OakHeart Center for Counseling Mediation & Consultation

Bios

• 

  Vanessa Osmer

  MA, LCPC, NCC

  Starting therapy can be hard and it is brave to reach out for help during difficult times in your life. The truth of the matter is, healthy people ask for help when they need it. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, that is Nationally Certified (NCC). I strive to help clients feel safe and understood. I believe that connecting with my clients helps build a strong trusting relationship, which is an important predictor of success in therapy. I want my clients to know that I take their care seriously and I want each of them to recognize that I am invested in guiding them forward to reach their individual treatment goals. I am proud of the work I do and feel honored when clients trust me to be part of their journey. I do not believe that there is one single approach that is the “right” one for every individual, which is the reason I tailor my approach to each individual or couple. I choose empirically validated treatments, which are therapeutic techniques that have been scientifically tested and have been shown to be valid and effective for the concern that is being treated. I often utilize techniques from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. ​ My educational background includes a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Professional Psychology from Roosevelt University. I have worked in several settings to treat people of all backgrounds, including a therapeutic day school, community mental health, private practice and even with incarcerated individuals in a county jail. I am a co-owner of OakHeart and have the ability to treat individual clients (ages 10 and up), couples, and families with a variety of treatment concerns. I have a strong clinical interest in feeding and eating disorders, non-suicidal self-injury, exposure based anxiety disorders (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Social Anxiety and Phobias) and mood disorders. Furthermore, I have training in divorce mediation and I am equipped to help couples navigate the difficulties of separating their assets and debts in a way that feels fair and equitable to each party involved. If you are considering becoming a client of mine for counseling or mediation services, please set up an intake session to explore if we would be a good fit for one another.

  Education:

  Certifications:

  Services:

  Link: Vanessa Osmer

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  Katherine Harris

  PhD, LCP

  I received my Bachelors Degree from Michigan State University and my Doctoral Degree from Northern Illinois University. I completed my Pre-Doctoral Clinical Psychology Internship at the Ann Arbor VA in association with the University of Michigan, and my PostDoctoral Residency at the University of Michigan/Ann Arbor VA Clinical Psychology Consortium. I spent the majority of my education obtaining specialized training in the treatment of Social Anxiety Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (Worry), Panic Disorder with or without Agoraphobia, Health Anxiety Disorder, Specific Phobias, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). In private practice, I devote most of my time seeing clients with these presenting problems, and I participate regularly in continuing education to ensure that I am up-to-date on the most effective treatments for these disorders. ​I also treat Depression, Postpartum Depression and Anxiety, and Insomnia. I would describe my therapeutic approach to be cognitive behavioral (CBT), with an emphasis on the behavioral (meaning I believe that the strongest learning comes from consistent changes in our behaviors). I am proud to offer evidence-based exposure treatments (e.g., Exposure and Response Prevention , Panic Control Treatment, Prolonged Exposure Therapy, and Cognitive Processing Therapy) for anxiety disorders, OCD, and PTSD. When appropriate, I also integrate other third wave mindfulness-based CBT approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. I believe that success in therapy relies upon a foundation of mutual trust and a sense of safety, and that the therapeutic alliance is one of the most important factors in helping clients improve and reach their goals.

  Education:

  Certifications:

  Services:

  Link: Katherine Harris

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  Katie Sheehan

  MSW, LSW

  Getting unstuck is an undertaking. Even larger? Doing it alone. I am passionate about helping clients from all walks of life explore and uncover the hidden roadblocks firmly planted in the way of leading a life they see worth living. Whether it be through making meaning of life events, providing tools and techniques for change, challenging beliefs, or helping clients recognize and harness their own set of unique strengths, we will work through it together. I am a relational practitioner who knows that the best predictor of your therapeutic success is a strong relationship between client and clinician. In order to build this relationship I use warmth, compassion, humor, transparency, and patience to help increase your comfort and confidence in the therapeutic process. ​ I work with client’s as young as four and am competent working with a variety of issues including: depression, anxiety, grief, OCD, high functioning ASD, parent support for ASD, and those just released from IOP or PHP. If you believe I may be a good fit for you or your loved one and are ready to begin the therapeutic process please reach out today.

