Online Family Counseling

When people ask me what made me choose this profession, I tell them that I believe it probably chose me! I have been a counselor for twenty-one years and in private practice for fifteen years in the south suburbs of Chicago. I am clinically licensed in Illinois as a counselor (License numbers LPC 2560 LPC 180-001075, Counseling License Verification). I am also certified as a alcohol and drug counselor in Illinois as well as certified to counsel with the dually diagnosed. I am also a Nationally Certified Counselor and have a Master's Alcohol Certification. I am a Nationally Certified Bereavement Facilitator and a Certified Grief Counselor. The interest in grief counseling had always been strong for me probably because over my lifetime, I have had three of my best friends die from a fatal disease, the first friend being a high school friend. I remember when I was still in college, attending a seminar given by Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, a pioneer in death and dying issues. From then on I knew that I wanted to do that work eventually. I also had an interest in substance abuse, especially its effects on family members, and also knew I wanted to do work in that specialty also. My first professional position was working with substance abusers and their families. The treatment for co-dependency became a primary focus of my counseling approach. After several years of doing agency counseling, I decided to take the plunge into private practice. During this time I was able to do some part time group work with women coping with gynecological cancers. As I gained more experience I furthered my knowledge by getting specialized training in loss/bereavement issues including those dealing with a terminal illness, dual diagnosis, as well as depression and anxiety. Friends have commented in the past about my interest in death and dying struggles and how morbid that is. I tell them that I have always seen it as a privilege to be able to help people coping with losses because they allow me to journey with them during such a vulnerable time. I have always been drawn to grief counseling and now understand that anyone who professionally seeks my help is in reality dealing with some type of loss. The loss could be that of a loved one in death or a relationship, the loss of a companion animal, a loss of health with a serious physical diagnosis, the loss of a job, a move to a new town, or even the loss of self-esteem. No matter what the loss is, life is changed in some way for that person and acceptance along with learning to live in a different way is the road to recovery.

In my practice I see individuals or couples who are dealing with all types of painful problems involving struggles with relationships, loss/bereavement, addictions, mood disorders and anxiety concerns. At times, life can be difficult, especially when overwhelming circumstances occur that are beyond a person's normal realm of experience. Learning new coping skills and discovering how to be more self-protective by setting healthy boundaries and limits through a process of self-empowerment, is a primary goal in counseling. Enabling individuals to make the best decisions for their life through guidance and support is my priority in the therapeutic relationship.

I enjoy helping people work through their problems and would be honored to be able to work with you also in any capacity you need.

Private Practice In-Office
17309 S. Laflin Ave., East Hazel Crest, IL 60429-1843
5548 S. Kenwood, Chicago, IL 60637, Phone: (708) 798-6226.

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