About Us
Our Mission
In a time where taking care of your mental health is emphasized, nurturing
and caring for our minds is the important key to one’s overall health. At
Emotional Compass, our mission is to enhance the quality of life for the
members of our community by offering comprehensive and compassionate
mental health care to individuals, couples, groups, and families.
Providing members with interventions and integrating life-improving
services that are tailored to everyones’ unique needs is a goal we always
strive to achieve. Long lasting change comes from building on strengths
and managing stressful situations and barriers, like symptoms, while setting
and reaching new goals. We build partnerships, trust, and confidentiality
with everyone we work with in order to create long-lasting change for each
person that seeks our support.
Meet The Team
Hillary Aponte-Chimelis, LPC, PMH-C, R-PLC
Owner/Therapist
Hillary Aponte-Chimelis is the owner of Emotional Compass. She is a bilingual Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Pennsylvania, with over 15 years of experience working in the mental health field. Hillary is trained in Ecosystemic Structural Family Therapy, she is a Trauma-Informed therapist. She is certified in Perinatal Mental Health and is a certified RETAIN Parental Leave Coach. She has experience working with a diverse population, various conditions, and those who have endured life altering challenges. She utilizes many theoretical approaches to guide members in developing their capabilities and reduce any blocks that interfere with achieving their goals. However, her foundation is in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). She is a firm believer that our thoughts impact on our feelings and behaviors. The primary objective is to understand what happens in your mind and body in the present to change how you respond.
Lauren Alicea, MA, Pre-Licensed
Therapist
Lauren has her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She is currently working towards licensure in the state of PA to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Lauren has over six years of experience in the mental health field and has had the privilege of working with a diverse population. “Creating a safe and affirming space for individuals of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and body types is incredibly important to me, I strive to be LGBTQ+ positive, body positive, and identity affirming.”
Lauren’s primary therapeutic approach is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and in sessions she will guide you understanding the connection between your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Lauren recognizes that every person is unique and their needs are not one-size-fits-all. She is committed to meeting clients where they are in their personal journey and incorporating techniques from a wide array of clinical approaches to best suit their specific needs. One of her main focuses in sessions are helping clients develop positive skills to effectively manage symptoms and equipping them with skills to be empowered when facing challenges. Additionally, she focuses on building healthy relationships, guiding members in developing effective communication skills and setting boundaries.
In your therapeutic journey with Lauren, you can expect a compassionate and collaborative approach. Through empathy, active listening, and acceptance, she will create a supportive environment where you feel comfortable expressing yourself and exploring your unique strengths. Together you will navigate your challenges, develop effective strategies, and work toward your goals of growth, healing, and personal fulfillment.
Allison Klinger
Master's Level Intern
Allison Klinger is a Master’s Counseling Intern working under the supervision of Hillary Aponte-Chimelis, LPC. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree in psychology from Temple University, and is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania.
Allison aims to offer support to individuals and families as they navigate various life challenges. With a foundation in counseling theories and hands-on experience in diverse clinical settings, she is committed to creating a safe and empathetic space for clients. She has experience working with clients dealing with a variety of concerns, such as anxiety, depression, cannabis and alcohol use, and interpersonal issues. Through supervised practicum and internship, her approach to counseling centers on empathy, active listening, and collaboration to empower clients on their path to self-discovery.
She has a particular interest in couples and family counseling, as well as individual counseling, tailoring her approach to meet individual needs and foster positive change. Allison is due to graduate with her Master’s degree in May 2024. She is enthusiastic of the opportunity to support you on your journey!