  Education:

  Certifications:

  Services:

  Link: Katie Sheehan

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  Adam Ginsburg

  MA, LPC

  Oh Hi, didn’t see you there! I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and gained my Masters degree in Clinical Counseling from Loyola University of Chicago, complete with a nice bow, like one of those oversized ones you see in car commercials during the holidays. Admittedly, I’d call myself a bit of a story hacker as I have this unbelievable curiosity in getting to know and understand the stories each of us carries within ourselves as we navigate through the challenges that life presents. Perhaps you’ve never heard this before or perhaps you have and didn’t believe it to be true, but your story carries immeasurable significance not in spite of the hardship that may oftentimes accompany it like some sort of outlier but directly because of it, having the potential to usher in a version of you that seems impossible. ​ Therapy can be challenging, no matter who you are. I’d venture to be as bold as to say that few of us wake up in the morning and proudly exclaim, “You know what I feel like doing this morning? Going into a therapist’s office and speaking about some of the significant challenges and hardships I’m currently going through!” It just doesn’t work that way as oftentimes as a client, it can be a daunting process to sit in a chair across from someone you don’t know in the least bit and speak to the most sensitive, personal & challenging circumstances you’re facing. Here’s the thing about therapy though: it’s that 1 hour per week where it’s 100% about YOU! Oftentimes therapy can be thought of as a place for problems but it’s really a place for process, as in exploring the depth & breadth of what you’re experiencing each day along with the twists & turns life presents. I gravitate towards more of a narrative based approach coupled with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which combines looking at your life in terms of stories and wondering if there are stories you’re holding steadfast to that may have outworn their welcome all the while examining the thoughts that are experienced. I use the word privilege a lot when it comes to story hacking and it’s truly sacred ground for me to hear the stories you’re bringing to the table and to be able to speak life into them while maintaining a curiosity about how you’ve managed to display resilience amidst the very real challenges you’re experiencing. It’s with this posture of curiosity that excites me so much as to the possibility of connecting with you and fully investing in every success, every challenge and every hang up you may bring to the counseling relationship and maybe, just maybe, even enjoying ourselves a bit along the way as well.

  Education:

  Certifications:

  Services:

  Link: Adam Ginsburg

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  Bridgette Koukos

  LCPC, NCC

  I received my Bachelor’s degree from Rockford College in psychology with a minor in human development. I completed my Master of Arts degree with a concentration in addiction treatment from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and I am proud to be a National Certified Counselor. My undergraduate experience includes working with adolescents in residential treatment with mental health as well as substance abuse concerns. I have also worked with juvenile male offenders on probation. My master’s level graduate internship was at an outpatient treatment center with a primary focus on the treatment of adolescents with substance abuse concerns. Prior to working at Oakheart, Center for Counseling, I provided therapeutic services to the adolescent, young adult, and adult populations with a focus on anxiety, depression, phase of life and relational issues, as well as Substance Abuse Disorders. I currently have a strong interest in working with Substance Use Disorders, Perinatal and Postpartum Anxiety and Depression, Trauma, and working with first responders. ​ I would describe my therapeutic approach as Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) while implementing mindfulness and humor into my practice. Doing so has allowed me to create a safe-space for my clients, to not only feel heard, but accepted without judgement.

  Education:

  Certifications:

  Services:

  Link: Bridgette Koukos

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  Lee Ann Heathcoat

  MSEd, LCPC

  As a therapist I strive to provide clients with an emphatic environment that allows for growth and change. I enjoy helping clients develop healthy coping skills when dealing with tough emotions during difficult times. I am passionate about empowering clients to find their inner strength in order to overcome life’s biggest challenges. To do so, I utilize a variety of evidence based therapeutic treatments including: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Strength-Based Therapy. My journey as a therapist in private practice could be seen as a unique one, but has provided me a plethora of experience that I would not have otherwise gotten. I obtained my Bachelor Degree in Law Enforcement and Justice Administration from Western Illinois University, and my Masters Degree in Counseling from Northern Illinois University. I’ve been working in the field of psychology and criminal justice for over 20 years. During my years of experience I’ve worked within the court and jail system, employee assistance program, and community mental health.

