About Us
Meet Celishia M. Bussey
I have over two decades of experience working in education, social services, and mental health in the Chicagoland area, with the majority of that time spent serving the south side of Chicago. I understand the range of issues that marginalized and underserved communities face and the impact that structural inequities have on our daily lives. I am passionate about working with people from these communities. I work with my clients to explore their histories and patterns and help them learn new ways to respond to life’s challenges. It is an honor to bear witness to my clients’ growth in self-esteem, self-advocacy, and empowerment.
I earned a Bachelor of Arts from Washington University in St. Louis in Psychology and African and Afro-American Studies and a Master of Education in Human Services and Counseling from DePaul University. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the states of Illinois and Indiana and a National Certified Counselor. I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, a member of the EMDR International Association, and pursuing EMDR certification. I have also completed Level 2 of Internal Family Systems therapy training. You can find more information on both modalities on our Services page.
My Journey
I founded Ready To SHIFT Counseling after years in private practice to do for myself what I’d helped so many clients accomplish – live the life they desire. My love of travel and adventure always seemed to be in conflict with the consistency and stability that I strive to provide for my clients. However, with a telehealth practice, I can do the work I love while seeing more of the world and modeling for my clients what it means to SHIFT the focus to their needs. I look forward to working with other clinicians to help them do the same.
Meet Dr.Deidra L. Bibbs
As a Chicago native, I understand how our identities, relationships, communities, and lived experiences shape the way we navigate the world. My work is rooted in culturally responsive, trauma-informed care, with a particular passion for supporting Black women, young adults, and individuals from historically marginalized communities. I recognize that navigating life’s challenges often means managing not only personal stressors, but also the expectations, responsibilities, and systemic barriers that shape our daily experiences. My approach to therapy is warm, authentic, and collaborative. I believe clients deserve a space where they can show up as their full selves, without judgment, pressure to perform, or the expectation that they always have to be strong. Together, we explore how past experiences and patterns influence present challenges, develop practical tools for navigating life’s difficulties, and work toward meaningful, sustainable change. I value honesty, humor, and genuine connection, and I consider it a privilege to support clients as they develop greater self-awareness, confidence, and empowerment.
I earned bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Missouri–Columbia and a Ph.D. in School Psychology from Ball State University. I completed my predoctoral clinical internship through the VA Maryland Health Care System Consortium and a postdoctoral fellowship specializing in Child and Adolescent Trauma at the University of Chicago Medical Center. I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in Illinois, Indiana, and Texas. My clinical experience spans hospitals, community mental health settings, schools, and academic medical centers, with specialized training in complex trauma, psychological assessment, and culturally responsive interventions. In therapy, I draw primarily from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), integrating trauma-focused approaches, mindfulness, and other evidence-based strategies to support individuals navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship concerns, identity development, and life transitions.
