If your search for peace has brought you this far, give yourself kudos for taking the first and most important step in your healing journey. My name is Alana and I have been a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor for 13 years. I received my Bachelors Degree in Psychology from Lewis University, and my Masters Degree in Clinical Counseling from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, with a focus on Addiction Disorders Treatment. I have worked in community mental health centers, partial hospitalization programs, nursing homes and private practice settings, with a large part of my career focused on crisis work and helping people in times of high need. I have experience working with all ages, types of problems and diagnoses, both in individual and group environments, with past focuses on DCFS-involvement, court systems, PTSD/trauma, suicidal ideation, Social Security/Medicaid systems, family conflict, substance abuse, Alzheimer's, severe mental illness and bariatric surgery and treatment. Whether you're struggling with life stress, relationship problems, work-life balance, or past trauma, I am here to walk alongside you on your path to healing.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
From the first to the last session, I go at my client's pace and pull from a variety of practices and interventions to help you start to feel back to your old self, or a brand new version. I value transparency in the therapeutic relationship and frequently check in with my clients throughout treatment to make sure we both continue to work towards the same goals. I believe therapists are like shoes, you need to find the right fit, which is why I offer free 15 minute consultations to see if I am a good match for you.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I work hard to create a safe, comfortable healing environment where you are free to be open and express yourself. I never cast judgement and work with clients from all different walks of life. I pride myself in meeting my clients where they are at, at whatever phase they are walking through in their journey. My clients never need to feel embarrassed to tell me if they backslide, as we are a team and will work toward getting you better, together.
About Alana Bak
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT is a therapeutic technique that helps you reframe your negative thoughts and get to the bottom of where those thoughts come from. It is very effective and easy to learn, and has lasting results even after therapy is completed.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
DBT is the therapeutic term for mindfulness. I enjoy teaching my clients about how mindfulness techniques can help you feel better quickly, and there are a lot you can even use in public or without any knowing. I have used DBT techniques with all ages of clients, with children, teens and adults.
Strength-Based
Therapy is not only about talking through your unwanted thoughts and feelings, but also focusing on what makes you strong and resilient. I practice a strengths-based approach with clients where we pinpoint and reinforce the traits that make you strong so you can recognize your personal power.
Sex Therapy
I have held a separate counseling license for over 10 years as a Licensed Sex Offender Treatment Provider. During that time, I co-led a program that provided therapy to men, women and teens charged with sexual offenses. Though this work, I have spent many hours talking about uncomfortable topics and exploring client's sexuality. I am already an open, non-judgmental person and therapist. This, paired with the knowledge, skills and insight I gained from working with these cases has led me to now treat other types of sexual dysfunction, such as erectile dysfunction, libido changes and other negative thoughts and behaviors around sex. I help clients explore their sexual preferences and interests, while figuring out what may be causing mental blocks that are hindering them from having full and healthy sex lives and relationships.
Psychoeducation
Psychoeducation is a key part of therapy. I can help you understand why you are feeling certain ways, where those feelings come from and the science behind it. When you understand why you are thinking or feeling certain ways, it doesn't seem so overwhelming. I focus a lot on creating a "toolbox" of different coping skills to draw on in times of need, consisting of both cognitive and mindfulness interventions.