Dr. Maka is an empathetic therapist who believes that each session can be utilized as a vehicle for personal growth.  Within the therapeutic relationship, Dr. Maka holds an emphasis on exploring past experiences that have an influence upon the present, along with navigating through relational dynamics that become present during the therapeutic hour. Dr. Maka believes that focusing on these areas leads to a deeper understanding and awareness of one’s own thoughts and feelings, while helping to resolve the influence of troubling past experiences on the present.

 

Dr. Maka has experience working with children, adolescents and adults across various clinical settings, such as therapeutic day schools, psychiatric hospitals, an intensive-outpatient facility, and group practice. Dr. Maka has specialized training and interest in psychoanalytic psychotherapy.  Dr. Maka utilizes neuropsychological and projective assessments to provide individuals with further insight into areas of concern as well as to promote personal growth and aide in the process of overcoming innate and/or external obstacles.  Currently, Dr. Maka holds an interest in working with individuals of all age-groups who are ailed by mood disorders, various life transitions, and mourning and loss.

 

Dr. Maka received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Loyola University Chicago, a Master’s of Arts in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, a Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology from Adler University, and a Certification in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy from the Chicago Center for Psychoanalysis. Dr. Maka is undertaking further training within the psychoanalytic community with the goal of becoming a psychoanalyst, and remains active in a number of ongoing research projects.