About

Leona Petrovych

“I believe therapy is a partnership where your voice matters, your experiences are valued, and there is space for you to be fully yourself.”

Why I became a therapist

I didn't choose this work by accident. Over time, I found myself drawn to people's stories and to being present with them in moments that feel heavy, confusing, or just a lot to carry alone. As an immigrant, I know that there can be parts of our experiences that are difficult to put into words, especially when we are navigating different identities, expectations, cultures, or ideas of where we are supposed to fit. That experience has shaped the way I think about being seen, understood, and truly listened to. A big part of why I became a therapist comes from witnessing what happens when someone finally feels truly heard, without having to explain or defend themselves. I've always noticed the quieter moments too. The pauses, the things left unsaid, the weight that isn't always visible. Therapy, to me, is a space where those pieces can slowly come into the light, where you don't have to rush, and where you can untangle what feels stuck and start making sense of things in your own way. This work is personal to me. It's about showing up as myself, staying present, and creating a space where you can do the same. I'm here to sit with you in what's hard, not to push or rush, but to move at your pace and figure things out together.

Who I work with

I work primarily with adolescents and young adults who are navigating the challenges that come with growth, change, and connection. These stages of life can bring up a lot of questions about identity, relationships, expectations, and where you are headed, often alongside stress, anxiety, self-doubt, or feeling overwhelmed. Whether you are a teenager finding your voice or a young adult figuring out what comes next, I offer a space where you can slow down, feel supported, and make sense of what you are experiencing. I recognize that everyone comes in with their own story, shaped by culture, experiences, relationships, and the world around them. I aim to meet you where you are, with curiosity, care, and respect for what makes your experience your own. Together, we can explore self-worth, communication, boundaries, relationships, emotional regulation, and the transitions that come with growing into yourself. My hope is to create a space where you feel heard, understood, and comfortable bringing your whole self.

“I'm here to sit with you in what's hard, not to push or rush, but to move at your pace and figure things out together.”

Working With Me

Working with me is a collaborative process. I aim for sessions to feel like a natural, flowing conversation where there is room to talk, reflect, laugh, sit in silence, and figure things out together. We’ll work to create a space that feels supportive, honest, and grounded in trust. I believe therapy is a partnership where your voice matters and your experiences are important. You don’t have to have everything figured out before you begin. I invite you to come as you are, wherever you are in the process. It is a real privilege to be let into someone’s inner world, and I hold that with deep care and respect. I see therapy as something that grows and shifts with you, so I pay attention to what feels helpful and what doesn’t. We’ll move at a pace that feels right for you, and I welcome your feedback along the way. More than anything, I want this work to feel like yours. Something that moves with you, supports you, and reminds you that you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.

My Qualifications and trainings

  • I earned my Master’s degree in Social Work from Dominican University
  • I received my Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Dominican University
  • I am a Licensed Social Worker with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)
  • I completed my two-year internship at Josselyn, a community mental health clinic
  • I am trained in Mental Health First Aid and Crisis support

Ready to overcome the barriers holding you back?