Meet the Ascend Team
Each provider at Ascend specializes in unique therapeutic approaches, see our services for more details and contact the provider that works for your needs. We consult together as healers and teachers so, whoever you work with, you access the combined wisdom and experience of our full team. We do not accept insurance but we can provide a superbill so that you can file for reimbursement. Rates to work with Angela and Collier are $150/hour for therapy or $200 for a 90 minute session.
We offer free consultation calls to hear more about what you are looking for, answer your questions and to see if we would be a good fit.
Specializes in: Life Coaching • Integrative Psychotherapy (young adults and older) Clinical Hypnotherapy • DBT Skills Training • EFT • Consulting on Integrated Behavioral Health Into Primary Care
ascendcoaching.aline@gmail.com
773-888-2713 (text or call)
Aline Defiglia LCSW, MPH
The work I do is both a calling and a passion. It is an honor to partner with my clients and see them regain their sense of confidence, vision, and purpose. As a licensed clinical practitioner and coach working with senior level executives at major companies, former NFL players and entrepreneurs, to college students, small business owners and individuals experiencing significant life transitions, I draw from a wide variety of techniques to help clients get unstuck, move forward and live out their highest vision both personally and professionally.
I’ve been called a “mover and a shaker” and have worn various hats over the first two decades of my career. Along the way, I completed a B.A, two master's degrees, started a business (twice-in two different states), and have advanced training in multiple therapeutic modalities. I’m an avid learner, with multi-dimensional interests. Since I seek to live out what I learn and teach, I’ve taken risks and extended myself outwardly (over-seas, urban and rural contexts) and inwardly. I’ve participated in and also facilitated retreats, workshops and experiences exploring the mind, body and spirit, in both the mainstream, clinical world, in spiritual and religious circles, and the alternative health and personal development world. I consider it an honor to partner with clients in some of the most vulnerable and meaningful areas of their lives. Owning my own practice allows me the opportunity to engage and innovate with clients and my team members.
Credentials and experience alone don’t make me a good coach and therapist, though I do hope it makes you feel more comfortable starting the process! Who I am and how I work with you, in your life – the way I can show up and inspire you to do the same – this is what’s most important. If you are interested in working with me, READ THIS and then fill out the inquiry form below. If you are looking for hypnotherapy ONLY, send me an email. I’m looking forward to connecting with you!
Listen to my interview on WGN Radio Chicago.
Listen to my podcast on Life Compass Living.
Specializes in: Integrative Psychotherapy for Teens & Up • DBT Skills Training • EMDR Cognitive Processing Therapy
ascend.collier@gmail.com
423-414-4672 (text or call)
Collier Buck, LMSW
“I have always been interested in the human condition: Why are our most valued relationships often the most painful? Why do we so often make decisions that cause us more harm than good, even when we “know better”? Why are we so often our own harshest critics? And maybe most importantly, how can we make life feel better? Since moving from my home state of Alabama, I have lived in different parts of the world, including Australia and the U.K., and the Eastern United States, primarily Northern Virginia, Massachusetts, and South Carolina. This has allowed me to meet and build deep relationships with people who have varied and unique experiences and personalities. I love cultivating meaningful authentic relationships, in which I am allowed the privilege of understanding another’s perspective. This compassionate curiosity allows me to meet my clients where they are without judgment, and drives me to help explore causes and potential solutions for the challenges they bring to treatment.
I have specialized training in the treatment of trauma and often utilize a trauma-informed approach to my client work. I also enjoy working with adults who are in a phase of self discovery, are experiencing relationship conflict, or are struggling to adjust in the face of difficult life changes.
My clients and I explore their life experiences, relationships, thoughts, and sense of embodiment to nurture a sense of safety, joy and inspiration in their personal and professional lives. Using compassionate curiosity, we gain insight into your goals and the actions steps needed to get you to where you want to go! I utilize a holistic approach to healing, which includes exploring the body and mind, internal and external influences, and one’s authentic self. My clients tell me that they appreciate my nonjudgmental, calm, and collaborative approach. My clinical colleagues often seek me out for consultation.
Specializes in: Integrative Psychotherapy for Teens & Up • DBT Skills Training • Brainspotting • Couples & Families
ascend.angela@gmail.com
423-708-4420 (text or call)
Angela Bennett, LMSW
Two central aspects of my personality are my fascination with the human experience and my love for connecting with others. From a young age, I have always been curious about the deeper aspects of human behavior and felt a profound empathy and sense of justice for those who are seen as underdogs.
For the past 5 years, I have had the privilege of working with the mental health and addiction communities in all levels of care: from acute inpatient and residential to intensive outpatient settings. In addition to my direct work with clients, I have also participated in cutting-edge, trauma-focused program design and implementation.
At Ascend, I work with individuals, couples, and families, with special interests in identity/existential issues, relationship issues, unprocessed childhood trauma, and/or addictions. I especially enjoy working with those who struggle with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, complex PTSD, or personality disorders.
My style as a therapist is to be warm, compassionate, authentic, relatable, and direct. We will work collaboratively to understand the roots of your issues and restore your sense of empowerment. I believe therapy is not just about talking, which is why I incorporate experiential and somatic techniques such as ecotherapy and brainspotting to promote mind/body wholeness. I draw upon numerous therapuetic approaches, including person-centered, psychodynamic, narrative, and schema therapy. To support couples, I have post-graduate trainings in Level 1 Gottman Method Couple’s therapy and Imago Relationship Therapy.