BOARD CERTIFIED Psychotherapy and Consultation

During the lifespan people can experience suffering or emotional pain. Some are in need of relief from the manifestations, or even symptoms, of emotional pain. Others are curious to understand the source(s) of the suffering. Exploring emotional pain and its origins can lead to knowing oneself more deeply (including talents and other positive qualities). Some considering therapy are seeking to enhance their abilities to relate to significant people in their life. Any of these are good reasons to consult a well-trained and experienced therapist. I am available for such consultation, which can lead to a collaborative plan tailored to you in order to explore and ease any of the above impedances to leading a more satisfying and meaningful life.

Therapy with Children and Families

When I work with children, I have two main questions that guide my focus:  What might a child be trying to communicate through emotional difficulties? -and- How can I aid a child in attaining the developmental tasks appropriate to their age (or, sometimes earlier tasks not yet mastered)? This, of course, is done in collaboration with parents.  I conduct a thorough, specialized evaluation in concert with the parents and then advise about and co-create with the parents a plan to illuminate what a boy or girl is expressing directly or indirectly.  Generally, such expression and then responsiveness from the therapist and the parents quells the difficulty.  Ongoing therapy would include facilitating the child's self-expression (with an emphasis on expressing emotional difficulty as well as talents) through talking, drawing and symbolic play.  Parent consultation remains important throughout the therapeutic process.

Setting and a Little About My Background

Professional, yet comfortable physical setting in a charming Chicago apartment building of 1910 vintage which has been converted to offices ~ I have been adjunct faculty at Loyola University's MSW program, teaching "Clinical Diagnosis and Therapeutic Communication" and "Adolescent Diagnosis and Treatment". I have supervised therapists in training from Northwestern University and University of Chicago. ~ I completed a 3 year advanced training program in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy at the Chicago Institute for Psychoanalysis.  Presently supervising externs from Chicago School for Professional Psychology and Adler School for Professional Psychology on counseling within a school setting.