What Inspired Oasis Project?
Our Story
Oasis Project is an initiative created by two Latina therapists that shared a dream to create a space where our Latinx and immigrant communities could feel seen. Working at a non-profit agency, we both had the opportunity to experience hands-on the large array of needs our community faces on a daily basis, ranging from basic needs (financial, medical and housing) to mental health, wellness and personal growth. As it is customary in our culture, we would have these long conversations over lunch and coffee, and the shared sentiment was “We deserve more as a community”.
As the time went by, that sentiment grew and turned into a question, can we do something about it? At this time, we had both gone back to grad school and obtained our Master Degrees in Clinical Psychology. The knowledge we had acquired from school, plus the practical experience of working with the Latinx and immigrant community (and realizing the complexity of the trauma many presented) we became more and more serious with the idea of launching our own private practice. What if we opened our own practice (Erika Luna asked)? If you’re serious, so am I (Erika Aguirre replied), and just like that, “sembramos la semilla” (we planted the seed) of what we wanted Oasis to be.
Although we have a shared cultural background, our experiences are different and unique, just as most of the Latinx folks’ experiences in this country are. Erika Luna’s story and experiences are influenced by her being a first generation Latina daughter, who grew up in the South Side of Chicago. Erika Aguirre on the other hand, an immigrant who was born and raised in Mexico, exemplifies another face of the Latinx experience in this country.
For us, our strength relies precisely on the differences in our experiences and how they help us understand the large array and uniqueness of experiences and challenges many in our community face. We aim for Oasis to become that “lugar de calma en medio del caos” (place of calm in the midst of chaos) for those who come to our doors.
“Nuestro propósito es acompañarles en su proceso.”
— Erika Luna & Erika Aguirre
Oasis Project, PLLC Co-Founders
Get To Know Us
Erika Luna, LCPC
My name is Erika Lizette Luna, born and raised in the Southwest Side of Chicago. My passion for understanding people’s emotions and behavior came from an early age as I struggled to make sense of the world around me growing up. Much of my lived experiences were shaped as I navigated predominantly white spaces as a brown skinned Latina, daughter of immigrant parents from Chihuahua, Mexico, and first generation to many things. I struggled to make sense of societal and cultural expectations, feeling lost, and struggling to feel like I belonged.
With time, I am building my own space by learning new things about myself and who I am, unlearning expectations placed on me by society, and redefining how I see life. All these new discoveries have helped me get a sense of control and understanding where I belong. I hope to do the same for others. I want to help people find their identity and learn about themselves so they too can have that sense of belonging and know who they are individually outside of relationships and perceived expectations.
Now as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, I work with individuals as they navigate life transitions, self-exploration, heal from trauma, and repair relationships. Throughout my career I have learned the impact of trauma that rears in many forms, understanding how trauma and chronic stress affects the person's self-concept as well as their mind and body. I identify my therapeutic style as compassionate and collaborative, integrating trauma and cultural healing processes.
Qualifications:
Master’s of Arts in Counseling Psychology, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, State of Illinois (LCPC)
40-Hr Certified in Sexual Violence and Domestic Violence
Erika Aguirre, LPC
Something that I’ve learned throughout my formal training and in my personal life is that life is not what happens to us, but how we respond to what happens to us. Life, relationships and experiences can become challenging for any of us, and when they do, managing our feelings can become overwhelming. This is normal. This is not a “weakness” or a “character fault”.
As a Latina immigrant in this country, I know firsthand many of the challenges our community faces and how taxing it can be on one’s mental health. Trying to adapt and acculturate to this country at 18-years old was one of the most challenging experiences I have faced. Leaving behind my college, career, friends, family and my life in general was not an easy task; many times I wondered if I could ever “feel like myself” again.
Well- intentioned people advised me to just “remain strong” or to “echarle ganas”, but I felt I was tired of “being strong”. It was a dark couple of years until I finally accepted that I needed help and began to try to find it. That was the moment things began to change for me.
My experience working with the immigrant community and with survivors of Gender-based violence for the last 10 years and now as a Licensed Professional Counselor, has taught me how powerful therapy can be and how it can help us to improve the quality of our lives and our relationships. My commitment to you is to offer a supportive and understanding space where you can feel safe and comfortable to share those thoughts and feelings that you might have been carrying and are weighing you down. I always consider it a privilege when someone allows me to be a part of their process to improve their lives and thus, I do what is in my power to acompañarte through that road.
Qualifications:
Master’s in Clinical Psychology, Roosevelt University
Licensed Professional Counselor, State of Illinois (LPC)
llinois Certified Domestic Violence Professional (ICDVP)
Mary France Bazan, LCPC
My family and I were one of the only brown families growing up in a predominantly Irish American community in the southwest side of Chicago. I grew up knowing I was brown and different from the children around me. Not just in everyday discipline, but I noticed that my entire upbringing was distinct from that of my friends. I had a front row view of my parents’ daily struggle to survive and assimilate, all while keeping their own cultural identity in this new American world. We lived in nonstop survival mode. So from an early age, I knew I wanted to study psychology. I was curious about the how, the why, and the impacts of behavior. I was interested in learning about relationships, trauma, and breaking unhealthy cycles.
As a first-generation Latina, I would fill my Mexican cultural void during my weekly trips to Little Village in Chicago. It was here that I was immersed in a vibrant and colorful atmosphere, that at the time, was the closest thing to my parents’ Mexican heritage. This helped me develop an attitude of love and self-acceptance. I was able to connect to the children and teens from this neighborhood through dance and school tutoring.
I have experience working with children and adolescent clients in both the school and community setting. I was a Bilingual Child Therapist in Pilsen and North Riverside, Illinois. Mostly recently, I was a School-Based Counselor in Berwyn and Cicero, Illinois. As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, my goal is to create a safe space that helps clients feel comfortable, supported, and empowered. While working alongside clients, I use an empathetic and positive client-centered approach to help build their self-esteem and confidence.
I am so happy that my educational and professional journey has led me to where I am now, working alongside these respected Latina therapists. Thank you Erika A. and Erika L! With Oasis Project Therapy, I hope to continue helping clients in their journey of mental health and empowerment.
Qualifications:
Master’s in Forensic Psychology, Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, State of Illinois (LCPC)
40-Hrs Certified in Domestic Violence
Trauma Informed Clinician