Dr. Sara Dittoe, Director and Licensed Clinical Psychologist
I am a licensed clinical psychologist and the Director of Cognitive Behavioral Associates of Chicago. I received a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Dayton in 2003 and a master's and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with focuses in Health Psychology, anxiety disorders, and chronic pain from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in 2008.
I use mindfulness-based and cognitive behavioral approaches to help people suffer less and live a meaningful and values-based life. I have a particular interest in helping people cope with distress related to climate change and those on the front lines of climate and environmental work and activism.
At CBA Chicago, we use evidence-based treatments including mindfulness-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Compassion-Focused Therapy, and Positive Psychology. These are approaches that we are all personally drawn to and that our clients tend to like. They are backed by science and can be fun and creative. These are also very active therapies where you learn new skills and practice them to improve your quality of life.
We also enjoy and value working with a diverse client population. We see race, ethnicity, country of origin, ability status, gender identity, sexual orientation, and spirituality as important parts of our identity which impact how we move through the world and how the world sees us. We strive to be anti-racist and affirming of all identities. Cultivating anti-oppressive beliefs, practices, and policies is an ongoing and evolving process for all of us at CBA Chicago.
Dr. Julia Rubinshteyn, Licensed Clinical Psychologist
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with expertise in health psychology including chronic pain and medical conditions, as well as insomnia, anxiety disorders, OCD, managing perfectionism, and coping with stress. I received a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Marquette University in 2015.
My year-long pre-doctoral internship was at the Denver VA Hospital with a focus in working closely with medical providers to provide mental health services to veterans in a Primary Care clinic setting. During my internship and graduate school, I received intensive training working with individuals who experience chronic pain, insomnia, chronic health conditions such as diabetes, and individuals with spinal cord injuries/disorders. I enjoyed helping patients who were interested in making changes to improve their overall health and wellbeing.
Prior to working at CBA, I worked at the Edward Hines, Jr. VA for 5 years. I provided mental health services to veterans in their homes and later worked with individuals in the Spinal Cord Injury and Disorders program. During this time, I provided services to patients with medically complex backgrounds providing interventions for depression, anxiety, PTSD, and coping with difficult life changes, and stress. I also provided support to family members experiencing stress related to caring for a loved one with chronic health issues.
I have received extensive training in several evidence-based interventions including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for depression, anxiety, insomnia, and chronic pain, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD. I often incorporate Mindfulness practice as a key component into my work.
I value working with individuals who have diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds. I welcome individuals who identify with various aspects of diversity including race, ethnicity, religion, country of origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ability status. I take a compassionate approach and work collaboratively with my clients to best understand their experiences and goals for therapy. I use evidence based treatments in a way that is consistent with the client's values and goals to enhance wellbeing and help you thrive in your daily life.
Dr. Caryn Feldman, Licensed Clinical Psychologist
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with 30 years of clinical experience working with those struggling to find peace while living with chronic medical conditions. I am particularly interested in the application of Mindfulness and Buddhist Psychology approaches to psychotherapy. I am Assistant Professor at Northwestern University, where I help teach medical residents and fellows about psychological factors in chronic pain. I received my Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology in 1989, when I first became interested in health psychology. I have worked over 20 years at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab (formerly the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago) at the Center for Pain Management and enjoy doing both individual and group therapy.
I have been interested in meditation since the 1970s and over the years pursued training in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. I have my own meditation practice and have been fortunate enough to have participated in retreats locally and across the country. In 2013 I completed a 9 month specialty certificate from the Institute for Meditation and Psychotherapy. During this time I was able to learn directly from esteemed psychologists who specialize in Buddhist Psychology, Meditation and Self-Compassion work. Weaving mindfulness concepts and practices into my work is my passion.
I particularly enjoy working with individuals who are grappling with depression, anxiety and chronic stress. I believe the mind and body are one and my treatment is therefore holistic and body-centered. I also enjoy working with anyone who would like to take a deeper dive into the world of living mindfully with a chronic health condition. This year has shown us all how vulnerable we are and how we need tools for actively dealing with life’s uncertainties. Self-compassion is a key component of what I teach and practice.
My intention in my therapy practice is to embody mindfulness teachings. I view being grounded, compassionate, patient, and seeking wisdom as essential to the therapeutic process. I will ask you to be an active participant in your work and would welcome the opportunity to accompany you.
Dr. Lauren Benkoske, Licensed Clinical Psychologist
I am a licensed clinical psychologist and received a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Eastern Michigan University in 2020. I have had extensive training in health and rehabilitation psychology and have several years of experience working with individuals with a variety of mental and physical health issues including depression, anxiety, OCD, insomnia, posttraumatic stress disorder, cancer, stroke, and various physical injuries. I understand the complex relationship between physical health, mental health, and quality of life.
I especially enjoy working with adults to manage their health, depression, anxiety, difficulties with sleep, chronic pain, life stress, as well as to mentally process and recover from a medical diagnosis or procedure. Prior to working at Cognitive Behavioral Associates of Chicago, I completed a one-year predoctoral internship and a one-year postdoctoral fellowship at the Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital. During my years at the VA, I focused on providing mental health services to Veterans in a variety of inpatient and outpatient medical settings including primary care, women’s health, transplant, spinal cord injury/disorders, blind rehabilitation, palliative care, and acute rehabilitation.
