Rina Popal
LPC
My Approach
Rina’s therapeutic style is warm, collaborative, and developmentally informed—centered on creating a safe and supportive space where children, adolescents, and their families feel heard, understood, and empowered. She believes that meaningful change starts with connection, and works to build trusting relationships where young clients can explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences without fear of judgment. Whether through play, creative expression, or open conversation, she tailors her approach to meet each child or teen where they are emotionally, cognitively, and socially. Patients and families can expect me to be both a calm presence and an active guide—offering consistent support while also helping identify practical strategies to manage emotions, improve behavior, and build stronger relationships. She draws from evidence-based approaches that promote emotional regulation, communication skills, and resilience. She also collaborates closely with parents and caregivers, recognizing that support at home is a vital piece of a child’s progress in therapy.
The value that Rina bring lies in helping young people better understand themselves and develop tools they can use well beyond their time together. She especially enjoys working with children and adolescents who may feel overwhelmed by anxiety, big emotions, social challenges, identity questions, or complex family dynamics. Her ideal clients are those navigating these layers of stress but who, with the right support, are capable of incredible growth and self-discovery. What makes her a strong fit for this population is her ability to attune to a child or teen’s unique emotional world—offering structure, empathy, and creativity in equal measure. She believes therapy should not only be effective, but also engaging, empowering, and affirming of who they are. Together, they will focus on building self-awareness, fostering confidence, and making meaningful changes that support emotional balance, positive relationships, and a more hopeful path forward.
Ages Treated | Toddler, Children, Preteens, Teens
About Rina Popal
My Experience
Rina received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from University of Illinois at Chicago, where she was introduced to the broad field of psychology. She then went on to receive her Master of Education in Counseling from DePaul University where she chose the clinical track and specialized in mental health services. She previously provided Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy in a clinical setting, supporting children with neurodevelopmental and behavioral needs through individualized, evidence-based interventions. She has experience working with a diverse range of clients in mental health settings, including neurodivergent individuals, youth, and those navigating relational challenges, developmental needs and identity exploration. Her work has focused on supporting clients in building healthy coping strategies, fostering emotional independence, and gaining greater self-awareness. This background allows her to tailor her approach to meet clients where they are – whether they’re working through behavioral concerns, exploring who they are, or striving for stronger connections with others.
Rina has always been drawn to those who feel overlooked, misunderstood, or overwhelmed by the challenges life throws their way. With a curious mind and a compassionate heart, she sees each client as a unique story waiting to be understood—especially those navigating emotional, behavioral, or developmental struggles. Much of her experience has centered around supporting children and adolescents with neurodivergent profiles, as well as individuals working through issues related to identity, relationships, and self-regulation. She has worked alongside families, school teams, and clinical providers to create supportive environments that promote growth, healing, and meaningful change. Rina understands that mental health is rarely one-dimensional and has helped clients manage a variety of overlapping concerns, from behavioral challenges to emotional overwhelm. In recent years, she has deepened her practice in areas like emotional independence, identity development, and coping skill-building—focusing on empowering clients to better understand themselves and navigate life with more clarity and confidence.
Education
University of Illinois at Chicago B.A.
Psychology
DePaul University, M.Ed.
Counseling
Languages Spoken
English, Pashto
Gender
She/Her
Treatment Modalities
- Art Therapy
- Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Humanistic Therapy
- Mindfulness
- Person-Centered Therapy
- Play Therapy
- Sandplay Therapy
- Strength Based Therapy