Meet Our Therapists

Anita Chlipala
LMFT
SAMANTHA HILL
NCC/LPC
Karen Washington
LMFT
ANDREA BRICE
ALMFT

HOLLIE SCHMID
LMFT

LEIGH ANN
LCSW

Jeannie Sytsma
LMFT

VITO RIZZI
INTERN

KATIE Nick
LMFT

CARINA OZERS
INTERN
LANA EL MASRI
ALMFT/LPC

It’s not easy choosing the right therapist. We understand that. How do you know if you can trust us? What if a therapist makes things worse? You’re going to share with us your hearts, your relationships, your fears and doubts, and your hopes and dreams. It’s not easy meeting with a stranger and trusting them and what they’re going to say. We get it.

What we can tell you is that we are all passionate about our work and helping our clients. We are a team of highly skilled therapists who have gone through a lot of education, training, and experience to call ourselves experts. We continually seek out research-based trainings to make sure we are providing our clients with cutting-edge care.

Any one of us below can help you with the common problems that bring clients to us: communication problems, infidelity, pre-marital counseling, sex & intimacy, anxiety, depression, stress management, intimacy, infidelity, etc., but we’ve included specialties that we each enjoy, too. We also want to make sure you work with a therapist whose style is a good fit for you. . Some of us swear in session, some of us don’t. But one thing we can guarantee is that we’ll tell you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear, and be proactive in helping you achieve your goals. We won’t leave you hanging. Promise.

Check us out below and you can either reach out directly to the therapist or use the contact form on our website. We look forward to working with you!

Hi, I’m Anita Chlipala!

Owner and Founder

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

she/her/hers

People often ask me how I could listen to problems all day. My response: I have a comfortable chair…just kidding. There’s nothing more rewarding than to hear my clients’ stories and to help them achieve their goals.

I founded Relationship Reality 312 to focus exclusively on romantic relationships – from getting one to maintaining one successfully. I use cutting-edge research in my work to bring you the latest information and tools to help you achieve a happy and healthy relationship. Whatever problems or issues you want addressed, I don’t just listen – I’ll teach you the skills you need so that you no longer need to see me anymore (or a twice-yearly check-in will suffice!).

If you’re looking for a no-BS approach, contact me today.

Instagram: @AnitaOnLove

 

Areas of Specialty:

Helping singles navigate dating and find love
Infidelity – emotional and physical affairs
Making the decision to stay or leave your relationship
High conflict couples

Credentials & Qualifications

  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
  • Author of First Comes Us: The Busy Couple’s Guide to Lasting Love
  • Frequent media appearances
  • Blogger for The Million Dollar Matchmaker, Patti Stanger: pattiknows.com
  • Emotionally Focused Therapy Externship
  • Level 2 Certification in Gottman Method Couples Therapy
  • Trained in Discernment Counseling
  • Level 3 Trained PREP Leader (Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program)

My Education

  • M.A. in Marital and Family Therapy from the University of San Diego
  • M.Ed. in Secondary Education from Arizona State University
  • B.A. in English and Religion from the University of Iowa
  • Clinical Fellow in the Illinois Affiliation of Marriage and Family Therapists

Hi, I’m Karen Washington!

Clinical Director

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

she/her/hers

I want to make the world a better place one sex life at a time.

I once had a therapist tell me figure out what you’re good at, and how to get paid for it. As it so happens, I am really good at talking about sex with people and helping them learn how to talk about it, too. From there, I also learned that I am fascinated by people, their own self-esteem, how they feel about each other, how they do (and don’t) communicate. Most importantly, I learned that I am completely enthralled with learning about and love to talk about sex. So now I do what I love, and it never feels like work.

I studied Sociology in undergrad, which rounded out my study of the individual and all it is impacted by from its environment. From there, I pursued my Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy at Adler University. The systemic foundation reflected my belief that, while sex is not necessarily the primary problem (although it can be), typically it is what suffers from all of life’s problems. I am committed to helping individuals and couples work through life’s obstacles in order to return to a fulfilling intimate life – whether or not problems exist – by teaching better communication and coping skills. I further incorporate psychoeducation on self-esteem and sex education to enhance my clients’ understandings and enable them to continue to thrive. I write advice and editorial pieces on sex/sex related topics for online publications.

I believe my clients are experts on themselves; sometimes they just get stuck and need someone else to help them problem solve. That’s why I do what I do – to help you get unstuck by collaborating on tools specifically designed for each of your unique problems, issues, and circumstances.

View recent article on the site Between Us.

Areas of Specialty:

Sexual issues
Desire discrepancy
Sexual dysfunction
Consensual nonmonogamy
Kink/BDSM

Call me at 312.971.6846.

Credentials & Qualifications

  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
  • PREPARE/ENRICH certified
  • M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy from the Adler University
  • Candidate for M.Ed. in Human Sexuality at Widener University
  • B.A. in Sociology from DePaul University (Chicago)
  • Clinical Fellow in the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists
  • Clinical Fellow in the Illinois Affiliation of Marriage and Family Therapists
  • Early Career Professional in the Society for Sex Therapy and Research
  • AASECT-approved certified sex therapist
  • Committeeperson for SSTAR
  • Freelance writer for Kinkly.com
  • Freelance writer for Sexology International
  • Adjunct Professor at Adler University
  • Interviewed by NBC News February 2015 about the social impact of 50 Shades of Grey
  • Interviewed by Kellye Howard Jue, September 2018, about practicing sex therapy for podcast, Kellye Talks. (Found on iTunes & SoundCloud)
  • Interview with Angela Skurtu, July 10, 2020: Making The World A Better Place One Sex Life At A Time
  • Quoted on opinions for best sex mattresses

Hi, I’m Hollie Schmid!

Assistant Clinical Director

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

she/her/hers

Sometimes I joke and say that I started being a therapist way before I actually did. Being that go-to person for advice in most of my relationships with friends and family evolved into a passion for helping others. Furthermore, the naturally assumed role of being a listening ear and a voice of reason for many is what eventually lead me to pursuing my education in therapy. My intense desire to understand individuals and how their relationships can impact the way they think, feel, and act drove me to studying Marriage and Family therapy.

My approach to practice emphasizes emotional expression, building connections, finding support, validating emotions, and creating healthy and effective interactional patterns. My goal within each session is to always ensure that I am providing a warm, welcoming, and comfortable environment for my clients. Therapy can bring up a lot of emotions, and I believe that it is important for my clients to feel as if they have a safe place to share in these feelings.

The process of healing may not be an easy one, but I believe my role as a therapist is to put an end to the cycle of avoiding difficult topics, and dig deeper into them instead. Change ultimately begins and ends with you. You are the creator of your own journey to healing. My passion comes from helping people pave their way to growth and happiness.

Instagram: @therapywithhollie

Areas of Specialty:

Increasing emotional Intimacy
Post-baby relationship blues
Learning effective communication skills/how to argue fairly
Self-esteem issues
Codependency

Call me at 312.219.5721.

Credentials & Qualifications

  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
  • Applicant for Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
  • M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy, Northern Illinois University
  • Member in the Illinois Affiliation of Marriage and Family Therapists
  • Level 2 Certification in Gottman Method Couples Therapy

Hi, I’m Jeannie Sytsma!

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

she/her/hers

Relationships have always sparked my interest, and it was no surprise to my family and friends when I decided to pursue a career in marriage and family therapy. One of the reasons I chose to become a therapist is because I have always admired the resilience of people, which includes looking at the darkness in our lives in order to grow and move forward. As humans, we are wired for connection with one another and sometimes it can be challenging to let down our defenses and open ourselves up to vulnerability. I believe that being in therapy will allow you (and your partner) to understand your vulnerabilities, identify troublesome patterns, and make concrete changes in the present that will carry into the future.

I do this work because I care deeply about helping others and I believe that everyone deserves a skilled, fierce ally with lots of resources to support them when life gets tough (as it inevitably does). As a therapist, I strive to strike a balance between showing empathy and challenging you to move you towards transformation. I know therapy can be intimidating, which is why I practice from a non-judgmental and caring stance in order for you to feel safe and secure in our time together.

