Aaron is a licensed clinical professional counselor who earned his masters degree through Roosevelt University in Chicago, IL. In addition, he is a certified clinical hypnotherapist and holds an advanced certification in stress management. Aaron has worked at all levels of mental health care from inpatient to outpatient, private to community, not for profit to Fortune 500 companies. He is a highly effective couple's counselor and individual therapist who is able to discuss a variety of topics including: Anger Management, Emotional Stability, Behavioral Change, Relaxation Techniques, Communication Skills, and Goal Setting Strategies.

Alison Thayer is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Certified Employee Assistance Professional who has worked with adults, adolescents, couples and families since 1997. She has worked in a multitude of settings ranging from corporate and academic environments to community mental health agencies. Alison offers a collaborative, goal-oriented approach while providing a supportive environment that empowers clients to make effective changes in their lives.

Andrea Stiles is a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in working with adolescents, adults, couples and families. She has been in the field since 2012 working with mental health, mood, personality and trauma issues, and addictive disorders. She earned her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Adler University.

Barbara Noonan is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and a specialist in working with couples, adults, adolescents, and in conducting art therapy. Barbara specializes in grief/loss, family-of-origin issues, relationship concerns, depression and anxiety. Barbara also enjoys helping individuals with social adaptation difficulties and life transition issues.

Daniel is a Clinical Intern studying at Northwestern University’s Family Institute. Daniel comes to Urban Balance with past experiences working in a community based agency and private practice. He has worked with adults experiencing mood disorders, anxiety, life transitions such as career change and divorce, and chronic mental illness. Daniel is uniquely attuned to family of origin conversations and maintains a strong affinity for the use of group therapy. Daniel’s approach is primarily psychodynamic with elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialetical Behavioral Therapy and Narrative Therapy.

Emma is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who earned her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Chicago, School of Social Service Administration. Emma believes that therapy is a unique place to begin to explore an individual’s story and understand oneself in context of a storied life. Emma emphasizes the importance of the therapeutic relationship in helping clients understand themselves and in working towards who they would like to become. Emma has extensive experience working with young adults, adolescents and children who are struggling with symptoms of anxiety, depression, chronic stress, trauma, relationship issues and other mood disorders. Additionally, Emma has experience working with issues of self-harm, self-esteem, eating disorders, grief/loss, and life transitions. Emma practices Psychodynamic therapy and will also draw from Attachment theory, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness tactics, body awareness, play, narrative and art in her approach. Emma has also completed a fellowship at the Chicago Center for Psychoanalysis.

Eric is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with his Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling. Eric has experience working with adults and adolescents struggling with mood disorders, anxiety disorders, relationship issues and life transitions. Eric believes people come to therapy because something is currently not working for them. Eric works to ensure that the client has a safe space to begin the road to healing, drawing from approaches centered around creating a deeper understanding of themselves and giving them tools to handle life’s stressors. Eric is very compassionate, but yet also challenges his clients to be able to grow and change.  Eric employs a wide range of therapeutic styles for the best fit of the client’s personality and presenting issues, including person-centered, creative expression techniques, and behavioral approaches with a focus on multicultural counseling.

Erynn is a clinical intern currently completing her Masters in Counseling at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She has clinical experience working with children, adolescents, and adults from a variety of diverse settings including non-profit organizations and medical facilities. Using a collaborative and integrative approach with all individuals, Erynn integrates client-centered and cognitive-behavioral therapy to meet the unique needs of each client.

Eve has provided compassionate care for the creative soul for twenty-five years. Eve supports and empowers her clients to look within to gain more: self-awareness, self-love and self-acceptance. Music, dance, art, guided imagery, meditation, journaling and psychodrama are some of the tools used for this journey. Eve is also a working artist and published writer.

Farah Huq is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with a concentration in addiction disorders. Farah’s interests include relationship, family of origin and work-related matters, anxiety, cultural identity issues, and life transitions. Through her master’s internship at an intensive outpatient addictions clinic, Farah has become aware of the connection between addiction issues, trauma, and other life challenges and is able to focus on these issues from an integrative approach. Couples dynamics are of special interest to Farah, and consequently,

Gary DeLeonardis is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with experience working with young adults and adults specializing in family & relationship issues, trauma, grief/loss, anxiety, depression, and life transitions. Gary believes in the importance of a collaborative client-therapist relationship that focuses on working toward client goals and is supported by empathy, respect, and trust. His approach encourages insight, self-awareness, and exploring new ways to connect with yourself and others.

Jim McNamee is a Licensed Clinical Professional  Counselor with a Master’s of Education (M.Ed.) in Community Counseling from Loyola University of Chicago. He has over fifteen years of experience working with adults, adolescents, children and families. Prior to joining Urban Balance, Jim has worked in outpatient mental health, school and community based settings, both as a therapist and clinical supervisor. He has helped people of all ages work through trauma, depression and anxiety, as well as major life transitions. Additionally, Jim works with adults within the LGBTQ community and understands the unique challenge this population faces. Having completed training in Family Systems, Cognitive Behavioral Theory and Relational Psychotherapy, he uses an integrated model to best meet the needs of his clients. Jim works collaboratively with clients to determine the best way to assist them, and he believes that the therapeutic relationship is the most important element in promoting change and growth. Clients can expect a warm, accepting environment and the use of humor and mindfulness techniques as a way of improving symptoms and setting a path for psychological wellness.

