Interns

One of Pinnacle Counseling’s core values is being a teaching practice. We strive to help our therapists continue to develop their skills as professionals to provide the most effective therapeutic support possible. Our intern program exhibits that value and reflects our commitment to learning and growth.

Background

We recognize that many people might feel some level of concern about working with an intern—with the assumption that they have less experience than a licensed therapist. Our goal is to be as transparent as possible with the level of support and supervision each intern receives.

All of our interns receive weekly supervision from one of our AAMFT-approved supervisors, as well as monthly group supervision with our program director, and periodic consultation groups on specific psychological topics (ie substance abuse, sex therapy, etc) run by specialists within our practice. In addition to this, they also receive regular supervision at their own learning institution.  

Since intern therapists are in the process of completing their training, they are highly motivated to provide the best care possible. They are often more willing to explore new or alternative treatment approaches and techniques, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals who have not had success with traditional therapy methods or who are looking for a more innovative or holistic approach to treatment.

It's important to note that while intern therapists are in the process of training, they are still held to the same ethical standards as licensed therapists, and they work under the supervision of licensed therapists to ensure safety and the best outcomes for clients.

All Pinnacle interns are in-network with BCBS PPO. For other insurance plans or for self-pay clients, interns operate on an income-based sliding-scale payment structure.

Clinical Work

Questions or Concerns?

If you have any question or concerns about working with an intern, please feel free to reach out to our Programs Director, Casey Gamboni (casey@pinnaclecounselingchicago.com).

  • Jamie Suh

    Jamie is a clinical intern under the supervision of Dr. Casey Gamboni and Gianna Saviano. Her clinical interests include relationships, sex and intimacy issues, infidelity, life transitions, intergenerational trauma, and complex family dynamics.

    Jamie’s therapeutic approach utilizes an integrative perspective, drawing from psychodynamic, existential, and systemic modalities. She firmly believes that the quality of our relationships profoundly influences the quality of our lives. During her sessions, Jamie delves into understanding what individuals and couples bring to their relationships, seeking to uncover patterns and facilitate positive change. Her strength-based approach empowers clients to explore alternative pathways by understanding the root causes of their behaviors.

    Jamie received her B.S. in Pre-Veterinary Sciences from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and is currently pursuing her M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Northwestern University. Before entering the mental health field, Jamie worked in the financial technologies industry, leading a team to help support clients.

  • Jessica Munzer

    Jessica is a clinical intern working under the supervision of Matt Garman, LMFT, and Dr. Casey Gamboni. Her clinical interests include working with teens, blended families, couples experiencing communication and intimacy issues, and individuals or families adapting to life transitions.

    Jessica takes a culturally-informed and relational therapeutic approach that respects clients’ autonomy while helping them develop coping skills and find creative solutions to unhealthy patterns. She tailors her approach to each client’s unique situation and meets them where they are in a motivating, empathetic, and non-judgmental way. She believes that the client is the expert of their lived experience and seeks to support and guide them towards their goals with warmth and a sense of humor.

    Jessica received her B.S. in Film & Television from Boston University and is currently pursuing her M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy at Touro University Worldwide. She is also a student member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. Before seeking a career in counseling, Jessica worked for a film studio in LA and still enjoys exploring the psychology behind the characters we see on screen and what they can teach us about ourselves.

  • Lirone Losoff

    Lirone Losoff is a clinical intern under the supervision of Dr. Casey Gamboni and DJ Watson, with specialized training in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Intimacy from the Inside Out (IFIO). She supports individuals (all relationship configurations), families, and groups, particularly those facing complex family dynamics, intergenerational trauma, identity development, multicultural identity, and the unique challenges associated with neurodivergent experiences like ADHD. Her clinical interests include traumatic stress (e.g., PTSD, CPTSD), anxiety, depression, emotional awareness, relationship issues, family dynamics, and life transitions.

    Lirone’s therapeutic approach is culturally informed and relational, drawing from neuroscience, systemic modalities, experiential therapy, and parts work. As an abolitionist therapist, she is committed to non-coercive, non-paternalistic care, even in crisis situations. Lirone emphasizes safety building and the cultivation of care networks before crises occur, working from a non-carceral standpoint that prioritizes healing and growth. She believes that true relational healing requires an understanding of the broader systems and contexts that impact clients' lives.

    Clients often describe Lirone as compassionate, grounded, and insightful. She creates a warm, non-judgmental space where clients feel heard, respected, and safe to explore their vulnerabilities. Lirone’s style is deeply relational and attuned, fostering strong connections and promoting healing that honors each client’s unique needs and experiences. She sees her role as a guide and collaborator, helping clients slow down their inner dialogue, develop self-compassion, and gain a deeper understanding of themselves and each other.

    Lirone has completed her graduate coursework in Couple and Family Therapy at Northeastern Illinois University. She is Level 3 trained in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Level 2 trained in Intimacy from the Inside Out (IFIO), the relational model of IFS. Lirone also serves as a Program Assistant (PA) for the IFS Institute, where she assists in facilitating IFS trainings.