Goldie Bachmann Luftig Building

Ruth has more than 30 years of experience as a licensed clinical social worker. She has worked at JCFS Chicago since 1989, overseeing policy administration for the Counseling and Refugee Resettlement programs, while mentoring social work students and clinicians. Her philosophy is to empower with guidance and support, resulting in a safe, trustworthy environment for clients. She strongly believes in the power of relationships and the ability to make change. She also believes there are ways to help people dealing with life transitions to sustain fulfilling lives.

Lynn is a licensed clinical social worker specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She has presented to parents and professionals about children’s developmental needs during divorce and other family crises. Lynn is a trained mediator and a referral member of the Mediation Council of Illinois.

Ben works with children, adolescents, adults and families. Ben has particular experience in treating children and adolescents with anxiety, depression and school and behavioral issues. He utilizes relationship based psychodynamic psychotherapy with additional modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy, play therapy and family systems therapies. Ben believes a strong therapeutic alliance is a solid foundation for the collaborative treatment process.

Amber uses a strength-based approach to counseling, working to empower the individuals and families she works with to make change in their lives. She strives to create a collaborative, supportive environment in which children and adults alike can incorporate creativity and play into the therapeutic process.

Lauren provides therapy to children, adolescents, adults and families using a strength based, psychodynamic approach. She believes in working with each client collaboratively and creatively to understand ways in which our current behaviors and feelings are impacted by past experiences in addition to utilizing strengths to create a more fulfilling and meaningful life. Lauren specializes in the treatment of trauma, anxiety, and life transitions.

Patience provides therapy to individuals (children, adolescents, and adults), couples, families and groups. She specializes in treating depression, anxiety and adjustment issues following crises and other unsettling life events. Patience has expertise in grief and loss. She has a collaborative, flexible approach to therapy, focusing on her client’s strengths and resiliencies.

Christine provides therapy for individuals and couples. She specializes in treating mood and anxiety disorders, relationship issues and adult life transitions with extensive experience in mental health. Christine utilizes an individualized, collaborative approach to therapy.

Nora provides therapy to adults, teens, and families. She also has experience in providing therapy to infants and children under five in collaboration with their parents. Nora believes in the healing power of relationships and uses a flexible, person-centered approach in helping individuals and families utilize their strengths.

Breena has experience working with children, adolescents, and young and older adults. She treats individuals, couples and families. Her areas of expertise are anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, life transitions, divorce and parent guidance. She has also worked with children with developmental delays and on the autism spectrum. Breena’s approach to counseling is individualized, strength-based, supportive and collaborative.

Shira works with children, families, adolescents, and adults, including those on the autism spectrum and adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities. She has an extensive background in child development, with additional training and expertise in working with young children and families. Shira utilizes a strength-based and psychodynamic approach to therapy, emphasizing the importance of developing a therapeutic alliance and working collaboratively to determine the best ways to support clients in treatment. Shira’s areas of expertise include depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, adjustment problems, school-related difficulties, life transitions, and divorcing families. Shira utilizes creative interventions to connect with her clients, help them recognize personal strengths, instill a sense of hope, and working toward a brighter future.

Pauline is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with children, adolescents and adults.  She is experienced in treating anxiety, depression, adoption related issues, school-related problems, grief, loss and trauma.  Pauline has extensive experience and training in working with children under five and their parents.  Pauline works collaboratively with her clients to restore a sense of hope and competency to manage life’s challenges.  Pauline is also fluent in Greek.  

Sheryl works with clients on improving their financial management skills, manage debt and plan for their financial success. She also helps individuals understand how their financial history and the way they think affects their behavior, and offers ways to make necessary changes. Sheryl works privately with individuals and couples, and teaches financial classes. 

Joey works with adults, adolescents, children, families and couples. Using an empathic, relational approach, he helps people make sense of their experiences, identify and build on their strengths, and clarify and work toward their goals.

Svetlana works with individuals and families. She has expertise in psychology, providing consultation to schools about cultural education issues. She also collaborates with mental health professionals. Svetlana speaks fluent Russian.