Getting to know Satya Counseling
The interview took place at Weston’s Coffee & Tap Co. last week. JPF President Ryan Richter sat down with Nikki Lancaster to learn more about her business, Satya Counseling, what she likes about Jefferson Park and how she decided to move here. This interview was edited for clarity.
Ryan Richter (RR): What does “Satya” mean?
Nikki Lancaster (NL): Satya is a Sanskrit word meaning truth.
RR: Tell me a bit about your practice?
NL: My mission is to help you live a satisfying life. I help individuals and relationships overcome that inertia, getting out of painful cycles and into healthier ones. I use evidence-based practices to collaborate with you and bring the mind and heart into balance again through a balance of mindfulness, humor, compassion, insight-building, skills training, and connection. I work in particular with artists, counter-culture, the LGBTQ community and people who have experienced trauma. The goal is to undermine fear and hatred.
RR: Your job sounds amazingly difficult, though very rewarding. How do you relax?
NL: I go to yoga and The Catcade [a cat rescue and lounge in Lakeview] for relaxation.
RR: How big is Satya?
NL: It was just me for a while as I was building the business from the ground up. But I very recently hired two women into my office [just this past month].
RR: What brought you here to Jefferson Park?
NL: I moved to Jefferson Park in December 2015. I then opened Satya in January 2017. What I love about Jefferson Park is access to the Blue Line, access to I-90 and 94 to the suburbs and centrally located to other city neighborhoods like Ravenswood and Rogers Park. It has the advantages of the city and the quietness of the suburbs.
NL: After I moved here I opened Satya. I was working in Wicker Park but wanted to open my own firm and needed access from public transportation. I moved to the 4800 N. Milwaukee building. I saw the office and fell in love with the space. I originally wanted to open my office in Wicker Park or Logan Square, but they don’t have the accessibility like the Jefferson Park Transit Center does. My office has a red theme, which is my favorite color. My inspiration was an apothecary shop. Think steampunk feel. Beth Tobias, who created my logo, also made the artwork in my office. In fact, my office was featured recently in a therapy magazine for its design.
RR: Where are you from?
NL: I was born in Chicago. Also spent time in Oak Park and Palatine. But I’ve lived most of my life in Chicago, in many different neighborhoods.
RR: Favorite things to do outside work?
NL: I am a big time foodie. I also love cats. My favorite food is Italian beef sandwiches. Not big into gourmet food; love culinary favorites that are accessible.
RR: What are your favorite restaurants?
NL: Bacci Pizza, Mom’s Old Recipe, Gale Street Inn, Sicilian Bakery, Godzilla Sushi.
RR: How did you hear about Jefferson Park Forward?
NL: I heard about JPF from the Alderman’s office. I checked you guys out and I joined.
RR: Thank you so much.
You can reach Satya Counseling here:
4800 N. Milwaukee Ave., Suite 205B
Chicago, IL 60630
773-492-0913