It is my belief that you have the strength inside of you to make the necessary changes in order to achieve the results you want; I am here to help you gain insight about what is blocking you from getting there on your own, and provide you with skills to sustain your growth outside of therapy. My goal for you is to have connection with others and I believe that happens when both people feel heard, seen, and valued. Lastly, I will leave you with the words of Brené Brown: “Love is not something we give or get; it is something that we nurture and grow, a connection that can only be cultivated between people when it exists within each one of them – we can only love others as much as we love ourselves.”

Areas of Specialty:

Pre-Marital
Anxiety
Intimacy
Religion/Spirituality
Couples with Life Changes

Call me at 312.625.8556.

Credentials & Qualifications

  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
  • Associate Marriage and Family Therapy
  • M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Adler University
  • Bachelors of Science in Psychology from Northern Illinois University
  • B.A. in Theology from Wheaton College
  • Member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
  • Member of the Delta Kappa Honors Society
  • Level 1 Certification in Gottman Method Couples Therapy

Hi, I’m Katie Nick!

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

she/her/hers

I vehemently believe that with the right tools, our relationships and our sex lives can be the container in which we build the very best version of ourselves. As a relationship and sex therapist, I’ve made a profession in studying those tools – ones that allow us to develop a solid, resilient sense of self that serves as the foundation for a compassionate, enduring, and VIBRANT relationship with the people we love.

I come from a journalism background, which means I spent years writing about sex and relationships before realizing that I might just have a knack for working with people face-to-face. It also means that I have a particular penchant for helping my clients develop clear, constructive communication, and tap into their authenticity and intuition so they can create their own gripping life stories.

The truth is – working ourselves and our relationships and takes some Herculean courage, which is one of the things I’m here to support you in maintaining. In session, we’ll work on developing true emotional intimacy, learn to listen compassionately to difficult truths, and make room for the growth and change that each relationship inevitably experiences. My approach to sex therapy goes beyond establishing sexual function to creating sexual fulfillment, and I practice from a kink-friendly, LGTBQIA-affirming place.

As your therapist, I fully believe in practicing what I preach, and I’m so passionate about helping you and your partner tap into the glorious potential your relationship holds – both for yourselves individually and together as a dream team.

Areas of Specialty:

Sex therapy
Self-esteem and personal growth
Singles work and partner selection
Emotional maturity
Highly sensitive people

Call me at 312.650.9249.

Credentials & Qualifications

      • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
      • M.A. in Couple and Family Therapy, Adler University
      • Registered yoga teacher
      • Bachelor of Journalism, University of Missouri
      • Member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists

Hi, I’m Lana El Masri!

Associate Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, LPC

she/her/hers

Every relationship is dynamic and unique. I have always been drawn into the intricacies of how people function within their relationships and the dynamics of their close social circles. I am always eager to learn about how people operate and what constitutes a healthy relationship with friends, families, and couples. A combination of wanting to learn more while helping others was a driving factor in the pursuit of my career as a therapist. It is through these studies I have built a foundation to help you navigate, strengthen and grow these relationships both as an individual and as a couple.

Throughout my life, I have been continuously immersed in varying cultures and been enlightened by different perspectives people may have, Which has shaped me on being always non-judgmental towards any individual and supportive with an open mind. My multicultural background has been one of my continuous and significant strengths as a person. It has made me to be open-minded, flexible, compassionate, and always yearning to learn more about similarities and differences between cultures and ethnic groups. I am passionate about my own Middle Eastern culture and am bilingual in English and Arabic. It has given me the opportunity to meet many different people on various life paths, and connect with those who may feel alienated in a new place. Seeking help is the first step in creating a positive change and growing as an individual. I would love to help you in this process in a safe and welcoming environment.

I have always been a good listener to my family , friends and experience listening through my coursework at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, and it would be a pleasure to listen to you and help you with any concerns you may experience in different aspects of life.

Areas of Specialty:

Multicultural relationships
Emotional trauma (grief, breakup, family changes)
Women’s issues
Self-esteem
Dating and singles

Call me at 312.600.8912.

Credentials & Qualifications

      • B.A. in Psychology from the University of Illinois at Chicago
      • M.A. in Counseling Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology with a concentration on Marriage and Family Therapy (Expected 2022)
      • Member of the American Counseling Association
      • American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)
      • Member of International Association of Marriage and Family Counselors

Hi, Samantha Hill!

