Ruth Tekeste- Dicks, clinical intern

I’m so glad you’re here! My name is Ruth Tekeste Dicks and I am a Clinical Mental Health Counseling Master’s Candidate at National Louis University. I’m a Chicago native of Eritrean descent who’s split my time between the North and South sides of our city. I have taught and advised at the high school and graduate levels in urban and affluent schools, where I’ve closely supported teens and adults with anxiety, depression, lack of confidence, grief, trauma, special needs, pregnant and parenting, in the foster care system, in immigrant families, LGTBQUIA+, and more. While working in schools, the great need for mental wellness services in our community, especially by therapists who look like us and understand our experiences, became apparent to me, which brought me to the world of therapy. 

It is too easy to be overwhelmed with life and everything you feel like you should be doing. Therapy together will help you silence the negative thoughts and practice the power of positive thinking and gratitude for what you are doing, because you’re doing the best you can, and for what’s to come.  It is my privilege to partner with you on your holistic mental wellness journey and help you find peace, balance, and joy again. I will uplift and encourage you to live your best life. Healing takes courage, willpower, and strength, and it is clear you possess all of that and more inside you for taking the first step in pursuing therapy. This process will have its ups and downs, but I hope you will walk away from our therapeutic relationship feeling empowered with tools that tap into your strengths and equip you to healthily cope with life’s challenges. 

I graciously invite you to share your world with me. I will see and honor all parts of your identity, and help you do the same. I like to utilize a mix of mindfulness, cognitive behavioral, Adlerian, solutions-focused, strengths-based, trauma-informed, and Acceptance and Commitment therapy but will tailor my approach to best meet your needs. I operate from an accepting, feminist, multicultural, antiracist, and anti-oppressive lens and welcome anyone whatever your background, religion, gender identity, and sexual orientation. I am looking forward to our work together as you heal, rise, and soar!

*Clinical Interns are under the supervision of their respective academic institutions as well as the supervision of one of our Fully licensed therapists. *