My name is Anna and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois. I partner with my clients to help them discover and transcend challenges that may be holding them back in their lives. I believe that we all deserve to live free from shame, guilt, and emotional pain. Let's build a partnership to help you create the life you desire. I believe in approaching mental health from a whole person perspective including functional and integrative health and wellness. My style is founded on authenticity which values honesty and directness. I grew up in Poland, came to the United States with my family, graduated from Lewis University, and went on to complete my Master of Arts in Social Work at the University of Chicago, School of Social Work Administration. From there, I moved to the suburbs where I reside with my two sons, and in my free times I enjoy working in my garden, reading, and taking long walks.
I know the process can sometimes be difficult, but it can also be fun, humorous and deeply rewarding. During my first sessions I offer consultations so if you would like more information or would like to see if we might be a good fit, please reach out. I'm very excited to meet you and get to work.
Many of my clients tell me that I am highly empathetic and hold space for my clients with compassion and understanding. I have extensive experience in providing my clients with the support and tools necessary for growth and change.
I enjoy working with clients experiencing anxiety, depression and are in crisis as I worked in that filed for many years. I also enjoy working with the elderly as they have paved the way for the world we know today, and being part of their life journey offers a profound sense of fulfillment. When I work with the elderly, every day brings a new story, a shared laugh, or a moment of mutual respect.
Creating a safe environment and making sure my clients feel welcome is very important to me. Working together creating goals and plans. Movement towards a goal is discussed regularly and is a collaborative effort.
You fell in love. You committed to your partner for the long haul and expected to be happily together forever. But now your relationship has problems. Maybe you’re fighting more with each other, or feel you’re more like roommates instead of lovers. Your relationship may be in crisis because of an affair, and you may even be on the brink of divorce. No one has taught you how to have a successful relationship – until now. I have closely studied the work of renowned researchers to bring you key information and top tools to achieve relationship success.
Grief is a complex process that can affect emotional, physical, and social well-being (Berzoff, 2003). Grief is also normal and a part of the human experience. We often regain a sense of normalcy and stability after some time, and some grief takes longer than others to process. With the right support, through psychotherapy and counseling for grief, you can learn to let go of your grief and begin to feel well again. However, many who have experienced grief will isolate themselves or attempt to ease the pain with drugs, alcohol, or other forms of numbing. This pattern tends to lead people from normal grief into grief-related disorders, such as major depression.
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a collaborative approach designed to help you change and grow. These conversations help you strengthen your own motivation and commitment. I will work alongside you to navigate choices that support the direction you want to take.