  Education:

  Certifications:

  Services:

  Link: Lee Ann Heathcoat

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  Dr. Hillary Gorin

  PhD, LCP

  ​After graduating from Marquette University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology, I received my masters and doctoral degrees from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. My graduate training curriculum emphasized learning and applying cognitive-behavioral therapy. I completed my Predoctoral Clinical Psychology Internship at Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital where I had the opportunity to work in the Center for Anxiety and OCD intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization programs. I specialized in evidence-based outpatient treatments for PTSD, Anxiety disorders, and OCD during my Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of Michigan/ VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System Consortium.

  Education:

  Services:

  Link: Dr. Hillary Gorin

• 

  Anna Perkowski

  MSW, LCSW

  I received my Bachelor and Master of Social Work degree from Aurora University. While at Aurora University, both my undergrad and graduate internships included working with at-risk youth whether that meant providing oversight to after-school youth programming or conducting school-based individual therapy sessions. The bulk of my post-education work has focused on continuing to integrate my passion of supporting and empowering our youth and equipping their support systems (think parents/caregivers/community providers) to do so as well. I worked as a case manager and supervisor within the private sector of a child welfare program designed to support families in remaining intact for just short of 5 years. This work included adopting a trauma-focused and trauma-informed approach when working with diverse individuals and families which has also proven invaluable in my work to-date as a therapist. ​

  Education:

  Certifications:

  Services:

  Link: Anna Perkowski

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  Marissa Vogrin

  MA

  I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from North Central College in Naperville, IL. While at NCC, I interned with a neuropsychologist, assisting in neurofeedback, neurological evaluations and brain mapping for clients struggling with ADD/ADHD, learning disorders, sensory processing disorders and anxiety/depression. Following graduation, I went on to complete my Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Lewis University in Romeoville, IL. During those years I interned at a Long-Term Acute Care Hospital with the patient and family relations department, supporting patients and their families throughout their extended stays and complex care needs. In completion of my degree, I worked at a private mental health practice providing individual therapy focusing on grief, stress management, panic disorders, and work/career issues. My professional experience has vastly been in residential and IOP/PHP settings with a focus in addiction treatment along with feeding and eating disorders. First at Timberline Knolls, a Residential & Outpatient center where I worked comprehensively with care teams to provide holistic treatment for women and girls struggling with feeding and eating disorders, addiction, trauma and mood disorders. Following that, here in the Naperville area, at an addiction treatment center assisting clients with med management and underlying mental health issues throughout their substance use treatment.

  Education:

  Link: Marissa Vogrin

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  Lizzy Lowe

  MA

  I received my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the Ohio State University (OSU) in Columbus, Ohio. Shortly after I graduated from OSU I moved to Chicago to complete my Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. During my time at The Chicago School I was a clinical counseling intern at an elementary and middle school in the Chicago Public School System. In this role I saw clients both individually and in group settings. I focused primarily on issues such as depression, anxiety, emotional regulation, grief/loss, and trauma. Upon graduation from my master’s program I worked as a group therapist in a partial hospitalization setting focusing on eating and feeding disorders. In this role I worked with teens/ adolescents, as well as adults. I have experience in therapeutic techniques such as CBT, DBT, ACT, as well as expressive/art based techniques.