Nationally Certified Counselor / LPC

she/her/hers

Life is hard! Seeking support can feel daunting but doing the work to take care of yourself always pays off. I deeply believe that we all deserve to thrive, not just survive. Therapy with me sets you up for a happier, healthier life with more satisfying relationships. I believe you are the expert of your own life. My job is to show up, support you, and walk with you on your healing journey. I bring empathy, understanding, gentle challenges, and support that facilitates insight that will increase your understanding of your actions and emotions. Greater understanding of self supports healthier relationships and a healthier world view. While therapy is not always easy and at times you will be challenged to step outside of your comfort zone, I know that growth happens when you get uncomfortable and keep moving forward anyway.

Whether you are struggling with depression, anxiety, problems communicating with your partner, feeling stuck and not knowing what to do next, or recovering from trauma and abuse, I’ve got you. In my counseling room, you will feel seen and heard. I bring warmth and care and show up for you as my genuine self. I’m here to help you help yourself.

Areas of Specialty:

Narcissistic abuse recovery
Trauma and sexual trauma
Body image
Women’s issues
Self-esteem/Personal growth

Call me at 312.970.1746.

Credentials & Qualifications

Hi, I’m Andréa Brice!

Associate Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

she/her/hers

My journey as a therapist began by recognizing that I’m a great listener… and I secretly wanted to tell people what to do with their life. While my goal is not to tell you how to live, I will support you in making decisions that work best for you to live a fulfilled life. Do you feel burdened by the weight of your experiences? Are you unsure of what your needs are, and think support could be helpful? Different seasons in life may cause you to feel stuck and unsure of the next best step. From a systemic and collaborative lens, I have developed a culturally sensitive approach and can help you if you’re faced with racism, classism, sexism, colorism, and more.

Understanding your environmental influences may provide valuable insight towards how you show up as a significant other, friend, coworker, family member, etc. As you face your challenges, my goal is to meet you where you are, and hold you accountable for your actions. I believe it is beneficial for you to become whole before finding fulfillment in the world around you. I look forward to hearing from you and supporting you on your journey.

Areas of Specialty:

Effective communication/conflict resolution
Self-esteem
Infidelity
Personal development
Familial trauma

Call me at 312.625.6344.

Credentials & Qualifications

  • Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy-General Family Therapy (anticipated June 2027), Northcentral University
  • Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
  • M.A. in Couple and Family Therapy from Adler University
  • B.S. in Community Health with a concentration in Rehabilitation from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
  • Delta Kappa Member-International Honor Society for Marriage and Family Therapy
  • American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)

Hi, I’m Leigh Ann!

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

she/her/hers

It’s a privilege to work with clients on the things that matter to them the most. Our dreams, our goals and our closest relationships, these are at the core of who we are and our path toward creating a life that is happy, satisfying and complete. All of us can benefit from the support and encouragement of a therapist who listens and helps to understand so that we can build the lives and relationships we hope for. As a therapist, my goal is to support you in a caring way. I do this by creating a non-judgmental and accepting space where individuals and couples can work through what is stopping them and move forward confidently.

Whether the focus is on dating and finding a new relationship, building the connection, communication and intimacy in your current relationship or support in navigating life changes, I look forward to working with you.
   

Areas of Specialty:

Parenting (And being a couple while parenting!)
Personal Growth
Intimacy
LGBTQ+ Affirming

Call me at 312.380.6142.

 

Credentials & Qualifications

      • Licensed Clinical Social Worker
      • Bachelor of Arts (Psychology and Public Administration), Miami University
      • Master of Social Work, Loyola University of Chicago
      • Ph.D. Couple and Family Therapy (anticipated 2024), Adler University
      • Member of the National Association of Social Workers
      • Member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists and the Illinois Affiliation of Marriage and Family Therapists
      • Member of World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH)
      • Member of American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists
      • Emotionally Focused Therapy Externship
      • Currently training for Level 1 Certification in Gottman Method Couples Therapy
      • Certified facilitator, Open Studio Process, a process art experience

Hi, I’m Vito Rizzi!

Intern

he/him/his

Let’s face it- relationships can be hard! It has never been easier to find a partner, yet it often feels increasingly difficult to maintain meaningful, loving relationships. Everyone deserves to feel loved, connected, and seen for what makes them special and unique, but navigating romantic relationships is not always easy. This is where I come in.

