Ria Tzavara, LCSW
(she/her)
About Me
I am Ria Tzavara, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) dedicated to providing compassionate, trauma-informed care with a deep commitment to healing and social justice. I specialize in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Drama Therapy. My approach integrates evidence-based interventions with creative expression to help clients navigate trauma, anxiety, depression, and life transitions in a way that feels both effective and deeply personal. I believe therapy should be a collaborative and empowering process. Whether we engage in traditional talk therapy, EMDR, or expressive arts techniques, my goal is to create a safe and supportive space where you can explore your experiences, reconnect with your strengths, and move toward a life of greater balance and fulfillment. I welcome clients of all ages, genders, and sexualities at any stage of their healing journey—whether you are new to therapy and seeking a structured, supportive approach or have years of experience and wish to explore new modalities or dive deeper into your personal growth. If you are looking for a therapist who values creativity, authenticity, and depth in the healing process, I invite you to connect with me. Together, we can create a path toward healing that honors your unique journey. Let’s Begin Your Healing Journey Today.
Education & Experience
Ria is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, EMDR Therapist, and Drama Therapist with a commitment to helping others heal. She earned her Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Illinois at Chicago – Jane Addams College of Social Work and continues to deepen her expertise with advanced training in EMDR. Her passion for learning and growth extends to Drama Therapy, where she is furthering her studies through the North American Drama Therapy Association, the Center for Creative Arts Therapy, and the Chicago Center for Psychodrama. With warmth and compassion, Ria integrates a variety of therapeutic approaches, including Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR Therapy), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Drama Therapy interventions (such as Psychodrama). She tailors her approach to meet each client's unique needs, creating a safe and supportive space for healing, self-discovery, and growth. With extensive experience working with diverse populations, including college students, young adults, refugees, LGBTQIA+ individuals, BIPOC communities, neurodiverse individuals and those struggling with PTSD, complex trauma, emotion dysregulation, eating disorders, and addiction, Ria understands the importance of a holistic, client-centered approach, rooted in a social justice framework. Ria is deeply dedicated to working with individuals and groups, fostering an atmosphere of trust, connection, and empowerment. She believes in the power of creativity and self-expression as tools for transformation and strives to help her clients reconnect with their inner strengths and resilience. https://chicagoemdr.com/ria/
Specialty Area
- Abuse/Neglect
- Addictions
- Alcohol/Substance Abuse
- Anger Management
- Anxiety/Panic Attacks
- Bipolar Disorder
- Birth Trauma/Pregnancy Loss
- Chronic Illness/Medical Issues
- Chronic Pain
- Depression
- Dissociative Disorders
- Domestic Violence
- Eating Disorders
- Family Issues
- Gender Identity
- Grief/Loss/Mourning
- Headaches/Migraines
- Marriage/Relationship Issues
- Mood Disorders
- Moral Injury
- Motor Vehicle Accidents
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders
- Performance Enhancement
- Personality Disorders
- Phobias
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum
- Race, Culture, Ethnicity Issues
- Self-Harm
- Sexual Abuse
- Sexual Dysfunction
- Sleep Disorders
- Somatic Issues
- Spirituality
- Sports Injuries
- Stress Management
- Suicide Risk
- Survivor's Guilt
- Traumatic Incident
Population Served
- Adolescents (13-17)
- Adults
- BIPOC
- Community Mental Health Center
- Couples
- Expats
- Families
- First Responders
- Group
- Immigrants
- LGBTQ+
- Seniors
- Underserved
- Veteran Center
- Veterans/Military
Language
- English
Insurance
- BlueCross BlueShield
Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO