IT’S TIME TO MAKE A CHANGE.

MEET Dan stribling-vergara, LCSW

Clinical Therapist IN Evanston, il

A smiling young man with short brown hair, wearing a light gray sweater and a black necklace, standing in front of large green plants and a dark gray wall.

Let me guess:

You’re here because you are seeking more.

You’re tired of the cycle. You’ve spent countless hours in waiting rooms, scrolled through endless self-help books, and tried every wellness trend, yet you still feel "stuck." Whether it’s the lingering weight of trauma or a sense of spiritual dryness, it feels like something is blocking you from fully engaging with the life you were meant to live.

I want you to know that you don’t have to keep searching "out there" for the answers. Together, we can find the healing you seek by listening to the wisdom already held within your body and your spirit. You aren't just a list of symptoms to be managed—you are a whole person ready to be restored.

you’re in the right spot.

A smiling man dressed in a black tuxedo with a bow tie, standing outdoors with green bushes and trees behind him.

How I Work: A Path of Accompaniment

At the core of my practice is a conviction that every person possesses an inherent, God-given capacity for healing. My approach is rooted in the belief that we are "fearfully and wonderfully made," and that our bodies and spirits are designed for restoration.

10+ Years of Community-Based Healing

I have dedicated my life’s work to accompanying individuals, couples, and families through their most difficult seasons. My journey has taken me into diverse settings—from supporting unhoused youth and formerly incarcerated young adults to facilitating community peace circles and specialized family counseling. These experiences have taught me that no matter how deep the trauma or the "dark night," there is always a path back to dignity and connection.

Integrating Body and Soul

I specialize in the intersection of Somatic Experiencing and Theological Depth. While our work is grounded in evidence-based clinical practices, it is also informed by my studies at the Catholic Theological Union. This allows us to center your specific counseling goals while honoring the spiritual values that anchor your life. You can be confident that our space will be one of warmth, safety, and deep respect for your whole self—body, mind, and spirit.

Education, Licensure & Training

Education

Catholic Theological Union (CTU) – Chicago

  • Candidate for M.A. in Reconciliation & Restorative Justice Practices

  • Focusing on the intersection of trauma, theology, and the restoration of the human person.

University of Missouri-Columbia

  • Master of Social Work (MSW), 2015

  • Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), 2014

Licensure

  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Illinois, Indiana, Texas, and Iowa.

Advanced Clinical & Theological Training

Somatic Experiencing (SEP) Practitioner

  • 2027 SEP Certification Cohort

  • Advanced training in nervous system regulation and the resolution of biological stress patterns (Trauma Healing).

The Gottman Method Couples Therapy (Level 1)

  • An evidence-based approach to strengthening relationships, building intimacy, and managing conflict.

Vincentian Spirit & Catholic Social Teaching

  • Active member of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. This involvement grounds my clinical work in the practical application of Catholic Social Teaching—serving with dignity, humility, and a preferential option for those in need.

“

Healing is the application of love to the places where we hurt. It is a participation in the work of the Creator, who is constantly making all things new.

“

St. Irenaeus

in counseling with me…

We move with intention.

I believe that true transformation happens when we respect the rhythm of both the soul and the body. We will navigate the roots of your current challenges at a pace that feels right for your nervous system—never pushing past what you are ready to integrate. Because you are a person of infinite dignity with a unique history, I tailor our work to your specific patterns and needs. Together, we will move toward the "more" you are seeking, ensuring you feel fully resourced every step of the way.

You are the navigator of this journey.

You are the primary expert on your life, your body, and your faith. My goal is to create a sacred container where we can hold the fullness of your story together. Think of me as your copilot: I am here to provide guidance through the turbulence of life and help you find your bearings when things feel overwhelming. We move at your pace, toward the destination of peace and restoration that you choose.

you can be safe here.

There is nothing more vital to the human spirit than finding safety within the body. Having dedicated hundreds of hours to clinical training in Somatic Experiencing and serving hundreds of clients with complex trauma histories, I know that healing cannot happen without trust. I commit to you that our work will be held in an intentional, sacred space—one rooted in curiosity, profound connection, and a deep respect for your inherent dignity.

A woman sitting on a rocky edge overlooking a valley with layers of mountains, trees, and a cloudy sky in the background, in black and white.
Black and white photograph of a foggy forest with tall pine trees

Anxiety & Depression

Grief & Loss

Trauma Healing

My background

I’ve spent 10 years supporting individuals & relationships across the lifespan.

  • Somatic Experiencing® (SE)

    Somatic Experiencing is an evidence-based approach designed to resolve trauma by working directly with the body’s physiology. Rather than simply talking about the past, this model supports the nervous system in completing its natural biological responses to stressful or traumatic experiences.

    In our work together, we will:

    • Explore Patterns: Identify how your nervous system responds to stress and safety.

    • Build Mindful Awareness: Develop a compassionate "felt sense" of your internal experience.

    • Expand Your Window of Tolerance: Increase your capacity to remain present and grounded, even during life’s challenges.

    Learn more about Somatic Experiencing here.

    An Integrated Toolkit for Healing

    While Somatic Experiencing is the foundation of my trauma work, I draw from several other evidence-based and soul-centered modalities to ensure our approach is as unique as you are:

    • Mindfulness & Contemplative Practice: Integrating present-moment awareness with traditional Christian contemplative wisdom to foster inner stillness.

    • Relational & Couples Counseling: Utilizing the Gottman Method to heal the "body language" of relationships and build secure emotional bonds.

    • Anti-Oppressive & Restorative Frameworks: Rooted in my background in Social Work and Restorative Justice, I recognize the impact of systemic harm and honor the dignity of every individual’s story.

    • Motivational Interviewing: A collaborative, goal-oriented style of communication for strengthening personal motivation and commitment to change.

    • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Skills: Providing practical tools for emotional regulation and distress tolerance to help navigate day-to-day life.

  • Academic Background

    • Catholic Theological Union (CTU) – Chicago

      • M.A. Candidate in Reconciliation & Restorative Justice Practices Currently deepening my practice through the study of theological frameworks for healing, systemic reconciliation, and the inherent dignity of the human person.

    • University of Missouri-Columbia

      • Master of Social Work (MSW), 2015

      • Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), 2014

    Honors & Recognition

    • 2014 BSW Student of the Year Recognized for academic excellence and commitment to the values of the social work profession.

    • 2014 & 2015 Catalyst Award Winner Awarded for pioneering campus-based services for LGBTQ+ students and establishing the Proud Tigers Mentorship Program. These honors reflect my career-long dedication to creating spaces of belonging for those on the margins.

    Professional Licensure

    I am licensed to provide clinical services in the following states:

    • Illinois: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) – #149021502

    • Indiana: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) – #34011230A

    • Iowa: Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) – #125341

    • Texas: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) – #113490

  • Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner (SEP)

    • In-Progress Certification (2027 Completion)

    • Location: Florence, KY Cohort

    • Ongoing Mentorship: I actively participate in monthly individual and group clinical consultations to deepen my application of the SE model. This rigorous training ensures I am bringing the most current, trauma-informed nervous system research to our sessions.

    The Gottman Method Couples Therapy

    • Level 1 Trained

    • In-Progress Certification (Expected 2027)

    • Participating in advanced coursework to provide evidence-based relationship and marriage counseling that focuses on building intimacy, managing conflict, and creating shared meaning for couples and families.

let’s start working together .

Click the button below to schedule a free consultation.

Schedule Free Consultation