Elisha-Rio Pineda Apilado
Elisha-Rio Pineda Apilado
LCPC, ATR
Gender
Female
Ethnicity/Nationality
Filipina American
Language / Dialect
English
community
LGBTQIAA+ / Queer Allied
Familiarity with Faith
Catholicism
Focus
Anxiety
Attachment
Cancer
Colonial Mentality
Compassion Fatigue
Depression
Grief and Loss
Identity Development
Life Transitions
Personal Growth
Treatment
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Art Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Culturally Sensitive Therapy
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Expressive Arts Therapy
Humanistic Therapy
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
Person-Centered (Rogerian)
Trauma Focused
Modality
Individual
About
As a clinical art therapist and psychotherapist, I work with high achievers, caregivers, and healthcare professionals, especially Filipino Americans, who are used to holding everything together, yet feel exhausted, disconnected, or unsure of who they are beneath everyone else’s expectations. Many of my clients are navigating grief or loss (a loved one, a role, a version of themselves), questioning identity, or feeling stuck in patterns of overfunctioning and people-pleasing.
My work is deeply informed by an understanding of Filipino American cultural values such as utang na loob (indebtedness), pakikisama (maintaining harmony), and strong family responsibility. These values can foster resilience and connection, while also creating pressure to stay strong, avoid burdening others, or prioritize everyone else’s needs. I support clients in unpacking these cultural narratives with care—honoring what has sustained you, while making space for your own emotional needs.
In therapy with me, you don’t need to have the “right” words. I integrate art therapy alongside talk therapy to help you explore emotions, identity, grief, and cultural experiences in ways that feel natural and meaningful—especially when words fall short. Together, we slow things down, process what you’ve been carrying, and work toward greater self-compassion, clarity, and balance.
If you’re seeking a culturally attuned, creative, and relational space to reconnect with yourself and build a life that feels more aligned and sustainable, I invite you to reach out. We’ll move at a pace that feels right for you.
Qualifications
LCPC 180.016177
Years in Practice: 5
Master of Art in Counseling: Art Therapy,
Adler University, Chicago, IL
Location
Chicago, IL 60661
Online / remote services available
Pricing
$200 per session
Sliding Scale
Accepted Insurance
Aetna
Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association
UnitedHealth Group
United Medical Resources
BCBS Choice
BCBS PPO