  Education:

  Services:

  Link: Lizzy Lowe

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  Tony Fasano

  MSW, LCSW

  I received my Bachelor of Arts from the University of Illinois-Chicago. I worked in auto-insurance for several years but always felt that I was meant to do more for others. I returned back to school and went on to complete my Masters of Social Work at Aurora University. During this time, I completed internships with concentrations on case management and therapy. I have obtained additional training in OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), anxiety, depression, dementia, and domestic violence. I do have a particular passion for working with the geriatric population or "those with more birthdays." My career has included working with Elder Care Services and as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with clients age 12 and up for Family Counseling Service. It was at Family Counseling Service where I led a program which provided therapy to seniors in the community, many of whom had difficulty coming into the office for an appointment, but still enjoyed having a face-to-face visit.

  Education:

  Services:

  Link: Tony Fasano

• 

  Erin Mitchel

  MSW, LCSW

  Many times people turn to therapy when the ways that they have previously been able to cope to get through difficult situations, or life in general, are just not working anymore. You may have reached a time when striving for those changes are better than continuing on with what is currently occurring. Making change through therapy can be a good place to start. For me, therapy is a safe place where you can come and talk about your stressors and struggles without judgment or pressure. During therapy with me, your first session will be an opportunity to discuss what areas you would like to focus on and to share some background information about yourself. After the initial session I prefer to let you lead, and we start where you are comfortable. I tailor the types of therapy that we will use in session to your needs and goals. I primarily utilize techniques from Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical-Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and the Dual Process Model of Grief in the treatment I provide. During my years providing therapy, I have been able to see those that I have worked with grow and flourish. I received my bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Wisconsin- Platteville, and my master’s in social work from Aurora University. I have worked in outpatient mental health, outpatient residential mental health, home health, and hospice. I have provided educational seminars to the community, support groups, education groups, and individual therapy. I specialize in grief, miscarriage/early infant loss, infertility, depression, anxiety, end-of-life, caregiver support, and trauma.

  Education:

  Certifications:

  Services:

  Link: Erin Mitchel

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  Vanessa Osmer

  MA, LCPC, NCC

  Starting therapy can be hard and it is brave to reach out for help during difficult times in your life. The truth of the matter is, healthy people ask for help when they need it. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, that is Nationally Certified (NCC). I strive to help clients feel safe and understood. I believe that connecting with my clients helps build a strong trusting relationship, which is an important predictor of success in therapy. I want my clients to know that I take their care seriously and I want each of them to recognize that I am invested in guiding them forward to reach their individual treatment goals. I am proud of the work I do and feel honored when clients trust me to be part of their journey. I do not believe that there is one single approach that is the “right” one for every individual, which is the reason I tailor my approach to each individual or couple. I choose empirically validated treatments, which are therapeutic techniques that have been scientifically tested and have been shown to be valid and effective for the concern that is being treated. I often utilize techniques from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. ​ My educational background includes a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Professional Psychology from Roosevelt University. I have worked in several settings to treat people of all backgrounds, including a therapeutic day school, community mental health, private practice and even with incarcerated individuals in a county jail. I am a co-owner of OakHeart and have the ability to treat individual clients (ages 10 and up), couples, and families with a variety of treatment concerns. I have a strong clinical interest in feeding and eating disorders, non-suicidal self-injury, exposure based anxiety disorders (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Social Anxiety and Phobias) and mood disorders. Furthermore, I have training in divorce mediation and I am equipped to help couples navigate the difficulties of separating their assets and debts in a way that feels fair and equitable to each party involved. If you are considering becoming a client of mine for counseling or mediation services, please set up an intake session to explore if we would be a good fit for one another.

  Education:

  Certifications:

  Services:

  Link: Vanessa Osmer

• 

  Pamela Heilman

  PsyD, LCP

  As human beings we all face struggles in life, and at times, we can really benefit from an outside perspective to help us work through difficulties. From an early age, I developed an interest in understanding how people think and behave. This interest evolved into a desire to help others manage life’s problems. As a licensed clinical psychologist, I feel privileged to have this opportunity. A healthy therapeutic experience is built upon honesty, integrity, and respect. I view therapy as a collaborative process and utilize an integrative approach because it allows me to incorporate various treatment modalities in a way that best suits the needs of my clients. My primary therapeutic orientation is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT). As needed, I utilize other evidence-based approaches including: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT). I work with my clients to explore their symptoms, as well as their short and long-term goals, in order to determine the best course of treatment. A good therapeutic relationship is essential to achieving symptom reduction as well as healthy pursuit of goals. ​ I work with individuals 18 and over. My therapy sessions are often a combination of processing stressors and emotional experiences with development of healthy coping skills. I have been trained as a generalist and assist individuals in a number of areas including: depression, generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder, OCD, relationship issues, self-compassion, communication skills, anger management, life transitions, grief/loss, and trauma.

