One day you will look back and see that all along: you were blooming – MHN
Lauren is currently in network with Aetna, Anthem, BCBSIL PPO, Blue Choice, United Healthcare and Cigna. She is also offering self-pay and can also provide a SuperBill if requested.
Hi! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor. The world we are currently living in can be incredibly overwhelming and full of constant transitions. I strive to provide clients with a safe and supportive space to grow and heal, especially during this chaotic time. I utilize a collaborative approach with my clients to motivate them to focus on their strengths and take life one step at a time. I believe that each person is the expert on their own experience. I work to empower clients to reach their full potential and live their life in alignment with their values.
I am passionate about working with clients experiencing a life transition, such as coping with the diagnosis of a chronic medical condition. I understand how the stress of these experiences can impact every area of a person’s world and I assist clients in bringing balance back into their lives by incorporating aspects of both physical and mental health.
APPROACH
I utilize an eclectic approach, combining several different methods. I believe each client is individual and there is not always a uniform approach to therapy. Some of the approaches I gravitate towards are:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based approach used to assist clients in becoming aware of inaccurate or negative thinking in order to view challenging situations more clearly and respond to them more effectively. We will work to identify the difficult thoughts or situations in your life and bring awareness to your emotions, thoughts and beliefs surrounding these difficulties. We will then pinpoint any negative or inaccurate thoughts and focus on reshaping these thought patterns.
Strengths-Based Approach is a type of counseling that places an emphasis on internal strengths versus weaknesses or failures. We will focus on building a positive mindset, highlighting your strengths and focusing on resilience to build confidence and reduce stress.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an approach which encourages clients to embrace thoughts and feelings versus fighting them. We will focus on accepting reality, using cognitive defusion to make experiences more manageable, utilizing mindfulness, examining your values and setting goals guided by those values.
Person-Centered Therapy allows clients to take the lead in the process of self-discovery while the therapist provides support and a safe space. We will focus on your capacity to reach your own potential and discover solutions yourself, with some guidance and support.
QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
2017- Master of Social Work | Loyola University Chicago
2014- Bachelor of Psychology | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
EXPERIENCE
I have experience working with clients of various ages in multiple settings including residential, PHP and IOP programs, a rehabilitation center, community agency, eating disorder treatment program and substance use treatment program.
During my undergraduate and graduate studies, I completed three different internships. I interned at a community center during my undergraduate studies, working with children and families in crisis. My first graduate internship was at a rehabilitation center, where I gained experience working with adults and older adults struggling with chronic illness and a variety of other presenting issues. My second graduate level internship was completed at a substance use treatment center, where I worked with clients struggling with substance use along with other issues including anxiety, depression, work stress or life transitions.
After completing graduate school, I worked at a substance use treatment center and an eating disorder treatment center with clients struggling with eating disorders, anxiety, depression, chronic health issues, life transition and other presenting issues.
My personal life experiences have led me to become very passionate about working with clients who are experiencing chronic health issues, anxiety, work stress and life transitions.
PERSONAL
In my free time, I enjoy cooking and baking. I have several food allergies and I enjoy creating allergy-friendly versions of many different dishes or desserts! I spend the majority of my time with my puppy Brady, as well as bake him lots of homemade treats. I also enjoy reading and I am usually reading more than one book at a time! I am a certified yoga teacher and I am very interested in the intersection between mental health, physical health and nutrition.
