Shaysa Esther Villa (she/they)

Hi! I’m Shaysa Villa, usually go by Shay (she/they). I am the owner of Roamers Therapy.

As a modern therapist, I provide culturally sensitive and thoughtful therapy to help individuals and couples. I understand how hard it can be to find a therapist that seems relatable or trustworthy. I work particularly well with individuals navigating trauma, relationships, and identity looking for a therapist that “gets it”. This may be an overwhelming point in your life, but pursuing psychotherapy can be one of the most transformative experiences you can take to heal & grow.

Therapy can help you navigate ways your thoughts may be negatively impacting your life. At times, we all may experience thoughts, memories, and emotions that become overwhelming. Therapy can help you grasp ways to cope and not allow anxiety, trauma, and depression to derail your days. My role will be to be by your side & help you explore and identify unclear reasons that prevent you from living or having your envisioned life.

I understand comparison culture and how it may be impacting your self worth and ability to make decisions. We will explore through confusion, goals, achievements, and failures to help you feel less paralyzed and explore the power of navigating your identity. When we explore how societal expectations and family history have manifested in your everyday life, we will find out what is getting in the way. Once we identify what gets in the way or derails, you and and I will implement tangible and concrete changes.

I hope you provide yourself the space and the gift of therapy. This is an important decision in your life and the connection and commitment you make to therapy can be just what has been missing and you have needed.

Personal   

Things that bring me joy: therapy, travel, reading, writing, being curious and amused, trying new food, listening to podcasts, and dancing!

Education

Master of Social Work from Loyola University of Chicago

Focus: I specialized in mental heath and migration studies.

Bachelors of Arts from Hood College

Focus: I majored in Social Work and Spanish literature.

 Advance Trainings and Certifications

Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) Certified Therapist through EMDR International Association

Gottman Method Relationship Therapy – Trained at Level 3 by Gottman Institute (Certification in Progress)

Prolonged Exposure Therapy for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Trained by Center for Treatment and Study of Anxiety (CTSA) at University of Pennsylvatnia

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Training by Medical University of South Carolina

 Licensure

Licensed Clinical Social Worker, State of Illinois

License number: (149021207)

Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, Washington, D.C.

License number: (LC200001502)

Role at Roamers Therapy

At Roamers Therapy, I currently lead with day-to-day operations, marketing, clinical consultation, supervision, and clinical improvement.