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.

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 is a strength based individual and family therapist and divorce mediator who engages clients of all ages, harnessing their strengths to remove barriers to personal growth and development. Amber has specialized training and experience working with young children and their caregivers, divorce and family mediation services, adolescents and their families, and the perinatal population.

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.

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.

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.

Rebecca works with children, adolescents and adults. She has experience working with clients with a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use and severe mental illness.  Rebecca utilizes a strengths based, client centered approach in conjunction with cognitive behavioral and family systems therapies to help clients achieve their goals.