  Education:

  Certifications:

  Services:

  Link: Pamela Heilman

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  Katherine Harris

  PhD, LCP

  I received my Bachelors Degree from Michigan State University and my Doctoral Degree from Northern Illinois University. I completed my Pre-Doctoral Clinical Psychology Internship at the Ann Arbor VA in association with the University of Michigan, and my PostDoctoral Residency at the University of Michigan/Ann Arbor VA Clinical Psychology Consortium. I spent the majority of my education obtaining specialized training in the treatment of Social Anxiety Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (Worry), Panic Disorder with or without Agoraphobia, Health Anxiety Disorder, Specific Phobias, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). In private practice, I devote most of my time seeing clients with these presenting problems, and I participate regularly in continuing education to ensure that I am up-to-date on the most effective treatments for these disorders. ​I also treat Depression, Postpartum Depression and Anxiety, and Insomnia. I would describe my therapeutic approach to be cognitive behavioral (CBT), with an emphasis on the behavioral (meaning I believe that the strongest learning comes from consistent changes in our behaviors). I am proud to offer evidence-based exposure treatments (e.g., Exposure and Response Prevention , Panic Control Treatment, Prolonged Exposure Therapy, and Cognitive Processing Therapy) for anxiety disorders, OCD, and PTSD. When appropriate, I also integrate other third wave mindfulness-based CBT approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. I believe that success in therapy relies upon a foundation of mutual trust and a sense of safety, and that the therapeutic alliance is one of the most important factors in helping clients improve and reach their goals.

  Education:

  Certifications:

  Services:

  Link: Katherine Harris

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  Christina Bieche

  MSEd, LCPC, NCC

  A positive attitude not only leads to a more optimistic lifestyle, but also leaves one with an overall sense of happiness and resiliency. A person with a positive attitude will feel confident in opening the door to possibility which inevitably increases the likelihood of success in all endeavors. Although it can be a challenging and extremely vulnerable process to consider therapy for yourself or a loved one; I honestly believe the time spent identifying the therapist who is the best fit for you is not only a vital part to beginning therapy but also aids in establishing a real and genuine connection which will pave the way for true healing work to begin. Personally, I strive to nurture a therapeutic relationship that feels authentic, safe, and trustworthy as well as provide an open and non-judgmental environment where you can feel free to be yourself. Together, we will embark on a journey of self-exploration and work collaboratively in developing a course of treatment to assist in accomplishing your goals. I am a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) who has been practicing in the field for over 15 years in various settings and enjoys working with clients aged 16-adult who experience depression, anxiety/panic, PTSD, trauma, low self-esteem, relationship challenges, work/life balance concerns, divorce/separation, LGBTQ+ topics, terminal illness, grief, and life changes/transitions. My clinical focus revolves around a trauma-informed framework of humanistic psychology, exposure techniques, acceptance/commitment, and cognitive as well as dialectical behavioral therapies to holistically address the mind, body, and spirit. A trauma-informed framework encompasses a specific approach to therapy that focuses on recognizing and addressing how traumatic experiences inform our behaviors, thoughts, feelings, interactions with others, and ability to manage every day life stressors. Therapy will include working together to identify connections between your traumatic experiences and the challenges you are facing today. Not only is this type of therapy evidenced based but also provides a gentle and manageable approach in gaining the skills needed to assist you in better understanding, coping, and processing uncomfortable emotions and memories tied to trauma. It is my hope that you will discover a feeling of empowerment which leads to creating a healthier, more adaptive meaning for the trauma that has taken place in your life. Ultimately, the goal will be to utilize this newly discovered meaning to have a more authentic connection with yourself, so you can have a more genuine connection with others and the motivation to reach your goals.

