Discover your truest self.

Training & Experience

Dr. Ottero graduated from Gonzaga University in 2011 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. She attended The Chicago School of Professional Psychology’s APA Accredited Clinical Psychology program in Chicago, IL, and received her Master of Arts in 2013, and her doctorate in 2016. She went on to complete her Predoctoral Internship at the Federal Medical Center, Carswell, in Fort Worth, TX. Her training and experience are rooted in Psychodynamic and Relational Theory, Cognitive Behavioral and Mindfulness-based modalities, as well as Feminist and Existential frameworks. She has a strong foundation in psychological assessment, individual and group psychotherapy, program development and evaluation, and supervision/training of students and clinicians.

Her clinical experience spans a variety of settings, including inpatient treatment, outpatient clinics, as well as county, state, and federal jails and prisons. Dr. Ottero’s experience in a wide range of settings has reinforced that we all have more in common than we think, and the desire to be seen and to connect meaningfully is at the core of human experience.

Although she treats a wide range of clinical concerns, her areas of specialty include trauma recovery, life/role transitions, identity exploration, sexualilty/gender expression, improving relationships, increasing work/life balance, and coping without harm or substances.

Dr. Ottero believes that a trusting and genuine therapeutic relationship is the foundation for successful therapy. The development of mindfulness, self-reflection and intentionality are important aspects of her approach, with a focus on creating a warm, inviting atmosphere where individuals feel safe to explore, while being gently challenged to see new perspectives.

Through this space you will gain insight, awareness, and be gently challenged to see new perspectives and solutions. Though direct, my style is warm, relational, and empowering.

self-compassion,

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I have trained, practiced, and researched at the following organizations.

 
  • Two Chairs Behavioral Health Group, San Francisco, CA

  • Federal Bureau of Prisons:

    • FMC Carswell, Fort Worth, TX

    • FCI Seagoville, Seagoville, TX

    • FCI Dublin, Dublin, CA

  • Wisconsin Department of Corrections, Racine, WI

  • Directions Psychological Consultations, Aurora, IL

  • Cook County Jail, Sheriff’s Women’s Justice Program, Chicago, IL

  • Sleep & Performance Research Center, Spokane, WA

  • Erasing The Distance, Chicago IL

  • SPARK, Chicago, IL