About Petru Ilie
Who Am I?
I’m Petru Ilie (he/him) — Master’s Level Clinician. I’m an immigrant to the US, a husband, dog-lover, career changer, deep thinker, and caring listener.
I’m an ex-pastor from when I used to be religious, and ex-ops manager from when I used to work in corporate. Although my journey can seem random, one thread has remained constant through each season of my life: wherever I am, I love to help those around me become the best version of who they want to be. However chaotic life can get, I’m along for the ride with you, trying to make sense of the riddle that is existence.
In my free time I enjoy spending time with loved ones, experiencing all kinds of good food, petting dogs, philosophizing about the meaning of it all, watching good shows, and playing video games.
Petru will be working with Bellamy & Associates for his Masters level internship until the end of May 2024.
My Approach
My approach to working with you is offering a listening ear and a warm presence as you navigate through the messiness of life.
I believe that we may not be able to control what life throws at us, but we are able to decide who we become in light of it.
A psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor once wrote: “Forces beyond your control can take away everything you possess except one thing, your freedom to choose how you will respond to the situation.” I think he was on to something, and I hope to help you tap into that freedom to choose to become the best version of you.
It often doesn’t feel like we have that choice; the world is not as it ought to be, and the storms of life may obscure it. But we have more resources than we think we do, both within and around us. We are more resilient than we think we are. With support and practice we can learn to access that freedom and get better at becoming who we choose to be, come what may. I hope to help you on that path, whatever your challenge is.
Talk therapy isn’t a magic cure or a quick fix, but it can be one crucial part of the healing process. Usually, the more worthwhile something is, the more difficult it is. Your wellbeing is most worthwhile, and I would be glad to help along the way.
We may be a good fit if:
You would like to work on self-improvement and personal growth, relationship issues, or career development.
You’re grappling with existential questions of meaning and purpose, or you’re not sure what you want your life to be about.
You’re recovering from religious trauma or you are wrestling with your non-spiritual (or spiritual) identity.
Life threw you a curveball and you’re confronting big decisions or life transitions.
You’re wrestling with depression or anxiety.
You just want to be heard and supported, or to hear a different perspective.
What’s My Experience?
I am a Clinical Mental Health Counselor completing my graduate training at DePaul University.
I received my Bachelor of Arts and Master of Divinity from Trinity International University. In the first few chapters of my life, I was religious and served in churches in varying pastoral capacities. I got to walk alongside people as they were experiencing the whole gamut of life challenges, providing care and guidance in a relational community context.
In the next few chapters, I focused on the business world and managed the operations department of a company. There I also got to provide leadership and support to people, but this time in a more professional context, helping my teams reach their personal and career goals.
Now I no longer identify with a specific religious worldview, but I deeply appreciate the years of counseling experience I was able to gain from working in churches. I also appreciate the invaluable experience gained from the years of supporting my team members in a corporate context, which helped sharpen a different toolset.
Either way, my joy has always been to help people become the best version of who they want to be, and now I get to do that in the counseling field; hopefully together with you!
What is Sliding Scale Therapy?
Sliding Scale Therapy is a flexible payment option designed to make mental health services more accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation. This approach adjusts the cost of therapy based on an individual's ability to pay, ensuring that quality mental health care, delivered by Master's level clinicians like Petru, remains within reach for all.
Why Choose Sliding Scale Therapy in Chicago and Illinois?
Chicago has a diverse population with varying income levels, making sliding scale therapy, a needed resource for folks who may not have insurance, are underinsured, or cannot afford traditional therapy. Sliding scale therapy offers many benefits, such as:
Affordability: Sliding scale therapy offers a more affordable alternative to standard therapy fees, making it accessible to individuals with limited financial resources.
Quality Care: You can still expect high-quality mental health care from master’s level clinicians like Petru who are in advanced training programs.
Financial Flexibility: Your therapy rate is determined based on your income and financial situation, ensuring that you only pay what you can afford.
Reduced Stigma: Sliding scale therapy helps reduce the stigma associated with seeking mental health support by making it accessible to a wider audience.
How Does Sliding Scale Therapy Work?
The process for accessing online sliding scale therapy in Illinois typically involves the following steps:
Contact Us: Reach out to us to schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation call. We’ll ask you more about what you’re looking for support with, answer any questions you may have, and go over the logistics of next steps.
Income Assessment: Included on this call, we can discuss sliding scale/affordable therapy rates and what that means for you. We don’t require income verification and prefer to have open discussions and trust that you know what you can comfortably invest in your mental health.
Start Therapy: Once your fee is determined, you’ll receive the registration forms. Once you send those back, you can start your therapy sessions with your master's level clinician.
Regular Reassessment: Your financial situation may change over time. We may check in for periodic reassessments to ensure your therapy fees remain fair.
Finding Sliding Scale Therapy Providers in Chicago and Illinois
At Bellamy & Associates, we believe that everyone deserves access to quality mental health care. Sliding scale therapy in Illinois, provided by our dedicated Master's level clinicians, is a valuable resource for individuals seeking affordable therapy options. Don't let financial concerns hold you back from prioritizing your mental health. Reach out to us today to explore your options and take a significant step towards improved well-being.
Remember, your mental health is important, and there are options available to support you on your journey to wellness. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact us at contact@katie-bellamy.com.