ABOUT ARENA
you deserve to heal.
Arena is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves access to compassionate, high-quality mental health care. Our mission increase access to care and create a space for every person to reclaim their story with dignity and support.
We are trauma-informed, affirming care to all members of our community, regardless of life circumstance. Whether you’re seeking support following job stress or the end of a relationship, or navigating the lasting impacts of violence, abuse, incarceration, and loss, you are welcome here. We honor the complexity of healing and walk alongside you with compassion, curiosity, and respect for the journey you’ve taken to get here.
What will you face, battle, and overcome in your arena?
Our Team
Tatiana Duchak, JD, LCPC
Founder | lawyer | therapist
She/her
I work with people who have been asked to carry too much—survivors of trauma, individuals navigating mental health challenges, and those impacted by systems that weren’t built to support them. My work sits at the intersection of therapy and advocacy, grounded in the belief that many struggles make sense when we understand the context people have lived in.
Trained as both a therapist and an attorney, I bring a trauma-informed, systems-aware lens to therapy. I aim to create a space where you don’t have to explain, justify, or minimize your experience—only show up as you are.
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Prior work experience in jails, prisons, psychiatric hospitals, child welfare, schools, and sexual assault crisis.
Trained in EMDR, ART
40-hour Domestic Violence trained
I testify in court about the effects of trauma, particularly in the context of domestic violence relationships.
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Domestic violence, sexual assault, and/or trafficking survivors
Millennials resolving issues, and trauma, from their childhood
Moms trying to figure it all out
Folks returning home after incarceration
Individuals who have been wrongfully convicted
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Want a therapist who sees the whole picture, not just a diagnosis
You’re interested in understanding how past experiences, relationships, and systems shape your present
You’re curious about yourself, even if you feel stuck
You want therapy to feel steady, respectful, and human
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You’re looking for highly structured, manualized approach
You’re currently in need of a higher level of care, such as intensive outpatient, partial hospitalization, or multiple weekly sessions
You’re seeking primary treatment for substance use, OCD, or disordered eating (you deserve a highly specialized approach, and these aren’t my specialties!)
You’re a young child (again, you deserve someone with this specialty!)
If this applies, I’m still happy to help connect you to resources or providers who can offer the level of support you deserve.
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Love Yourz by J.Cole uplifts me.
The book Reality Bites Back by Jennifer Pozner has stayed with me.
The quote, “The function of freedom is to free someone else,” by Toni Morrison grounds me.
Hanan Zayed, LPC
Therapist
She/her
I work with individuals and couples who are navigating the effects of trauma, relationship harm, and cultural or identity-related stressors. Many of the people I support are seeking a space where they can better understand the connection between their emotional experiences and their bodies, reconnect with their voice, and move through healing in a way that feels steady, collaborative, and human.
My approach to therapy is thoughtful, culturally informed, and grounded in compassion. I’m especially attentive to how trauma lives in both the mind and body, and how it can shape the ways people relate to themselves and others. In our work together, I aim to create a space that feels safe and respectful, and one where healing doesn’t need to be linear to be meaningful.
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M.A. Clinical Psychology
Gottman Level I trained
40-hour Domestic Violence and PAIP (Partner Abuse Intervention Programs) trained
Published research on intimate partner violence among Arab women (a focus that is both personally meaningful and clinically important to me!)
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Survivors of domestic violence
Individuals wanting to heal from physical or psychological trauma
Individuals living their lives after substance use treatment, and/or are finding sobriety
Folks navigating depression
Immigrants and families navigating change, uncertainty, and belonging
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Are healing from trauma or relationship harm, including domestic violence
Want to better understand the connection between your emotions and your body
Are navigating cultural, identity, or immigration-related stress
Are seeking a space where healing can be non-linear, steady, and respectful
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If you are seeking highly specialized care related to diagnoses of Autism, ODC, or neurodevelopment issues (you deserve care from someone who is highly trained in this!)
You are a child under 14 (love teens though!)
If this applies, I’m still happy to help connect you to resources or providers who can offer the level of support you deserve.
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I prefer pen and paper over technology.
Energy drinks > coffee
I love books, but my “to-be-read” never seems to get shorter.
Angela D. smith, LPC
Therapist
She/her
I am committed to instilling hope and supporting individuals, couples, and families as they navigate life’s challenges and move toward meaningful healing and growth. Drawing on years of experience, I find deep fulfillment in helping clients reach breakthrough moments and begin new paths forward.
I prioritize creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where you feel genuinely heard, valued, and empowered. My approach is collaborative and tailored to you. Together, we’ll identify your goals and build practical tools to help you move forward with clarity, confidence, and hope. Healing and growth happen in small, courageous steps - each one moving you closer to a life that feels more grounded, authentic, and your own.
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Master of Arts, Psychology; Master of Arts, Mental Health Counseling
Certified Restorative Practice Trainer
Trained in somatic-based therapy, resourcing, and interventions.
Member, Illinois Counseling Association (ICA)
Member, Illinois Mental Health Counselors Association (IMHCA)
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People who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure about their next steps
Individuals navigating major life transitions and relationship challenges
Adults looking for support with anxiety, stress, or self-esteem
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You’re ready to explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences in a safe and supportive space.
You’re seeking healing, personal growth, or clarity during a challenging season of life.
You want support navigating anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, or life transitions.
You value a collaborative approach where we work together to identify goals and practical tools for change.
You’re open to learning practical tools that can help you move forward and feel more grounded in your daily life.
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You are looking for quick answers without engaging in the therapeutic process
You prefer a therapist who gives direct advice rather than working collaboratively
You are not open to exploring new perspectives or strategies for change
You are a child under 14 (love teens though!)
If this applies, I'm still happy to help point you toward resources or providers who may be a better match for what you need.
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I love to travel!
I was a head high school girls & boys track & field coach for 10 years
I am called "Honey" by two very important little people (my grandchildren)
I once had a python snake put on my neck. I will never do that again...lol
A quote that keeps me grounded: "Our life is the sum total of all the decisions we make every day, and those decisions are determined by our priorities." — Myles Munroe
founder’s story
What’s ‘the arena’?
Over the course of my career, I’ve often returned to a famous speech given by Theodore Roosevelt titled, “The Man in the Arena.” In it, he describes an individual, “marred by dust and sweat and blood,” striving valiantly to conquer what’s before him. Sometimes, he falls. He’s injured, and sometimes doubtful, but he always rises.
I’ve taped this speech to the cinderblock walls of my jail therapy room. I’ve printed and distributed it to countless clients. Together, we tackle whatever creature exists in their arena. For some, it’s the consequence of neglectful, absent parents, poverty, and violence. For others, it’s disturbing memories they continue to relive. For all, it’s the thing that has impacted their quality of life, their functioning, their happiness. It’s the thing they wish, earnestly, they could conquer.
Healing, through therapy, reflection, and connection, awaits you in your arena. This time, when you step in, you are not alone. Together, we dare greatly in pursuit of a worthy cause, but the credit belongs to you - and those in the arena - showing up to the fight despite all that might stand in the way. We are honored to stand beside you.
A trauma-informed approach to therapy & advocacy
We are committed to providing therapy and support to all individuals struggling with their mental health with a trauma-informed approach.
We specialize in treating survivors of trauma, including domestic violence, sexual assault, childhood and developmental trauma, incarceration, wrongful conviction, and other forms of violence. We also often see folks struggling with depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, grief, and loss.
Our goal is to inspire hope and provide a safe place for survivors from all walks of life to process, make sense of, and heal from their past experiences.