Interns

One of Pinnacle Counseling’s core values is being a teaching practice. We strive to help our therapists continue to develop their skills as professionals to provide the most effective therapeutic support possible. Our intern program exhibits that value and reflects our commitment to learning and growth.

Background

We recognize that many people might feel some level of concern about working with an intern—with the assumption that they have less experience than a licensed therapist. Our goal is to be as transparent as possible with the level of support and supervision each intern receives.

All of our interns receive weekly supervision from one of our AAMFT-approved supervisors, as well as monthly group supervision with our program director, and periodic consultation groups on specific psychological topics (ie substance abuse, sex therapy, etc) run by specialists within our practice. In addition to this, they also receive regular supervision at their own learning institution.  

Since intern therapists are in the process of completing their training, they are highly motivated to provide the best care possible. They are often more willing to explore new or alternative treatment approaches and techniques, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals who have not had success with traditional therapy methods or who are looking for a more innovative or holistic approach to treatment.

It's important to note that while intern therapists are in the process of training, they are still held to the same ethical standards as licensed therapists, and they work under the supervision of licensed therapists to ensure safety and the best outcomes for clients.

All Pinnacle interns are in-network with BCBS PPO. For other insurance plans or for self-pay clients, interns operate on an income-based sliding-scale payment structure.

Clinical Work

Questions or Concerns?

If you have any question or concerns about working with an intern, please feel free to reach out to our Programs Director, Casey Gamboni (casey@pinnaclecounselingchicago.com).

  • Alana Stramowski

    Alana is a clinical intern working under the supervision of Dr. Casey Gamboni and Matt Garman, LMFT, LPC. Her clinical interests include supporting individuals and couples through life transitions, grief, self-esteem, relationship issues, and complex family dynamics.

    Alana approaches therapy from an existential humanistic perspective, incorporating narrative and client-centered elements. Her sessions may focus on exploring meaning, living authentically according to personal values, understanding the impact of community and relationships, and taking personal responsibility amidst societal inequities.

    With a calm and comforting demeanor, Alana provides direct guidance to her clients. She serves as a patient and empathic supporter, holding clients accountable as they work towards their goals. Alana firmly believes in personal growth and emphasizes the importance of embracing one’s truest self.

    Alana holds a B.A. in Journalism from Columbia College Chicago and is currently pursuing an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Roosevelt University. She has also completed Level 1 training in The Gottman Method for couples counseling. Prior to her mental health career, Alana worked as a writer and editor for various organizations in Chicago.

  • Mirsadies Raber-Dunning

    Mirsadies is a clinical intern working under the supervision of Dr. Casey Gamboni and DJ Watson. Her clinical interests include social and cultural stressors, sex and intimacy issues, identity development, clients with disabilities, anxiety, life transitions, and trauma. She is kink/LGBTQIA+ affirming and enjoys working with non-monogamous relationships.

    Utilizing an intersectional, relational, narrative, and strength-based approach to therapy, Mirsadies helps clients discover and tell their own stories as a way to connect to their self, others, and community. She approaches therapy as both a dynamic and collaborative process that is meant to both support and gently challenge her clients. She also incorporates humor, creativity, and play to assist her clients in self-exploration and meaning-making.

    Mirsadies received her B.A. in Gender and Women’s Studies from Hamilton College and is currently pursuing her M.A. in Couples and Family Therapy from Adler University, as well as a certificate in sex therapy. Prior to entering the mental health field, Mirsadies worked in reproductive healthcare, non-profit organizational development, and DEI training (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion). As a visual artist and avid reader, Mirsadies looks for opportunities to incorporate artistic and literary interventions in her therapeutic work.

  • Jamie Suh

    Jamie is a clinical intern under the supervision of Dr. Casey Gamboni and Gianna Saviano. Her clinical interests include relationships, sex and intimacy issues, infidelity, life transitions, intergenerational trauma, and complex family dynamics.

    Jamie’s therapeutic approach utilizes an integrative perspective, drawing from psychodynamic, existential, and systemic modalities. She firmly believes that the quality of our relationships profoundly influences the quality of our lives. During her sessions, Jamie delves into understanding what individuals and couples bring to their relationships, seeking to uncover patterns and facilitate positive change. Her strength-based approach empowers clients to explore alternative pathways by understanding the root causes of their behaviors.

    Jamie received her B.S. in Pre-Veterinary Sciences from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and is currently pursuing her M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Northwestern University. Before entering the mental health field, Jamie worked in the financial technologies industry, leading a team to help support clients.