Jordan Wakefield is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who received her Master’s degree in Community Counseling from DePaul University. She believes that relationships throughout our lives impact our self-perception and patterns of behavior, which may result in unwanted thoughts or feelings. Jordan approaches client concerns with compassion and care, normalizing client experiences and allowing space for exploring new ways of being. Utilizing attachment theory, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and a trauma-informed approach, Jordan provides her clients with empathy in order to support their development of new beliefs and patterns of behavior. Her specialties include anxiety, depression, ADHD, career counseling, and trauma-and-stressor-related issues. Jordan comes to Urban Balance with experience ranging from providing therapy to youth in the foster care system, to supporting adults with their career and employment goals. Jordan’s diverse background enables her to work with children and families, adolescents, emerging adults, and adults.

Julie Walden is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, possessing 20 years of experience and training in a variety of approaches to counseling, which enable her to tailor techniques to clients’ various and specific needs. She specializes in helping clients process and move past traumatic experiences that hold them back from achieving their goals, or simply from being who they want to be. She can help with issues such as anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationships, and grief and loss. Julie is trained in using creativity to express and process experience (Art Therapy certificate, Northwestern University), in family systems (MA, University of Chicago), in Child & Adolescent Mental Health (certificate, University of Illinois), and has also earned the IATP Clinical Trauma Professional certificate. Additionally, Julie has completed the Gottman Method Level 1 training in couples therapy. Prior to private practice, Julie worked in a variety of settings, including juvenile justice and foster care, medical social work and psychosocial rehabilitation. Julie is a compassionate, respectful, LGBTQ-friendly, and faith-friendly therapist who considers it a sacred privilege to share her clients' diverse journeys.

Kate Hutson is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who is committed to creating a safe and healthy environment for clients to grow in self-awareness, curiosity and personal responsibility. Kate earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Miami University and her Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Wheaton College. She uses a variety of client-centered treatment modalities in her work depending on the individual client's needs, including Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Somatic Experiencing.

Katie McBroome is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 10 years of clinical experience working with adult individuals and couples. Katie earned her Masters degree in clinical social work from Loyola University in Chicago. Katie utilizes a client-centered and strengths-based approach, drawing on Solution-Focused and Cognitive-Behavioral techniques. In her sessions, Katie provides a safe and collaborative space to explore a variety of clinical issues, including mood disorders, anxiety, anger, addictions, self-esteem and women’s issues.

Kecia Evans is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), who received her Master’s degree in Community Counseling and Doctoral degree in Counselor Education and Supervision. She also maintains a Certificate in Alcohol and Drug Counseling (CADC). Clinical interests include clients struggling with work/life balance, relationship issues, and those experiencing anxiety and depression, often in tandem with underlying substance issues. Kecia has extensive experience in the hospital setting, including serving as the director of outpatient services, and she is also a professor in the field of counseling. Kecia’s goal, as a psychotherapist, is to ensure appropriate therapeutic treatment is in place and readily available for those in need. She primarily utilizes an integrative treatment approach, emphasizing person-centered and Dialetical Behavioral Treatment approaches.

Koren Ayres is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker providing therapy to adults and adolescents. She provides an atmosphere of understanding and respect, and values a holistic and creative approach to therapy. Koren has worked in a variety of settings including community mental health, inpatient/outpatient hospital settings and residential treatment. She received her Master’s in Social Work from Loyola University Chicago and a secondary Master's in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy from the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust in London, U.K. Koren's international exposure has strengthened her cultural awareness and sensitivity. She enjoys working with diverse clients and has interests in anxiety, depression, trauma, family of origin issues, grief and loss, interpersonal conflict, and career/life transitions.  Koren utilizes an integrative style, applying a variety of approaches including Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral, Strengths based, and Solution Focused Brief Therapy, to best meet the goals and needs of each client. With compassion and empathy, she creates a collaborative, supportive, and safe space.

Lacey is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master’s degree in Counseling with a Specialization in Sport and Health Psychology. Lacey has experience working with adults of all ages in individual and group therapy settings, including an intensive outpatient hospital setting.  Additionally, she has worked with athletes throughout the process of early stage development, athletic career transitions, building identity, and exploration of transferable skills.  Lacey has found success with clients by encouraging them to reach their full potential through self-exploration and mindfulness.  She utilizes an integrative approach to therapy, with an emphasis on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, and Mindfulness based approaches to help clients to achieve balance and wellness in their lives.  Her specialties include career/life transitions, interpersonal conflict, grief and loss, stress management, self-esteem issues, depression, anxiety, and family of origin issues. Her goal is to provide clients with healthy coping skills and help clients explore their inner self, gain insight, and develop self-awareness to create an environment in which the client is living a more intentional and fulfilling life.

