Hello, my name is Shareny Baba and I’m a bilingual (Spanish & English) therapist at R&B Counseling. I was born in Mexico and immigrated to the United States at the age of 5. I grew up in a Mexican-American, mixed-status, and multi-generational household. The pressures that come with two different cultures and being a first-generation college student have fueled my desire to support others through their healing journey. I obtained a Bachelor of Science from Northern Illinois University. After I obtained my Bachelor's, I began my career in Early Childhood Education, where I focused on early childhood development, community education, and filling the gap for children with access to fewer opportunities. I graduated from Loyola University Chicago with a Master of Social Work from the Online Bilingual Program. During my studies, I focused on the importance of mental health within immigrant and refugee populations. I then began my clinical work with survivors of domestic violence and with adolescents and adults experiencing mental health disorders such as Suicidal Thoughts, Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, and/or PTSD.

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 More recently, I have been working with the refugee population. I discovered a passion for supporting children and young adults to navigate two different cultures, particularly as they deal with acculturative stress, the impact of racism, and fighting with internalized and societal messages about who they “should” be in the world. I intend to provide a safe space for reflection and learning. I have experience facilitating individual and group skill-based sessions focused on developing a healthy life balance, connection to self-worth, value-aligned behavior, and ways to seek support. As a bilingual, bicultural, and immigrant therapist, I utilize my deep understanding of navigating two distinct cultures to help clients cope with cross-cultural conflicts and trauma. I strive to help you find meaning, peace, and a sense of belonging by exploring yourself, integrating the multiple identities and values you hold, and honoring and embracing your experiences and strengths.