Penelope Summerall
Clinical Intern
Teen and Young Adult Specialist
Moderation Counselor
Hi, I’m Penelope. I guide people through life's complexities with clarity and compassion.
Life’s journey has its enlightening moments and challenges. As your therapist, I walk beside you, helping you find relief even in painful times. Whether you’re a teen searching for your voice, an adult healing from past wounds, or facing challenges like anxiety and familial tensions, my role is to listen - without judgment.
In recognizing and respecting your emotions, we chart the path for profound healing. I offer a blend of therapeutic methods and understanding, creating a safe space for self-discovery.
Discover Your Inner Strengths
We all possess deep wisdom and resilience. Together, we’ll tap into yours, equipping you with:
- Enhanced self-awareness and clarity
- Empowering narratives to move forward
- Courage to face difficulties with self-compassion
- Insights into your most genuine self
- Tools to nurture your continued growth
If you’re ready to embrace your path to thriving, reach out today.
Share Your Story
Each story from your life holds lessons and insights that deserve the spotlight. With me as your guide, we’ll explore your strengths, dreams, and experiences, giving voice to your authentic self. Your journey to healing is my utmost commitment.
Our Therapeutic Partnership
Our partnership intertwines genuine warmth and evidence-based knowledge, fine-tuned to cater to you. Trusting me with your narrative is a privilege I deeply respect. If you feel called to transformative growth, let’s connect. Get in touch today at [email protected] or schedule a session.
On Being a Counselor
I understand that opening up, especially after past experiences, might feel challenging. My goal is to provide a compassionate and healing space where every story matters.
For Teens & Young Adults
The journey through adolescence can be a maze of emotions. My mission is to empower you to explore your identity and find your unique voice. I remember how intimidating it can be to be open and share how you might be struggling. I want to emphasize that this space is for you and for whatever you need it to be. I am here to listen, pose meaningful questions, and nurture growth.
For Parents
Your desire for your child’s well-being shines bright. As a therapist, I understand the complexities families face. My approach seeks to bridge divides and foster mutual understanding between parent and child.
Together, we’ll open dialogues, deepen bonds, and craft a roadmap to face challenges united. Our vision? A space where parent and child feel valued, heard, and equipped to thrive as a family.
For Adults
Life’s unexpected twists might weigh heavy. With a blend of psychology and heartfelt compassion, we’ll unravel the past, rewrite lingering narratives, and bolster your emotional resilience. Transform burdens into wisdom, one conversation at a time.
In all our interactions, imagine the warmth of a trusted friend combined with the precision of professional expertise. The essence is collaboration, crafting stories of strain into bridges of understanding and discovering meaningful connections.
I’m dedicated to nurturing your innate strengths, shining a light on your unique brilliance, and lighting the path forward. When you’re ready to step into a new chapter, I’m here.
Reach out, and let’s begin this transformative journey together.
Practitioner Background
I am wholly devoted to your healing journey. Your unique needs and inner wisdom guide our work together. You’ll find an uplifting, nurturing presence focused entirely on empowering you.
Life holds both joy and worry, much like the interplay of sunlight and shadow. By exploring human emotion through compassionate listening and holistic practices, I shed light on inner strengths, empowering you to harness your innate wisdom. My purpose is to nurture lasting well-being through tailored support and healing techniques so that you can thrive.
Today, I integrate academic expertise with life wisdom. My background includes:
- Empowering youth during major transitions
- Bridging divides as a family counselor
- Inspiring growth as an instructor and tutor
- Healing through clinical work across diverse settings
- Advocating for survivors of trauma
My calling as a therapist took root early. At just 5 years old, a defining moment shaped my path. Witnessing a loved one’s panic attack, I felt helpless and longed to assist. This childhood experience sparked my calling to become a therapist.
Over the years, my interest in understanding trauma grew. As a teen, I developed a passion for this work, which led me to pursue advanced clinical training. I dove deep into areas including addiction, dissociation, and the impacts of stress and trauma.
Throughout it all, I’ve witnessed the incredible resilience of the human spirit. My purpose is to help you discover that power within.
In our sessions, you’ll find an empathetic ally fully invested in your growth. Together, we’ll reshape outdated narratives and write the stories that serve you.
With care and insight, we’ll build bridges of understanding – strengthening bonds of family, reigniting sparks of purpose in youth, and navigating life’s challenges.
Your unique story and dreams steer our collaboration. You’ll find a safe space to embrace your journey of self-discovery.
My dedication is absolute – to champion you as you step into your boldest, most vibrant self.
If you’re ready to elevate your spirit, contact me. This is your moment. Let’s begin.
More About Penelope
Key Philosophical Beliefs
- Your story reveals your power. By sharing it, we light the path to healing.
- Within you lies untapped strength. Together, we uncover and harness your resilience.
- Healing requires bearing witness with empathy. You deserve acceptance in full.
- Self-discovery rewards those who navigate with care. Such care unlocks profound transformation.
- Hardships faced with heart become gateways to growth, forging a brighter future.
- When approached with care, pain reveals depth and cultivates compassion.
Counseling Training
- Master of Social Work candidate, the University of Chicago (Expected 2024)
- Tufts University: B.S. in Psychology & B.A. in Women's, Gender, & Sexuality Studies
- Contextual Behavior Practices Program of Study
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Training
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Training
- Motivational Interviewing (MI) Training
- Trauma-Informed Care Training
- Crisis Intervention Training
- Harm Reduction Training
- Intensive Case Management
- Advanced Assessment Skills
- Bilingual Care Coordination
Specializations and Experience
- Adolescents and Teens
- Young and emerging adults
- Individual & Family Therapy
- Suicide and Self-Harm Interventions
- Systemic family trauma
- Evidence-Based Practice
- LGBTQIA+ Affirmative Therapy
- Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
- Anger management
- Fluent in Spanish
- Domestic Violence and Trauma-Informed Interventions
- Treatments for Anxiety, Depression, and PTSD
- Mindfulness-Based Therapies
Penelope as a Person
Coming from the beautiful Lowcountry of Charleston, SC, it’s been really unique and engaging to have lived in two amazing big cities (Boston and now Chicago). Though I still have a soft spot for the East Coast, Chicago has won me over. Whether it’s relaxing at Oak Street Beach with a good Stephen King book, exploring the city’s culinary treasures, or even enjoying the River Walk, each place enriches my story. Outside of just appreciating the city, I replenish my spirit with nature hikes around the area with good friends, learning something new on the guitar, or painting just for joy (there’s definitely no skill there). With Stevie Nicks’ tunes setting the mood, I indulge in Seinfeld reruns, reading fiction, and the simple joy of animals.