Lauren Partain is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with children, adolescents, emerging adults, adults, and families. Lauren has years of experience working in several healthcare and academic settings with clients of all ages. Prior experiences include working with youth and young adults with chronic illnesses at a children’s hospital in Los Angeles, CA, however Lauren also enjoys working with adults and families in various stages of their lives. Her clinical interests include anxiety, depression, major life transitions, chronic disease management, transition from pediatric to adult health care, self-esteem issues, stress management, and career counseling.  Lauren believes that good health comes from both physical and mental well-being and utilizes problem-solving therapy and motivational interviewing techniques to help clients reach their wellness goals.  Lauren received her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Southern California and her Master’s in Public Health from Keck Medical School.

Marsha Muir Brock is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with twenty five years of experience working with trauma affected children, adolescents and families. She has previously worked in the fields of special education, community mental health and child welfare where she found success making connections with resistant adolescents and guiding them towards increasing self-awareness, personal growth, and wellness.

Nan Nadler is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Registered Play Therapist who works with children, adolescents and adults of all ages providing individual, couple, family and play therapy services.  In addition to assisting clients navigate major life events and transitions, counseling issues addressed include: relationship and communication difficulties, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, anger and stress management, family conflict, parenting concerns, divorce, step family blending and trauma. Nan has extensive experience working with children struggling with poor-self-esteem, peer relations, school issues, as well as emotional, social and behavioral problems related to ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder and other mood/impulse control/disruptive disorders.

Nan views therapy as a collaborative, supportive process, focused on helping people address and learn strategies to effectively cope with the problems and issues that are standing in the way of moving forward towards greater balance and harmony in life.

Nina Logan Jenner is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with experience providing individual psychotherapy to adults with a wide range of presenting issues. Clinical interests include life transitions, relational problems, stress-management, self-esteem issues, work-life balance, anxiety, and depression and mood disorders. Nina strives to create a warm, empathic, and non-judgmental atmosphere in therapy while utilizing a collaborative and strengths-based approach to identify goals and facilitate growth, change, recovery, and healing. Nina utilizes a variety of evidence-based practices, primarily including an integration of cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, and insight oriented therapies while tailoring her specific style to meet the unique needs of each client.

Shalini earned her M.A. in Counseling from Northwestern University and is a Licensed Professional Counselor. Shalini works with individuals and couples, and is passionate about helping clients experiencing PTSD/trauma, anxiety, depression, family and relationship conflict, stress, and self-esteem issues. Shalini considers her greatest strength to be her ability to offer a warm, nurturing environment to her clients, one in which they can freely explore their feelings, thoughts, and interactions.

Shawn Flynn is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in treating adults of diverse backgrounds.  She has worked extensively with victims of sexual assault, domestic violence and childhood trauma.  Additionally, Shawn is passionate about working with clients managing addiction, depression, anxiety, grief and loss. Former professional settings influencing her practice today include non-profit organizations, a psychiatric inpatient and an intensive outpatient (IOP) substance abuse program. Shawn has a passion for group work and has experience facilitating IOP groups and interpersonal psychotherapy groups for clients managing substance abuse and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.

Silvija Barisic is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and earned her Masters degree in Clinical Psychology with a concentration in the treatment of addiction disorders from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Silvija received her undergraduate degree in Psychology and Philosophy from the University of Novi Sad in Serbia

Susan Lloyd is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over a decade of experience helping individuals on a variety of issues including addiction, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, LGB identity/coming out, career transitions, grief/loss and health concerns.  She received her Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Chicago’s School of Social Service Administration and has worked in corporate, higher education and hospital settings.

Susan Schwendener is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who works with children/adolescents, adults, couples, and families. She is experienced in working with individuals and families in crisis using strengths-based, solution-focused counseling interventions. Sue’s first objective is to provide a non-judgmental and safe place where clients can focus on concerns ranging from relationship and life transitions to career and workplace issues.

Susan Song is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with adults, adolescents, and families. Some of her specialties include anxiety, mood disorders, stress management, life transitions, multicultural issues, and gambling addictions. Susan has worked with clients in a variety of settings including inpatient treatment, community mental health, and Employee Assistance Programs. Susan is dedicated to providing a safe environment where clients can process and reflect upon life’s stressors, traumas, and challenges. She guides clients to identify their strengths and to develop coping skills so they can maintain balance and improve the quality of their lives. Susan utilizes a multitude of treatment approaches, which include Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, and Narrative Therapy. Susan received her Master's of Social Work with a concentration in Mental Health from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Taejah Vemuri is a clinical intern from Northwestern University's counseling program. Prior to her current graduate program at Northwestern, Taejah received a Masters in Public Health from the University of Michigan and worked for three years with youth who had histories of sexual and physical abuse at the University of Illinois at Chicago. During her first year as a graduate student in Northwestern's counseling program, Taejah trained at The Family Institute, and worked with young adult and middle-aged individuals struggling with issues including depression, anxiety, phobias, eating disorders, trauma, grief and loss, family of origin, sexuality, and relationships.