Alicen-j Mcgowan, a dedicated drug and alcohol counselor with a PhD and various certifications, specializes in guiding adults and teens struggling with addictions, including prescription medication, alcohol, gambling, and other behavioral issues. She embraces the opportunity to foster wellness through solution-focused, co-directed sessions. Alicen-j prioritizes family involvement in the treatment process, ensuring clients achieve their highest potential in managing success. Her holistic approach includes weekly sessions, essential homework assignments, and a focus on building trust and reconnection with family through education.<br /> <br /> Utilizing a range of therapeutic techniques, including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Expressive Therapy, Alicen-j tailors each treatment plan to meet individual needs. In special circumstances, she offers the option for home visits, maintaining a steadfast commitment to confidentiality. For young children, she employs Play Therapy and drama methods to create a safe, supportive environment where open dialogue can flourish. Clients can expect a non-judgmental space where their thoughts and feelings are held in the strictest confidence. Alicen-j is deeply committed to helping clients gain insight into their behaviors, facilitating meaningful change and promoting overall wellness.

Terri Schmidt is a compassionate and dedicated therapist who has navigated the complexities of relationships and stress management, particularly in challenging times. With her expertise in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and the Gottman Method for couples, she helps clients rediscover the love and connection they once felt. Her approach allows individuals and couples to voice their concerns in a safe, non-judgmental environment, fostering empowerment in making life choices. As a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) certified in employee assistance programs and clinical hypnosis via the Ericksonian method, Terri brings a versatile skill set to her practice. She works with teens, adults, and elders, addressing marital and premarital issues as well as career stresses. With options for telehealth and in-office sessions, Terri provides a supportive space for clients, guiding them on their journey toward a fulfilling and happier life.

Dr. Jill Narcisi is a dedicated psychologist with a PsyD, bringing over two decades of experience in the mental health field. Graduating from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2001, she possesses a deep understanding of the complexities faced by adults dealing with depression, relationship issues, and anxiety. Utilizing evidence-based therapies such as EMDR and Psychodynamic approaches, Dr. Narcisi provides a nurturing environment for individuals, couples, and families seeking to navigate their emotional challenges. Her compassionate and insightful guidance empowers her clients to achieve meaningful change and foster healthier relationships.

Analeise Parchen is a compassionate and dedicated Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in the NW side of Chicago, specializing in individual and family therapy. With a strong focus on Strengths Based, Client-Driven, and Person-Centered therapy, she believes that each person holds the expertise over their own lives, even amid overwhelming external or internal challenges. Analeise understands the innate desire to heal and grow, and she emphasizes that therapy can lead to the authentic expression of oneself, free from anxiety or reactivity. She utilizes a range of therapeutic tools, including EMDR and EFT/Tapping, which cater to her intuitive nature, alongside Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients address anxiety disorders and grief. Analeise holds a deep respect for Couples Therapy, finding fulfillment in enhancing skills of connection and communication among partners. Acknowledging the difficulty of seeking help online, she reassures that transformation is attainable even during life's most challenging times. Analeise is passionate about supporting those who are struggling, as well as those merely seeking guidance, and she is dedicated to making a positive impact in her clients' lives.

Theresa Pendergraff, LCSW, MSW, is a compassionate and dedicated Clinical Social Worker who empowers clients to embark on their journeys toward healing and personal growth. With a person-centered approach, she skillfully aligns with individuals, couples, families, veterans, and professionals from diverse backgrounds, including ex-gang members and social work practitioners. Specializing in trauma recovery, Theresa employs a non-judgmental and supportive demeanor to address a wide array of challenges such as addiction, anxiety, depression, and family conflict. Her extensive experience allows her to offer insights into aging and cultural issues, individual identity struggles, and generational concerns. In her intentional practice, she collaborates with clients to establish goals and provides them with valuable resources that resonate with their lives. Theresa utilizes various therapeutic modalities, including expressive arts, mindfulness-based techniques, and experiential therapy, integrating strategies such as art therapy, martial arts, and nutritional awareness – ensuring a holistic approach to well-being. Her warm energy fosters a safe space for exploration and growth, guiding clients as they work through their unique experiences.

Monika Piatkowska is a licensed professional counselor who understands that everyone encounters challenges in life. She is committed to partnering with individuals on their journey toward personal growth and achievement. Monika fosters a warm and collaborative therapeutic relationship that serves as the foundation for building trust and reaching desired outcomes. Holding a Master's degree from National Louis University, she specializes in helping clients navigate issues such as depression, anxiety, stress management, life transitions, low self-esteem, communication, and relationship concerns. With a strengths-based approach, Monika views therapy as an active and creative collaboration between counselor and client. She empowers individuals to recognize their inherent strengths and develop self-awareness and functional life skills, enabling them to visualize their goals and aspirations for a fulfilling life.

Meghann Richko is a compassionate and highly qualified Licensed Professional Counselor, Yoga Therapist, and Fitness Professional. With a profound emphasis on managing a spectrum of conditions, she specializes in anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and stress reduction, alongside addressing body image concerns and mental wellness. Her expertise extends to nutrition improvement, musculoskeletal issues, pain management, and injury rehabilitation, reinforcing her holistic approach to health, which she furthered through studies at the Rocky Mountain Institute of Yoga and Ayurvedic Medicine. Beyond her counseling services, Meghann is dedicated to teaching ongoing yoga classes and facilitating seminars focused on both mental and physical health. Renowned for her skills in relaxation techniques and breathing practices, she employs a client-centered and cognitive-behavioral style, seamlessly integrating cohesive therapeutic techniques tailored to individual needs. By fostering a supportive therapeutic environment, Meghann empowers clients to embark on journeys toward improved health and overall well-being, crafting personalized treatment and lifestyle plans that incorporate each individual's unique input and participation.

