Woman with glasses and long red hair smiles softly against gray background.

Yahaira Toruno MS, LCPC, CRC, CADC

Hello! I'm so glad you are here!

I have a bachelor degree in Psychology from Purdue University and a Master's in Science in Rehabilitation Counseling from Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT). I am a certified rehabilitation counselor (CRC) and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC).

I have over 20 years of experience supporting individuals facing many challenges at the same time, in the Chicagoland area.

My mission is to support individuals achieve greater overall well-being, independence and more connection with others and their higher self-the authentic loving and wise part of your conciousness.

Throughout my career, I’ve provided individual and group counseling to different types of populations as well as provided clinical supervision to other counselors. I also trained staff on evidence based practices for different topics.

I have participated in program leadership and developtment, created/led teams of clinicians and supported many programs in some of my past positions and volunteer work.

I have a long history of working in health care centers, hospitals, police stations, shelters, community organizations etc to support specialized programs serving vulnerable populations.

My work has led me to get involved with progressive programs and clearing the way for new evidence based approaches. It's been a priviledge to have been and continue to guide many individuals through their own recovery & journeys. I am passionate about empowering my clients and using trauma-informed, culturally responsive care. I am fluent in Spanish. I strive to create safe, inclusive spaces for healing, connection and growth.

In addition to my clinical work, I have led nonprofit initiatives supporting youth, arts, and community gardening projects in underserved neighborhoods. I was board president for many years at Coop Image. I believe in the power of connection, education, and access for everyone to resources & support, as catalysts for change.

Whether you’re seeking counseling, support for your team, or resources for recovery, I’m here to support. Thank you.

Psychology Today Profile: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/yahaira-toruno-chicago-il/1539132

About Higher Self Connection

At HSC, we take a holistic approach to healing, integrating eastern and traditional psychotherapy methods (evidence based practices) such as motivational interviewing (MI); Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Energy Psychology (EP) Solution Focused Therapy (SFT) with meditation, yoga, reiki, chakra healing, ayurveda practices, ancient Mayan wisdom, etc., to improve the mind/body connection. For those seeking spiritual work, we offer meditation and yoga coaching.

Meditation, Yoga, Breathwork, Energy work, Ayurveda, Mayan Wisdom also part of my sacred work.

I have been working in person and online with Yogamu Institute in Rishikesh, India since 2022. I studied in person in Rishikesh in 2024 and took some 1-1 suppport and completed Ayurveda workshop. This workshop was useful in learning more ways to help others heal and understand how our health is multidimensional, not just our bodies.

Cources completed or in progress:

Ayurveda
Meditation Teacher Level 1
Yoga Nidra
Yin Yan Yoga Teacher 100hr
Pranayama Course
The Third Eye
Prenatal Yoga
Women’s Health and Yoga
Yoga Psychology
Courses in progress:
Meditation Training 200hr and 300hr
Yoga Teacher Training 200 hr and 300 hours
Ayurveda Cooking
Chair and Senior Yoga
Kundalini Yoga Teacher Training 200hr and 300hr

Psychotherapy

As a licensed professional I use many modalities (motivational interviewing, psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral therapy, energy psychology, positive psychology, solution focused, socio cultural, mindfulness, trauma informed evidence practices. Feel free to schedule your 1-1 consultation or schedule a self pay virtual 1-1 session, if you are ready. In person sessions can be arranged. Also, use link below to sign up to SonderMind portal and work with me using your insurance. Thank you

https://www.sondermind.com/providers/nm6d1kuq/yahaira-toruno

Education & Certification

Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) - Commission On Rehabilitation Counselor Certification.
CADC -Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor - Illinois Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Professional Certification Association, Inc.
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) - Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation