About arena

RECLAIMING YOUR NARRATIVE MEANS MORE THAN JUST RETELLING YOUR STORY

What is the story you tell about yourself? How much is it influenced by what others have said about you? Or labeled you as? Is that the story you want to continue to tell? Is it truly yours?

Arena therapists are aware of the impact of trauma on individuals and approach treatment for all with sensitivity, understanding, and respect for the client’s experiences, focusing on trust, empowerment, and safety throughout the healing process.

Given the interconnected nature of trauma and legal issues, we are also passionate about trauma-informed lawyering and creating a supportive network for those interacting with the criminal justice system.

Arena is deeply committed to understanding the challenges you face and we work to provide support that is as individualized as each journey. Because when given the power to tell your story your way, you can heal, and ultimately achieve the justice you deserve.

founder’s story

First a therapist. Then a lawyer. Now, both.

Tatiana Duchak

I've spent most of my career working with individuals involved in the legal system, and consequently, processing intense pain, trauma, and challenges. After becoming frustrated by the ways in which various systems treat people who are struggling with mental illness, trauma, and other differences, I went to law school in hopes of being better equipped to advocate and inspire legitimate, societal change.

After years working in correctional, child welfare, psychiatric, and other institutional settings, I understand that these systems are hard and draining for both clients and the service providers. In my experience, they are often tasked with carrying the heaviest work and addressing intense issues, while being understaffed and underfunded. The helping professionals they rely upon are often left with little, or lacking, support, which impacts those receiving services. I aim to bridge the gap between between the mental health and legal systems by training therapists and other professionals about the specific needs.

As a solo provider, my goal was to remove common barriers that impede individuals’ access to quality mental health services by offering trauma-informed therapy that are in-network with major insurances and/or made affordable by sliding scale, pro bono, and other payment options. I founded Arena to dismantle the stigma, bias, and confusion that can interfere with someone’s access to mental health support.

What’s ‘the arena’?

Over the course of my career, I’ve often returned to a famous speech given by Theodore Roosevelt titled, “The Man in the Arena.” In it, he describes an individual, “marred by dust and sweat and blood,” striving valiantly to conquer what’s before him. Sometimes, he falls. He’s injured, and sometimes doubtful, but he always rises.

I’ve taped this speech to the cinderblock walls of my jail therapy room. I’ve printed and distributed it to countless clients. Together, we tackle whatever creature exists in their arena. For some, it’s the consequence of neglectful, absent parents, poverty, and violence. For others, it’s disturbing memories they continue to relive. For all, it’s the thing that has impacted their quality of life, their functioning, their happiness. It’s the thing they wish, earnestly, they could conquer.

Healing, through therapy, reflection, and connection, awaits you in your arena. This time, when you step in, you are not alone. Together, we dare greatly in pursuit of a worthy cause, but the credit belongs to you - and those in the arena - showing up to the fight despite all that might stand in the way. We are honored to stand beside you.

Available for:

  • Tatiana is currently accepting new individual therapy clients.

  • Currently an Adjunct Instructor at North Park University, Tatiana teaches Personality Theory and Biopsychosocial Disorders. She also guest-lectures in psychology and criminal justice classes about trauma, domestic violence, and the relationship between the law and human behavior.

  • Tatiana has trained therapists, social workers, agency staff, attorneys, and other mental health and legal staff on the following topics:

    • Trauma-Informed Legal Advocacy

    • Adopting a Trauma-Informed Approach to Reentry After Incarceration

    • The Criminalization of Mental Illness

    • Crisis Intervention & De-Escalation

    • Recognizing and Responding to Domestic Violence Survivors in a Therapeutic Setting

    • Criminalized Survivorship: How the Legal System Can Punish Survivors of Domestic Violence

    Previous partnerships:

    • Chicago Bar Association

    • National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL)

    • Boys & Girls Club, Chicago

    • Exoneration Project & Road2Reentry

    • Private practices and firms

Certifications & Affiliations

Trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)

Trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Member of The Network: Advocating Against Domestic Violence

Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professionals (ILCDVP) 40-Hour Trained

Board Member, Illinois Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys (IACDL)

National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys (NACDL)

American Psychological Association (APA), Div. 41 American Psychology-Law Society

Illinois Mental Health Counselors Association (IMHCA)

Trained in Mediation by the Center for Conflict Resolution, Chicago

Bar Admissions

Chicago Bar Association

Illinois Bar Association

American Bar Association

Board of Directors

Arena’s Board of Directors show a breadth of passion and purpose. All Directors have long careers of advocacy for the policies, practices, technologies, and services that advance others’ betterment, and are founded in values of equity and access.

A trauma-informed approach to therapy & advocacy

We are committed to providing therapy and support to all individuals struggling with their mental health with a trauma-informed approach.

We specialize in treating survivors of trauma, including domestic violence, sexual assault, childhood and developmental trauma, incarceration, and other forms of violence. Our goal is to inspire hope and provide a safe place for survivors from all walks of life to process, make sense of, and heal from their past experiences.

bridge the gap between the mental health and legal systems