Elissa Sarno, PhD, is a dedicated psychologist whose approach is deeply rooted in the therapeutic relationship she establishes with each client. She fosters a safe and welcoming environment through her empathy, authenticity, and sense of humor, working collaboratively with clients to achieve their unique goals. Elissa helps clients identify, express, and comprehend their emotions, allowing for improved emotional management. Her therapy practice aids in understanding and transforming relationship patterns that may contribute to clients' distress. Elissa encourages open discussions about the therapeutic relationship, as these conversations can illuminate other relationships in clients' lives. She supports clients in processing how their social identities, family dynamics, and school or work environments influence their experiences. With a focus on empowering clients to enact positive changes in their lives and relationships, Elissa is committed to guiding them toward greater self-understanding. Her expertise encompasses anxiety, relationship issues, self-esteem challenges, and a range of other concerns, including those relevant to LGBTQ+ identities. Elissa looks forward to the opportunity to support clients on their journey to healing and growth, exploring the possibility of a fruitful partnership in therapy.

Brittany Lakin-Starr, PhD, TEP, is a warm and compassionate licensed clinical psychologist with over 10 years of experience guiding individuals and families through various challenges. She specializes in treating mood disorders, eating disorders, trauma, and a range of concerns for clients of all ages, including preteens, children, teens, adults, and elders. With a focus on anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, behavioral issues, relationship challenges, and life transitions, Brittany employs insight-oriented and cognitive-behavioral therapies along with family systems approaches. Certified in psychodrama and trained in specialty techniques such as Gottman Couple's Therapy and Prolonged Exposure for PTSD, she is uniquely equipped to address the diverse needs of her clients. Prior to co-founding the Chicago Center for Growth and Change, Brittany worked at Illinois Masonic Medical Center for seven years and imparted her knowledge as a faculty member at Loyola University Chicago while frequently lecturing at Northwestern University School of Medicine. Additionally, she has been featured on The 50 Minute Hour podcast, discussing the transformative power of psychodrama. At the Chicago Center for Growth and Change, Brittany leads a dedicated team of clinical psychologists committed to providing individualized care in a safe and nurturing environment, offering specialized treatments tailored to improve clients' mental health and overall quality of life.

James Lampe is a dedicated and experienced clinical social worker and therapist, holding an MSW, PhD, and LCSW. With over thirty years in practice, he has developed a deep understanding of psychoanalytic theory and technique. James specializes in treating adult individuals and couples facing symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression, alongside addressing complex relationship issues and fostering personal growth. He is committed to establishing a unique therapeutic relationship with each client, ensuring that personalized growth unfolds according to their individual journey. Whether someone has struggled with unsatisfying patterns in life or seeks clarity on their motivations, James provides insight-oriented psychotherapy grounded in psychoanalytical principles. Additionally, he offers compassionate counseling for challenges associated with serious illness, declining health, and grief. As a valued faculty member instructing the doctoral program at the Institute for Clinical Social Work, James combines his academic insights with practical, empathetic therapy, guiding his clients toward meaningful change.

Alison Lautz, LCSW, ACM, and RYT, is a dedicated clinical social worker and therapist based in the vibrant heart of downtown Chicago. With a commitment to supporting professional adults, mothers, teens, and college students, she expertly navigates clients through life transitions, relationship challenges, depression, anxiety, chronic stress, and self-esteem issues. Alison's extensive background in yoga, relaxation techniques, and mindfulness enriches her therapeutic practice, allowing her to offer a holistic approach that complements traditional therapy methods. With 15 years of experience, she is particularly passionate about aiding women facing perinatal mood disorders, infertility, high-risk pregnancies, perinatal loss, and adjustments to motherhood. Her warm personality and extensive training create a nurturing environment for clients, fostering the peace and success they seek. Utilizing a client-centered approach along with diverse therapeutic techniques like CBT, ACT, and mindfulness, Alison encourages individualized growth and transformative change, guiding her clients to become the best versions of themselves.

Colleen Lennon is a compassionate clinical social worker and therapist, dedicated to helping individuals navigate the challenges of modern life. With a strong understanding that relationships, work, finances, and social dynamics can often feel overwhelming, Colleen recognizes the signs of burnout, anxiety, and depression that many face in today’s fast-paced world. She specializes in a wide array of issues, including mood and anxiety disorders, stress management, work/life balance, relationship challenges, life transitions and adjustments, as well as financial difficulties. As a Certified Financial Social Worker, Colleen brings valuable expertise in addressing money disorders and the stress associated with financial matters for both adolescents and adults. Emphasizing the importance of mindfulness and a holistic, person-centered therapeutic approach, she adeptly utilizes Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy techniques to empower clients in understanding how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors interconnectedly influence their lives and relationships. Colleen tailors her approach to align with the unique needs and interests of each individual, fostering a collaborative therapy process. She is deeply committed to creating a safe, judgment-free space where individuals can explore their challenges and work towards meaningful changes. Motivated by an unwavering belief in her clients’ potential, Colleen is dedicated to helping them uncover and develop their inner strengths.

Dr. Melanie Levine understands that life challenges can feel overwhelming, particularly when individuals find themselves navigating times of uncertainty, such as a sudden medical diagnosis or the loss of a relationship. Even expected life transitions, like welcoming a new baby or relocating for a job, can lead to unexpected emotional responses. Her practice emphasizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), offering evidence-based interventions for adults grappling with depression, anxiety, and chronic health conditions. Through the integration of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) principles, she empowers her patients to lead meaningful lives rooted in their core values. Dr. Levine considers it an honor to provide psychological care and collaborates closely with her patients to establish personalized goals and practical strategies to cope with their current challenges. She is dedicated to leveraging each person's unique strengths and fostering hope through warmth, support, respect, and encouragement.