  Education:

  Services:

  Link: Christina Bieche

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  Laura Lahay

  MA

  "Asking for help can feel uncomfortable and it can be down-right scary to take the first step towards healing. I want clients to know I see their bravery. I believe therapy is tough, yet beautifully rewarding work that can propel a person forward towards their goals. My desire is to go on a journey with my clients, giving them space for short-term discomfort so that they might receive the long-term benefits. I value authenticity and promise to be as real as possible with my clients- I’m not about acting like I have it all figured out. Rather, I wish to share what I know and work together to navigate the journey ahead. I received my bachelor’s degree in 2019 in Children and Family Ministries from Moody Bible Institute and received my Masters in Mental Health Counseling from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (TEDS) in 2022. I completed my internship with OakHeart in May of 2022 and am currently a pre-licensed counseling extern with the practice. I have experience working with toddlers all the way through adults both in clinical and non-clinical settings. The majority of the clients I see struggle with anxiety disorders, depression, feeding and eating disorders, low self-esteem, and life transitions. I enjoy working with all ages, but have most experience with kids, teens, and young adults. I also love working with clients who wish to integrate faith and spirituality into their counseling experience. In my therapeutic work, I choose to use a mix of evidence-based treatment modalities including, but not limited to, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Person-Centered Therapy. My goal is to meet clients where they are at, tailoring treatment approaches to best suit their needs. I feel honored to do therapeutic work with each of my clients. My goal is to provide you with a safe and welcoming environment that allows you to utilize your values as the GPS. I can’t promise that there will not be hills or valleys on this journey, but I can promise to work hard to be a support to you every step of the way." ​

  Education:

  Services:

  Link: Laura Lahay

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  Sarah Williams

  MS, LMFT

  My interest in family dynamics and my desire to work with adolescents led me to become a Marriage and Family Therapist. I attended Northern Illinois University where I received my Bachelor’s degree in Child and Family Studies as well as my Master’s degree in Applied Family and Child Studies with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy, along with extensive clinical training. During my graduate studies, I was fortunate to participate in a multicultural exchange program, teaching therapy concepts at the Royal University of Phnom Penh in Cambodia. This unique experience encouraged a professional interest in diversity and cultural difficulties within family systems. I also pursued additional training in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBTQ+) issues. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), I enjoy working with children, adolescents, and adults. My training as an LMFT provides an ability to treat a variety of needs, including depression and anxiety, family conflict, parenting concerns, grief, and identity/self-esteem issues. I love to engage with people to create meaningful changes. When working with clients, I typically use an integrated therapeutic model, incorporating strengths-based and family systems approaches to resolve distress and bolster resiliency. My style tends to be warm and direct; I am straightforward, humorous, and practical. I love to engage with people to create meaningful changes. In our work together, we will strengthen healthy behaviors and develop effective skills to deal with life's challenges.

  Education:

  Services:

