Our Team
DAVID BARRETO, MA, PhD, LCPC, Owner
David is owner of Lighthouse Counseling Center and has been working within the counseling field since 2010. He has a master’s degree in psychology with a focus in clinical psychology and a second master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling. He earned his doctoral degree in Counselor Education and Supervision.
His focus in counseling is to develop a compassionate relationship with each person based on a radical acceptance of the whole person – history, struggles, and strengths. Through this compassionate relationship, each person can learn self-compassion and flourish by using their personal strengths and pursuing their values. David uses mindfulness-based approaches that aim to alleviate suffering through valued living and by engaging in life with vitality and courage.
Clinical Interests: Latinx mental health/Dreamers, depression, anxiety, college student mental health, bipolar, personality disorders, ADHD, LGBTQ+ mental health, couples, pain management, weight loss, stress managements, spiritual/religious development, trauma, substance abuse.
Imelda Koehler, MS. Ed., LPC
Imelda holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northern Illinois University. She currently works in higher education helping college students transition into the community college environment. She spent many years working with the DeKalb/Sycamore community.
Imelda believes that given the right tools, support and compassion, each individual is capable of navigating life’s challenges and living a positive meaningful life. Imelda draws from Reality therapy, mindfulness, and strength-based interventions. She believes the counseling relationship is built on mutual respect and trust.
Clinical Interests: Latino issues, Life changes, anxiety, depression, grief, college/academic, college student mental health, career, stress management, multicultural/diversity issues, domestic violence
Ananya Sri Ram Rajan, MA, LPC
Ananya earned her Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Northern Illinois University. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and has over 20 years of experience as a spiritual advisor. Her counseling specializations include, but are not limited to, suicide prevention, grief and loss, crisis intervention, and women’s issues. Her experience includes working with individuals, couples, families, and groups.
Ananya has worked with people from various backgrounds and cultures. She views the client as a holistic being and believes they hold the answers they are seeking within themselves. Her role, as a counselor, is to help facilitate that journey. In addition to a wide variety of techniques, Ananya incorporates holistic methods such as relaxation, meditation, and visualization to serve the mind, body, and spirit of the client.
Clinical Interests: Anxiety, adjustment issues, couples, depression, grief and loss, relationships, self and identity, spiritual/religious development, suicide ideation, trauma, women’s issues
hope
“Hope is seeing light in spite of being surrounded by darkness.”
strength
“Strength grows in moments when you think you can’t go on but you keep going anyway.”
courage
“Courage doesn’t mean you don’t get afraid. Courage means you don’t let fear stop you.”