Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Member of the Academy of Certified Social Workers

Certified Life Coach

Certified EMDR Specialist

Divorce Mediation

Specializations

Individuals, couples, marriage, divorce, family, anxiety, depression, management of most mental health issues, trauma, grief, parenting, life transitions, adult survivors of child sexual abuse, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing, elderly and transitions to retirement.

My Philosophy

As the executive director and founder of Choices Counseling and Coaching, I am dedicated to establishing a partnership with my clients as they navigate through difficult situations. I chose the name of the practice Choices because I became aware that most of us don’t see how many choices we have when faced with problems. My experience as a mother, stepmother, grandmother, daughter, social worker and professor has given me a great deal of insight into life issues and together with my continued professional training this allows me to take a personalized approach to helping each individual client address their issues in their particular situations. I have been practicing for over 35 years and I believe that life is difficult and change is challenging but the hope lies in the Choices we make every day.

My Background

I have a Master’s degree in Social Service Administration from the University of Chicago (1988) and have had my clinical license since 1990. I was a tenured profess at National Louis University from 1990 – 2018 in the Master of Counseling program and served as the department chair for 7 of those years. I was also clinical supervisor for students during their counseling internships. Throughout my counseling career, I have taken every opportunity to grow and strengthen my skill set by completing a variety of advanced classes and certifications. I consider myself a life-long learner. I have also participated in research opportunities throughout the years in clinical trials including for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Illness.

Specializations

In-person and Telehealth, Adolescents and Young Adults, Couples, Families, Individuals, Depression and Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Stress Management, Relationships, Personal Growth/Self Esteem, Life Transitions (Divorce, illness, etc.)

My Philosophy

When people come to counseling, it’s because they want to change something in their lives. They may feel overwhelmed by their circumstances, want to solve a particular problem, or they may want to gain a greater understanding of themselves. I know that asking for help is often difficult, and I feel honored to be part of my clients’ process. Working from the belief that change is always possible, I help my clients identify their strengths, what’s getting in the way of making changes in their life, and the most effective ways to achieve their goals. My style of counseling is supportive and collaborative, with an emphasis on respect, resilience, and hope.

The methods I use are eclectic, primarily based on psychodynamic, interpersonal, and cognitive approaches. This means that I pay close attention to thinking styles, belief systems, and relationship patterns. I try to understand the ways in which these are associated with past events in my client’s life and how they are reflected in his or her current choices, behaviors, and life circumstances. I place importance on social, family, and work relationships, as well as our personal responsibility in making needed changes.

My Background

As a counselor, nurse, and mother, I have been a “helper” for most of my life, and have worked with people in counseling and crisis situations for more than 30 years. I hold a BA in Applied Behavioral Sciences and an MS in Human Services/Counseling from National Louis University. I am a member of the Illinois Counseling Association, American Counseling Association and Illinois Mental Health Counselors Association.

Specializations

Adolescents,Young Adults, and the Elderly, Depression and Anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Family Conflicts, Identity Issues, Spiritual Struggles Related to Mental Health, Relationships

My Philosophy

As a professional therapist with years of experience working with people from different social, cultural and economic backgrounds, I believe that our life experiences are all about learning. The challenges, crises and difficult transitions provide us with an opportunity to become stronger, wiser and more matured.

Sometimes internal barriers, such as learned helplessness, faulty beliefs, shadows from the past, or cultural clichés can cause depression, anxiety, or anger that affects our self-esteem and relationships. At other times, external challenges such as the a loss of a loved one, trauma, life transitions, troublesome partners, parenting, aging, academic concerns, or occupational problems can make us feel vulnerable in a way that affects our moods and behaviors. Whatever your initial reasons for seeking out therapy, the willingness to face reality and work on problems is something I consider to be a sign of your strength and the first step toward healing.