I believe that love is a resource we can all cultivate within ourselves. Oftentimes, our past experiences bleed into our relationships, laying the groundwork for relational patterns that might leave us feeling disconnected or distressed. Ultimately, I believe that by improving our relationship with ourselves, we can form more fulfilling relationships with others. I also believe that you already have the tools you need to form a sustainable solution that works for you.

Whether you’re working through challenges in your current relationship or creating a new one, I feel that a collaborative and integrative approach can produce valuable insight tailored to your unique identity. As a queer practitioner, I am committed to offering a safe space to all my clients. Relationships are not “one size fits all”, so why should therapy be? You are the expert of your own experience and I hope to approach our sessions with respect, curiosity, and care.

Areas of Specialty:

Intimacy
LGBTQIA+ Relationships
Personal Growth
Consensual Non-Monogamy
Neurodiversity

Credentials & Qualifications

  • B.A. Chemistry, University of Chicago, 2013
  • M.A. Couples and Family Therapy, Adler University (Expected 2023)

Hi, I’m Carina Ozers!

Intern

she/her/hers

Connection to ourselves and others makes life noteworthy. To make those connections deeper, it is vital to find healthy relationships that enrich our lives. I think all of us have a story of how our lives look in our minds, and how we would like to change that story for something more fulfilling.

As a therapist, I feel honored that people share their stories with me. It is incredibly brave to take the steps to come to therapy and be vulnerable about your life and feelings. In my approach, I am person-centered and empathetic to the want to improve your life and relationships in a way that works for you.

I am here to support you while we change the narrative in a way that is more serving to you. If you are struggling personally with something or are having trouble connecting to others in your life, I will support you by listening in a nonjudgmental way to find a solution that works for you and your life. It is never too late to change your story.

Areas of Specialty:

Intimacy throughout the lifespan
Dealing with change in relationships
Singles work
Self-esteem
Emotional boundaries

Credentials & Qualifications

  • B.A. in Health Sciences (Minors in Psychology and Human Relations) from University of Iowa
  • M.A. in Counseling Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology with a concentration on Marriage and Family Therapy (Expected 2023)
"My husband and I found Anita when we were at a very dark place in our relationship; we weren’t sure if we could ever get back to that place that brought us together.  But with Anita’s help, we are closer friends, better lovers, and our partnership as parents is stronger than ever.  We appreciate Anita’s patience, her amazing knowledge, and her practical tools which helped save our marriage! Thanks Anita!"
T&J
"Jeannie is clear and direct while also kind and empathetic. She isn’t afraid to push through discomfort towards truth and connection, which has made a lasting impact on my marriage and my own identity seeking. She asks hard questions, listens with compassion, and gives me hope in every situation without fear of judgment. I am so grateful to have her in my corner!"
H.G.
"Apollonia is compassionate, willing to listen, and offers great advice. She not only helped me gain a clearer view of myself particularly in dealing with conflicts in a relationship, but also gave me useful tools to improve my relationships with my romantic partner and my parents."
C.K.
"RR312 provides therapy in a way that I always had hoped would be provided. They set the bar high. Other providers failed miserably."
R.W.
"I had been struggling within my relationship as well as loving myself. Hollie helped me get out of my 'rose color glasses' to really see the reality/bigger picture of things in my relationship. She also gave guidance on how I can find my voice and go about standing up for my own needs. Whenever I talk to her, I feel more confident and stronger in myself."
M.R.
"I will forever be thankful for the impact Gabby had on my life. Working with her over the last several months has created tangible changes in my daily life and vastly improved my self-esteem and overall quality of life. I can't overstate how deeply appreciative I am to have had the opportunity to work with Gabby. "
M.W.

Contact Relationship Reality 312

Book an appointment below. To ensure you will work with the best therapist for you, please let us know the following: a little bit about what you want help with, such as communication, trust, disconnection, dating, etc.; your general availability; and if you are planning on using insurance. Please leave your phone number as well as your email address as sometimes our email goes to spam. Your therapist will respond within 24 hours. Thank you and we look forward to working with you. 

We are doing virtual sessions during the COVID-19 pandemic and will check your insurance benefits for coverage.

312.219.3399

333 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 1010, Chicago, IL 60601