• Business Operations

WORKSHOPS:

Together Ryan and Shoji have developed workshops such as:

• Living Authentically – Exploring the Johari Window

• Boundaries

• Generational ties & the Genogram

• The Marriage Puzzle

• Conflict & Your Culture

• Fighting a Good Fight” – Discover Your Conflict Style

Billing department 

Candace helps our clients by processing insurance and payments for their sessions.