My Approach

My goal as a professional therapist is to guide you along the way towards positive change and provide you with the necessary tools in dealing with your specific problem and situation. In my work, I use eclectic approach, which consists of various psychological techniques including cognitive behavioral, psychodynamic, Gestalt, existential, person centered, narrative, acceptance therapy, and mindfulness. I am also multilingual, speaking English, Lithuanian and Russian fluently.

Specializations

In-person and Teletherapy, Individuals, Families and Couples, Parenting, Young adults coping with changes and loss, Parents with children coping with physical illness and disabilities, Cancer patient and families, caregivers, Anxiety and, Depression, Seniors

My Philosophy

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for over 20 years, I feel strongly in the ability to make positive changes in our lives. People strive to make connections and need to be  seen and heard. Raising five children has opened my eyes to the various needs of young parents and parents transitioning with adult children. My experience with birth trauma and postpartum depression and anxiety, and also having two infants who faced medical issues allows me to better serve those facing these struggles. So much has been researched about these experiences and my hope is to assist parents in moving through these struggles and coming out stronger on the other side.

My Background

I have a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Loyola University of Chicago in 1997 and received my LCSW in the year 2000. Over the course of my career I have worked in an inpatient setting at a major medical center, and also worked with families facing cancer. My recent experience has included training through Postpartum Support International toward the Perinatal Mental Health Certificate working with women and families facing postpartum depression and anxiety. 

Specializations

Anxiety and Depression, Stress Management, Personal Growth, Life Transitions, Mindfulness, Couples Counseling, Children’s Counseling over age 8, Anger Management, Trauma Based Rapid Resolution Therapy

My Philosophy

Through the gift of extensive travel I have tried to adopt a broad world view. I believe we share in the human condition, striving ultimately for the same things, that is, to find happiness and inner peace. When the human condition presents us with challenges, we need to see these challenges as temporary hurdles; otherwise, we can go to a place of constant anxiety, depression and ultimately despair. As a client based therapist I work with clients to overcome these hurdles, focusing on empathy and problem solving. I often use relaxation techniques learned from my mindfulness training and yoga background. When appropriate, I also use Rapid Resolution Therapy. RRT helps diminish subconscious, negative thoughts, which can keep the client stuck. In client based therapy the client and I become a team. We join forces through which the client is encouraged to become self-aware. This self-awareness ultimately enables the client to make positive changes for personal growth. I also believe that lifelong learning, a strong social network and finding one’s purpose can lead to a rich, self-fulfilling life, which is what I wish for all my clients.

My Background

I have a mufti-dimensional background in education, fitness, business and, ultimately, counseling. This background helps me to relate to clients with diverse backgrounds and life experiences. I graduated from the University of Dayton with a BA in English and Secondary Education. As an undergraduate I also attended Loyola of Rome during my junior year. After graduation I taught literacy and then took a six year sabbatical to begin raising my three sons. I returned to the work force and opened a travel business which I owned and managed for 10 years. I finally followed my dream to attain a master’s degree in counseling in 2005 from National Louis University. Upon course completion I passed my National Certified Counselor’s exam and became licensed with the state of Illinois as an LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor). After 2000 hrs of supervision at Camelot Therapeutic Day School, I received my LCPC (Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor). In 2011 I went on to work in private practice. I have also taught yoga for the past 18 years, am trained in mindfulness, and am certified in RRT, Rapid Resolution Therapy, a form of clinical hypnosis.

Specializations:

In Person and Telehealth, Adolescents, Young Adults, Adults, Anxiety, Depression, Coping Skills, Grief, Life Transitions, Self Esteem, Personal Growth, Women’s issues

My Philosophy

I strongly believe that all people possess the personal strength and the means to improve their own lives if provided with the necessary guidance and support.

Behavior, emotions, and thoughts are all intertwined, but that we are largely guided by our perceptions of ourselves, others, and our world.

My goal is to help you better understand the context surrounding your symptoms and develop strategies to enhance your resiliency and wellbeing.

The purpose of therapy is for you to more deeply discover who you are, what you want, and how to get there.