  Link: Sarah Williams

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  Dr. Megan Noren

  PsyD, LCP

  It is truly a privilege to witness and be a part of the growth and healing that transpires throughout the therapeutic process. It requires a great deal of strength and courage to seek support and explore vulnerable, often painful internal experiences. My goal is to provide you with a compassionate, supportive space that allows you to examine how distressing life experiences often times take root in the way we feel about ourselves and the way we interact with those around us. We will work together to heal past emotional injuries, strengthen relationships, improve boundaries, cope with distress, create new meaning, navigate life transitions, and ultimately develop a more positive and secure sense of self. I believe you are worthy of working towards this lasting change and living a life that feels authentic to you. In order to facilitate this process, I utilize a variety of evidence-based treatment approaches with a primary emphasis on Emotion-Focused Therapy. Within my work with couples, I integrate Emotion-Focused Couples Therapy with the Gottman Method. I primarily work with clients 18+ and treat depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, trauma, grief/loss, life transitions, and concerns related to LGBTQIA identities. I also have a special interest in working with maternal mental health including perinatal depression and anxiety as well as navigating the unique challenges associated with motherhood. ​ I completed my Bachelors of Science degree at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2007 and then began my career in Portland, Oregon working with adolescents in therapeutic day treatment and behavioral rehabilitation foster care settings. I returned to Illinois to continue my education at The Illinois School of Professional Psychology. Throughout my training, I worked in a variety of settings including private practice, community mental health, and university counseling. I completed my Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology in 2014 and obtained my Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology in 2017.

  Education:

  Services:

  Link: Dr. Megan Noren

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  Bridgette Koukos

  LCPC, NCC

  I received my Bachelor’s degree from Rockford College in psychology with a minor in human development. I completed my Master of Arts degree with a concentration in addiction treatment from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and I am proud to be a National Certified Counselor. My undergraduate experience includes working with adolescents in residential treatment with mental health as well as substance abuse concerns. I have also worked with juvenile male offenders on probation. My master’s level graduate internship was at an outpatient treatment center with a primary focus on the treatment of adolescents with substance abuse concerns. Prior to working at Oakheart, Center for Counseling, I provided therapeutic services to the adolescent, young adult, and adult populations with a focus on anxiety, depression, phase of life and relational issues, as well as Substance Abuse Disorders. I currently have a strong interest in working with Substance Use Disorders, Perinatal and Postpartum Anxiety and Depression, Trauma, and working with first responders. ​ I would describe my therapeutic approach as Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) while implementing mindfulness and humor into my practice. Doing so has allowed me to create a safe-space for my clients, to not only feel heard, but accepted without judgement.

  Education:

  Services:

  Link: Bridgette Koukos

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  Kate Nash

  MA, LPC

  I graduated with my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Sociology from Illinois State University. I was a member of Psy Chi (an international honor society for those majoring in Psychology), teaching assistant in social psychology, and part of a research team that studied communication during taped counseling sessions using a verbal response mode coding system (developed by William Stiles). I earned an internship at an inpatient drug and alcohol program for adolescents, which was the most challenging job I have ever had. This is where I learned that I could connect with people on a deeper, more meaningful level. This motivated me to seek more specialized training in psychology by furthering my education. I went to graduate school at Roosevelt University where I obtained my Master of Arts Degree in Clinical Professional Psychology. At that time, I worked as an intern at an inpatient psychiatric unit at a hospital as well as a Partial Hospitalization Program (an intensive day treatment that involved running groups and one-on-one counseling). I then accepted a job as a Social Work Case Manager and started working in the Discharge Planning/Case Management Department. I primarily worked in the Intensive Care Unit, which was a great place to put my counseling education and skills to use. I often worked with patients at the end of their lives along with their families. This led me to apply for a position as a Palliative Care Social Worker where I had the honor of being part of the first Palliative Care Team at the hospital where I worked. Palliative Care is a program/team of people that aim to improve the quality of life for people with chronic diseases or illnesses often needed at the end of life. My passion for palliative care inspired me to attend a workshop in California where I became an ELNEC (End-of-Life Nursing Consortium) trainer and educator. I continued working in the ICU and I also started educating staff at the hospital on Palliative Care topics (e.g., communication, ethical standards, cultural issues at end of life). I loved working with people and families who were struggling and in need of guidance during their most vulnerable times. I learned so much about community resources, working with a team, death and dying, and ways to improve quality of life. Most of all, I realized I enjoyed helping people from all walks of life. I was humbled by the trust patients and their families placed in me during such a difficult time in their lives. From there, I decided to focus solely on Palliative Care and so began working in Outpatient Palliative Care in the Chicagoland community. This venture eventually led me to a position in the hospice field where I became a Bereavement Coordinator. My main priority was working with the bereaved to help them cope with their grief. I ran a Grief Support Group weekly as well as individual counseling sessions. I learned that grief can be very complicated, and it needs to be treated delicately with education, resources, and support. Furthermore, I found that I really valued the individual counseling sessions and I wanted to utilize my training as a Licensed Professional Counselor. That is when I found Oakheart and I knew this is a place where I can acquire new clinical skills while growing both personally and professionally. I am grateful to be currently working toward furthering my licensure to become a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor.