Dr. Brian Hanna is a dedicated and compassionate psychologist with a PsyD, known for his commitment to fostering mental wellness. With a profound understanding of psychological principles, he utilizes evidence-based therapies to help individuals navigate life's challenges. Dr. Hanna's warm demeanor and personalized approach create a safe space for clients to explore their emotions and growth. As a respected member of the mental health community, he embodies the values of empathy, understanding, and empowerment in his practice.

Dr. Shelley Daniels is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, dedicated to addressing women's mental health concerns. With a focus on evidence-based psychotherapies, she supports women navigating a variety of life challenges, including mood disorders, anxiety, relationship issues, grief and loss, and significant life transitions. Her expertise extends to peri and postnatal mental health, infertility, pregnancy loss, and parenting, allowing her to offer specialized support in these critical areas. Furthermore, Dr. Daniels is skilled in neuropsychological assessment, aimed at diagnostic clarification, determining decisional capacity, and developing tailored treatment recommendations. She approaches her practice with cultural sensitivity, utilizing a strength-based perspective that promotes healing and growth.

Dr. Mary-morag Sutherland is a compassionate psychologist dedicated to helping individuals navigate through life's complexities. She understands that sometimes life's challenges can feel overwhelming, leaving clients feeling stuck. Through her integrative therapeutic approach, she assists clients in overcoming obstacles that may be impeding their progress. Dr. Sutherland believes that even in the face of loss, exciting challenges and possibilities can motivate us to move forward, harnessing the inherent potential for growth and change that lies within each person when they collaborate effectively in the therapeutic process. Specializing in aging, transitions, depression, anxiety, trauma, and existential concerns, she offers affirmative support for LGBTQI+ individuals as well. Her therapy modalities include mindfulness-based approaches, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and humanistic/existential methods. Together with her clients, she explores underlying difficulties, enhances relationships, integrates various life aspects, and develops skills to manage stress, anxiety, and depression. Dr. Sutherland provides a safe and collaborative environment focused on her clients’ individual needs and comfort.

Amber Waite, a pre-licensed professional, is dedicated to providing a safe and welcoming space for her clients to express their concerns and explore the reasons that led them to seek therapy. With a focus on individuals experiencing anxiety, Amber works collaboratively to help them understand their triggers and develop effective coping strategies. She acknowledges how debilitating anxiety can be, yet believes in empowering clients to regain control over their thoughts and worries. Amber encourages clients to differentiate between what they can and cannot control in the present moment, fostering a sense of agency. She understands that taking the first step toward therapy can often be daunting, but she believes it can lead to profound rewards, reflecting her conviction that every action has purpose. As a counselor-in-training, Amber is committed to guiding clients on their journey, providing a judgment-free zone for personal disclosure. At Counseling Speaks, LLC, she contributes to enhancing the personal, emotional, and social well-being of clients, supporting them in reaching their fullest potential through comprehensive clinical counseling, consultation, coaching, supervision, crisis intervention, and psychoeducational services.

Kate Wester is a compassionate licensed professional counselor dedicated to supporting adults on their journey toward healing and personal growth. Whether her clients are grappling with past trauma, relationship difficulties, or are simply seeking to enhance their well-being, Kate provides a safe and transformative environment for exploration. She believes that it is entirely possible to cultivate a deeper understanding of oneself, develop healthier relationships, and create meaningful connections. With her expertise in various modalities, including Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, NeuroAffective Relational Model, and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Kate skillfully helps individuals heal from trauma and foster self-awareness and empowerment. She places particular emphasis on understanding the impact of early relational trauma on the nervous system, guiding clients in recognizing how these experiences affect their ability to form and maintain healthy connections. Through a thoughtful blend of talk therapy, somatic techniques, and mindfulness practices, Kate assists in navigating past experiences and developing new, healthier ways of relating. Committed to the power of the therapeutic relationship, she creates a warm, non-judgmental space for clients to explore their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, collaboratively identifying and addressing the underlying causes of their struggles. Kate is passionate about supporting individuals as they build resilience, self-awareness, and self-compassion in their lives.

Debbie White, a dedicated clinical social worker and therapist with an MSW, LCSW, and SAP credentials, believes that sometimes individuals need guidance and support to navigate difficult experiences. For those worried about relationships, struggling with sleep, concentration, or communication, or feeling increased anxiety, therapy can provide the assistance needed to regain balance and direction. Debbie specializes in SAP Evaluations for employees regulated by the DOT, aiming to help clients move towards positive change and ultimately become their own therapists. She creates a safe space for clients to thoughtfully explore their current life circumstances and future aspirations. Her approach is strength-based and results-oriented, deeply informed by an understanding, appreciation, and respect for the unique qualities and individual struggles of each person. Debbie upholds the dignity and worth of every client, making her an invaluable resource for those seeking growth and support in their lives.