CELIA KOKORIS
Philadelphia,Pennsylvania
Summary
Compassionate and dedicated Therapist (LSW and CADC) specializing in trauma-informed care and substance use recovery, with expertise in advanced therapeutic modalities such as EMDR, ACT, EFIT, DBT, CPTSD, and the Gottman Method. Proven ability to address complex clinical outcomes while advocating for systemic justice, supported by a strong background in acute crisis intervention at UChicago Medicine and global mental health initiatives at TISS Mumbai. Experienced in facilitating process-oriented group sessions and individualized therapy tailored to diverse populations. Committed to fostering resilience and empowerment through evidence-based practices and empathetic support.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Fellow
Chicago Center for Psychoanalysis (CCP)
Chicago, IL
07.2025 - Current
- Theoretical Specialization: Advanced training in psychoanalytic theory and relational dynamics; engaged in intensive mentoring focused on personality organization and complex trauma.
Associate Clinician & Program Lead
Marra Psychotherapy
Chicago, IL
08.2024 - Current
- Pioneered "The Opening": Designed and implemented an original harm-reduction group curriculum for co-occurring trauma and substance use, focusing on attachment repair and autonomy.
- Currently remote therapist at private practice; manages a full-time caseload with clients ranging to personality disorder, substance use disorder, life transitions, and more.
- Clinical Innovation: Treat CPTSD and Personality Disorders using a "Macro-Micro" lens, integrating psychoanalytic depth with behavioral rigor to address systemic stressors.
Violence Recovery Specialist (intern)
University of Chicago Medicine – Trauma Unit
Chicago, IL
09.2023 - 01.2024
- Acute Crisis Intervention: Provided psychological first aid in a Level 1 Trauma Bay for victims of violent crime, witnessing the intersection of systemic violence and racial disparities.
Clinical Intern
Thresholds – Englewood Residential
01.2021 - 01.2022
- High-Acuity Residential: Managed a caseload of unhoused residents with the "triple diagnosis" of SMI, SUD, and chronic housing instability in an underserved urban community.
Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer
Prep for Prep
New York, NY
08.2016 - 01.2017
- Managed executive calendar, prioritizing appointments and optimizing time efficiency.
- Coordinated cross-departmental communications, enhancing collaboration across teams.
- Developed and maintained comprehensive filing systems for confidential documents.
- Prepared detailed meeting agendas and minutes to ensure productive discussions.
Literary Assistant
The Wylie Agency
New York, NY
01.2015 - 06.2016
- Achieved seamless client communication and support for over one hundred clients and estates.
- Delivered thorough manuscript evaluations and proposal reports, enhancing submission quality.
- Secured successful proposal submissions to major publishing houses, increasing client visibility.
- Negotiated favorable deal terms and permissions, optimizing client agreements. Produced detailed deal memos and organized author catalogues for prominent book fairs.
Education
Master of Arts - Masters in Social Work
The University of Chicago Crown School of Social Work
Chicago, IL06-2023
No Degree - International Research Practicum
Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai
Mumbai, India08-2022
BA - Psychology and English Literature
Smith College
Northampton01-2014
Skills
- EMDR Level 1 & 2 Trained
- Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC)
- Mandated Reporter (2026)
- Crisis Prevention Intervention Certified
- Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy Level One Certificate Completed Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy Level One Certificate Completed
- Trauma-Informed Care Certification (University of Chicago, 2024)
- Contextualized DBT Clinician (University of Chicago, 2024)
Certification
- Licensure: Licensed Social Worker (LSW), Illinois (LCSW-Eligible; 3,000+ supervised hours completed).
- Specialized Certifications: Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC); Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP).
- Fellowships: Graduate Fellow, Chicago Center for Psychoanalysis (CCP); Graduate Fellow, Center for Contextual Behavioral Practices (C-DBT), University of Chicago.
- Research: Qualitative Interviewing, Program Evaluation, International Comparative Research (TISS Mumbai).
Timeline
Fellow
Chicago Center for Psychoanalysis (CCP)
07.2025 - Current
Associate Clinician & Program Lead
Marra Psychotherapy
08.2024 - Current
Violence Recovery Specialist (intern)
University of Chicago Medicine – Trauma Unit
09.2023 - 01.2024
Clinical Intern
Thresholds – Englewood Residential
01.2021 - 01.2022
Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer
Prep for Prep
08.2016 - 01.2017
Literary Assistant
The Wylie Agency
01.2015 - 06.2016
Master of Arts - Masters in Social Work
The University of Chicago Crown School of Social Work
No Degree - International Research Practicum
Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai
BA - Psychology and English Literature
Smith College
Volunteer/Community Engagement
Lee County, Virginia, Active member of the recovery community, advocating for trauma-informed care in regions targeted by the opioid epidemic. Personal passion project that leads support groups at recovery homes for current residents.