Maddie Lewandowski is a licensed professional counselor who deeply understands the feelings of being lost and disconnected from daily life that many individuals experience. She recognizes that many people struggle with reliving painful past moments or fearing what the future may hold. With a passion for supporting survivors of various types of trauma, Maddie's expertise spans a wide range of stress and trauma disorders. She tailors her therapeutic approach to meet the individual needs and goals of each client. Through modalities like traditional talk therapy and EMDR, Maddie assists her clients in discovering meaningful growth on their healing journeys. She firmly believes that finding peace is an inward voyage and is committed to helping her clients chart their paths towards healing and self-discovery.

Healthy Life understands that life can change instantly, presenting moments that challenge everything one has ever known. During these pivotal times, individuals may find themselves feeling lost as they attempt to piece their lives back together. Healthy Life is dedicated to guiding clients on their journeys toward improved emotional well-being and healthier lifestyles. Utilizing a comprehensive array of psychotherapy treatments—such as Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)—they are equipped to assist those facing trauma, anxiety, depression, or a recent medical diagnosis. With a genuine passion for helping others, Healthy Life is committed to supporting both individuals and couples as they navigate their emotional struggles and health concerns. Their team strives to create a nurturing space for families, ensuring they feel empowered to address their challenges. Discover if Healthy Life’s providers are the right fit to help overcome personal obstacles and foster a path toward healing.

A. Lindquist, MA, LPC, STT, CCTP, is a dedicated counselor with extensive clinical experience focused on adults from diverse backgrounds who have endured chronic, complex, and community-based trauma. A. is particularly effective with clients seeking to explore and derive meaning from their life experiences. Viewing therapy through a culturally sensitive and trauma-informed lens, A. possesses a unique skill set to assist clients with dual diagnoses as they navigate life's challenges and discover healthier coping strategies using harm-reductive techniques. Acknowledging that trauma affects each individual profoundly and uniquely, A. incorporates a person-centered, individualized, and collaborative approach to treatment. Specializing in building meaningful therapeutic relationships, A. engages clients in the processing of their experiences through psychoeducation, grounding and stabilization techniques, meaning-making, and the reconstruction of trauma narratives.

Kristine Lynch is a compassionate clinical social worker and therapist specializing in sexual health. As a member of the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT), she addresses all facets of sex and sexuality that may lead to pain or distress. Kristine expertly navigates a range of issues, including desire, arousal, intimacy, physical pain, communication, identity/expression, and fertility, providing support to individuals and couples of diverse expressions, including LGBTQ-identified, heterosexual-identified, non-monogamous, and polyamorous clients. <br /> <br /> With a foundation in generalist training, Kristine artfully weaves family systems therapy with a person-centered approach, ensuring that her clients' unique needs guide the therapy process. Her therapeutic practice incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, relaxation training, and narrative therapy techniques to help clients alleviate symptoms of trauma, anxiety, and depression. Kristine believes that the validation of feelings and experiences opens the door to meaningful change in therapy. She is dedicated to creating a safe and nurturing environment where clients can share their stories without fear of judgment. Together with her clients, Kristine seeks to uncover what is missing or what requires transformation to foster genuine progress and authenticity in their lives.

Catharine Devlin, PsyD, CEDS-S, is a compassionate and skilled psychologist dedicated to helping individuals navigate their relationship with food, body image, and weight. Recognizing the overwhelming societal pressures that can lead to distress, she understands that many find themselves struggling with obsessive thoughts around food and body size. Catharine provides a supportive environment for those dealing with eating disorders, body image concerns, or weight-related issues, promoting the idea that therapy is beneficial even if a formal diagnosis is not present. As a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist, she embraces a Health At Every Size (HAES) and intersectional feminist framework, guiding clients toward peace with their bodies and food. Her expertise extends into addressing obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD), youth and family dynamics, and chronic illness. Catharine offers a range of therapeutic modalities, including Emotionally Focused and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, ensuring a holistic approach tailored to each individual's needs. She looks forward to connecting with those seeking support, whether it's their first experience in therapy or a new journey with a different therapist.

Ellen Griffin, PsyD, is a compassionate psychologist with over 20 years of experience in private practice, dedicated to helping teens and adults navigate their emotional challenges. She believes in creating a warm, open, and nonjudgmental therapeutic space where clients can explore the roots of their discontent. Ellen collaborates with her clients to envision a more fulfilling life, utilizing various therapeutic modalities including trauma-focused therapy, family systems, and relational approaches. Her expertise encompasses a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, parenting concerns, identity formation, and the aftermath of trauma. Whether through individual therapy, couples counseling, or family sessions, Ellen's supportive, directive, and reflective style fosters meaningful change and personal growth.

David Louis, MPA, CDFA, is a Professional Family and Divorce Mediator and a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst based in Chicago and Northbrook. He specializes in assisting couples navigating separation or divorce, providing an alternative to the painful and costly litigation process. Through mediation, David empowers individuals to create agreements that encompass parenting plans, division of property and debts, and financial support, all within a civil, constructive, and respectful environment. His expertise extends beyond divorce mediation; he is adept at facilitating conversations aimed at improving communication and strengthening relationships among families, including couples, parents of children in common, siblings, and parents with their children. In addition to his mediation practice, David offers conflict coaching for individuals and divorce financial analysis. His approach ensures a safe and neutral setting, enabling clients to craft mutually agreed-upon plans for their future while safeguarding their children's well-being and addressing financial security.