  Education:

  Certifications:

  Services:

  Link: Kate Nash

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  Alma Lazaro

  MSW, LSW

  I received my Bachelor of Science from Northern Illinois University and my Master of Social Work from Aurora University. At Northern, I majored in psychology with minors in Spanish and counseling. While completing my bachelor’s degree, I worked as a certified nursing assistant. In this role, I worked with a population of older adults, ages 65+. Working as a certified nursing assistant, I found a passion for working in a healthcare setting with residents and residents’ families who were dealing with the hardships of chronic illnesses or end-of-life care. This inspired me to take the healthcare track while pursuing my master’s degree at Aurora University. While completing my master’s degree, I did my first-year internship at a domestic violence and sexual assault crisis center where I then became a case manager. Through this job, I was able to learn about trauma-informed practices used while working with survivors, as well as crisis intervention skills. For my second-year internship, I completed an internship at a hospital where I worked with connecting patients and families to vital resources in the community.​

  Education:

  Certifications:

  Services:

  Link: Alma Lazaro

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  Leah Arthur

  LCPC

  I attended Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, where I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, and a minor in Leadership Studies. During my time there, I gained valuable knowledge in understanding human behavior, critical thinking, and leadership skills. Seeking practical experience, I had the opportunity to work with diverse populations. I supported teens and young adults with developmental disabilities, providing guidance and promoting their well-being. I also served as a shelter advocate at a domestic violence shelter, offering crucial support to survivors. Later, I worked on a behavioral health unit for a local hospital where I was able to provide support to adult populations. To advance my career, I pursued a Master's degree in Clinical/Community Mental Health Counseling at Western Illinois University. This program provided comprehensive training and valuable experiences that shaped my therapeutic approach. During my studies, I completed an internship at a community mental health center, where I worked extensively with individuals, families, and groups. This then became my full time job and allowed me to address a wide range of presenting problems and develop a deep understanding of client complexities.

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  Link: Leah Arthur

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  Tony Fasano

  MSW, LCSW

  I received my Bachelor of Arts from the University of Illinois-Chicago. I worked in auto-insurance for several years but always felt that I was meant to do more for others. I returned back to school and went on to complete my Masters of Social Work at Aurora University. During this time, I completed internships with concentrations on case management and therapy. I have obtained additional training in OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), anxiety, depression, dementia, and domestic violence. I do have a particular passion for working with the geriatric population or "those with more birthdays." My career has included working with Elder Care Services and as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with clients age 12 and up for Family Counseling Service. It was at Family Counseling Service where I led a program which provided therapy to seniors in the community, many of whom had difficulty coming into the office for an appointment, but still enjoyed having a face-to-face visit.

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  Link: Tony Fasano

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  Dr. Amy Jakobsen

  PhD, LCP

  I completed a Bachelor of Arts degree at Concordia College in Moorhead, MN with a major in psychology and a minor in music. While at Concordia, I completed an honors research project focused on understanding and reducing stigma related to mental health status. I completed a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL. While at NIU, I worked in several graduate assistant positions, where I was able to indulge my love of a variety of professional activities: therapy, testing, research, and teaching. As a psychologist, I am a member of the American Psychological Association, which helps me to keep up with the latest research and advocate for ethical, effective, and sustainable practices in the profession of psychology. As an experienced therapist I have worked with over 1000 clients in different settings, including a university clinic, community mental health centers, county jail, community hospital, individual private practice, and group private practice.

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  Link: Dr. Amy Jakobsen