"When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves." -Victor E. Frankl Hello, Searching and finding a good therapist is paramount to therapy success. Above all else, It requires a good 'fit.' I hope a bit of a back ground story will help you with this process. Thank you for taking the time to view my profile but more importantly, taking the first step. Not easy. My name is Dawn and I'm a retired paramedic of 27 years from the Chicago Fire Department with over 30 years’ experience in Fire/EMS service. I graduated with a M.A. in Counseling Psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. My school concentration was Trauma and Crisis Intervention. After graduating, I worked as a therapist under Dr. Carrie Steiner at First Responder Wellness Center in Lombard, Il. What a great start and opportunity. Fast forward. I now have my own private practice - Frontline Wellness Center! Why? Demand. Moreover, I'm an advocate to those who serve others. I am devoted and motivated to helping those on the frontline (EMS, Fire, Military/Vets, Correction officers, 911 Dispatch, public safety, Nurses, Caseworkers, States attorney's, Emergency volunteers etc.) Essentially, all occupations that challenge or compromise the mental health, safety and physical well-being of Frontline workers due to the unique job role and individual expectations. Otherwise known as the 'helping' professions devoted to fixing or saving others often at the expense and compromise of personal health and safety. My educational and clinical experience is C-PTSD (complex trauma) and PTST (post-traumatic stress disorders). I treat variety of distressing symptoms and issues that arise from a critical incidence/s or accumulative symptoms from abnormal events and experiences. Those on the Frontline are human! First responders often have a traumatic past that is compartmentalized or buried next to their work related experiences resulting in burnout or PTSD that includes experiencing unexpected disturbing /frightening triggers. Hidden or unresolved traumatic experiences/events including combat /moral injury, childhood abuse, sexual assault, and domestic abuse/relational trauma truly DO matter. However, past or present traumatic events can be processed safely with the appropriate treatment providing a path for hope and relief. My personal and professional experiences allows me to treat other overwhelming life experiences and transitions that can equally exasperate a bad shift, job performance and daily life. The effects of aging and/or retirement, divorce, addiction, chronic pain and job-related disabilities are just a few life adjustments that affect normal daily functioning, including our interpersonal relationships. I truly understand and can help you get you to a better place, a better life, a better - you. Hidden. Wounds. Matter.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

Together we will achieve attainable goals with positive outcomes and provide the change you didn't believe was possible. Painful chronic feelings of hopelessness, despair and lack of purpose can lead us to feeling suicidal, angry, isolated, lonely, unseen and/or simply just - stuck. In therapy I will teach you coping strategies, and provide other tools and treatment that will allow you to feel more adjusted, in control, hopeful and 'unstuck.' We will unpack, make sense of, and problem solve allowing us to develop better insight, and growth. Self-reflection, insight and skill development can promote symptom relief, increase joy and will bring more meaning and purpose in your personal and professional life.

What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?

My theoretical orientation is integrative and evidence based. I incorporate TF-CBT (trauma focused cognitive behavior therapy) and MB-CBT Mindfulness-Based cognitive behavior therapy) techniques. I am trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and certified in tele-health services. I am relational. I have a direct, warm and trusting relationship with my clients. Trust is the cornerstone. Always. I encourage, collaborate and engage with my client’s treatment plan with a 'team' approach. A team approach that helps facilitate and cultivate personal growth resulting in positive changes, maximizing treatment effectiveness.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

My career as a paramedic allows me as a therapist to easily identify the complexities and challenges frontline workers regularly encounter. I understand and emphasize by personally identifying with the numerous, and multi-facet issues and job stressors from a 'street view' perspective. I most definitely-get it.

About Dawn Sage-Chychula