My training and experience are rooted in evidence-based interventions including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for depression, chronic pain, adjustment to serious health diagnoses, and anxiety, as well as Exposure and Response Prevention for OCD. You are the one who knows yourself best. I collaborate with each individual to identify personal values and use supportive and validating techniques to help you identify and problem-solve around barriers and engage in behaviors consistent with your most important values in life. I am passionate about helping individuals move towards a life worth living!
Diversity and inclusion are critically important to my work and awareness of the many aspects of diversity and ability status is an ever-evolving process. In therapy, I work to integrate my knowledge of elements of culture, identity, and ability status with each individual’s unique experience. I am honored to take this journey with you to improve your quality of life.
Dr. Sage Bates, Licensed Clinical Psychologist
I am a licensed clinical psychologist and received my Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the Illinois Institute of Technology here in Chicago. I have several years of experience providing psychotherapy in a variety of settings, including hospitals and academic medical centers, community mental health, and private practice.
My pre-doctoral internship at the University of Wisconsin included working with a variety of mental health concerns, with special training in sleep medicine and cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). Prior to CBA Chicago, I completed a year-long residency in the Center for OCD and Anxiety-Related Disorders at Saint Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute.
I have a special passion for working with individuals presenting with anxiety-related disorders (e.g. social anxiety, phobias), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and hoarding. I most often use research-supported treatments such as Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), infusing principles of mindfulness and self-compassion throughout.
Therapy often requires approaching things that feel uncomfortable! I strive to foster an environment that is warm, supportive, and empowering. I also tend to incorporate creativity and humor in sessions when appropriate. I view therapy as a collaboration; you are a unique
individual whose identities, culture, strengths, and life experiences are important in how we do things. It is my hope to support you in developing skills to confront fears, and to live life in alignment with the values you define.
Outside of work, I enjoy art shows, live music, and taking long walks. I also am often doing something food-related: binging a food competition show, experimenting in the kitchen, or finding my next favorite meal in the city!
Outside of the therapy room, I enjoy exploring Chicago’s vibrant art and food scene! I also enjoy writing, live music, and kicking back with my rescue pup. I look forward to exploring your interests and passions as we build something meaningful together.
Dr. Elizabeth Dougherty, Clinical Psychology Postdoctoral Fellow
I received my Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Illinois Institute of Technology in 2022 and am currently completing my postdoctoral training. I enjoy working with people with a variety of mental health concerns, including OCD, anxiety disorders, stress, depression, perfectionism, self-criticism, and eating-related and health concerns.
My therapeutic work is grounded in evidence-based approaches that are backed by science such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and mindfulness- and compassion-based treatments. I take an individualized approach to therapy, tailoring the work to your unique experiences, needs, and goals. My aim is to create a warm, collaborative, and nonjudgmental therapeutic environment where you feel truly seen, heard, and supported as you work toward meaningful change.
I have extensive experience supporting adults struggling with eating disorders, mood concerns, and OCD. I find this work to be very rewarding. Because I believe in providing the best care possible, I completed specialized training in evidence-based treatments for these concerns including a year-long predoctoral internship at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and a three-year postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Chicago.
In addition to clinical work, I am passionate about advancing knowledge in the field through research. As an active researcher and editorial board member of multiple scientific journals, I incorporate the latest evidence-based findings into my clinical work to support clients in improving their well-being.
When I’m not at work, I enjoy catching up with friends and family, trying new coffee shops and restaurants in Chicago, and lounging with my cat.
Dr. Nikki Cohen, Clinical Psychology Postdoctoral Fellow
As a warm and supportive therapist, I prioritize creating a strong therapeutic relationship. I take a trauma-informed, whole-health, and compassionate approach to therapy. I tailor evidence-based treatments to my client's life experiences, cultural identities, and personal goals. I value working collaboratively with individuals to develop strategies that enhance their wellbeing, build upon their unique strengths, and approach life's challenges with confidence.
I received my Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Kansas in 2024. Prior to joining CBA Chicago, I worked and trained in a variety of settings. I received extensive training in several evidence-based interventions including cognitive processing therapy (CPT) for PTSD, mindfulness-based stress reduction, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for anxiety, depression, and chronic pain. My internship was at the Salt Lake City Veterans Affairs Hospital, where I provided trauma-informed care, cognitive behavioral therapy, and mindfulness-based interventions to clients coping with anxiety, PTSD, depression, and chronic health concerns. Prior to that, I worked at a community mental health clinic where I provided therapy to individuals impacted by sexual violence.
I have been fortunate to be able to work with diverse populations that includes veterans, gender and sexual minority individuals, and adults with chronic health concerns. I also enjoy working with individuals who identify as a member of the LGBTQIA community and individuals from religious minority communities.
My specialties are trauma, anxiety, stress, interpersonal and relationship issues, life transitions, self-doubt, low self-esteem, sexual health concerns, and coping with chronic pain. While working with you, I will blend coping strategies, problem-solving, compassion, care, and humor to help you reach your treatment goals. I look forward to working with you!