Meet Rachel Panther

I approach therapy from an empowering, client-led, and strengths-based perspective. Drawing from Narrative Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I support and guide clients in making meaning of their stories, reconnecting with their values and inner strengths, and building resilience. I also integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills to promote concrete and measurable change in various areas such as emotional regulation, thought restructuring, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. My goal is to balance meaningful exploration with practical tools that clients can apply in their daily lives.

I have extensive clinical experience working in the inpatient psychiatric unit at a children’s hospital, where I supported children and adolescents experiencing acute mental health challenges. This experience strengthened my ability to work with diverse backgrounds and complex presentations with flexibility, empathy, and cultural awareness. It also deepened my understanding of how essential it is to consider familial systems, cultural influences, racial identity, socioeconomic factors, and social and academic pressures when working with clients. I believe meaningful therapy requires viewing each individual within the broader systems that shape their lived experience.

I am currently earning my master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. I received my undergraduate degree in Psychology from Drake University, where I was also a Division I soccer player. My experience as a collegiate athlete shaped my passion for health, wellness, and movement; values I enjoy integrating into therapy to support a holistic approach to mental health.