What to expect from Greater Chicago Counseling Center’s therapists?
Our therapists display compassion and understanding. We treat most issues facing individuals, families and couples whether a crisis or an ongoing conflict. No problem is too large or too small. Clients often feel isolated and alone in their personal struggles. We offer a supportive environment within which a client can share and explore difficult thoughts and feelings. Our therapists work their hardest to help you change those behaviors which stand in the way of you reaching your full potential. Therapists use best practice approaches which will move you along in the healing process. Most importantly, our therapists are good listeners. You are always in charge of your therapy. We simply guide you through the therapeutic process to a better life.
Individual Counseling
We assist individuals break through their dysfunctional styles of interaction in personal relationships with significant others, coworkers, family or friends. Sometimes an individual cannot accurately perceive the destructive personal loops. Through a collaborative therapeutic relationship the individual attains greater control and choice over their life. Our approaches tailor treatment to help individuals dealing with feelings of anxiety and depression to those of grief and remorse due to addictions.
Relationship Issues
Dating in the digital age confounds the best of us. Do I use social media, do I just meet people at work, or should I just hope that I meet the love of my life at a bar? These times are confusing! You take a chance and use an online site only to find out that the participant only wants to “hook up.” How frustrating. Yet, you still want a fulfilling relationship. Despite the preponderance of social media many individuals feel more isolated than ever. This isolation leads to self-esteem issues or anxiety. Therapy helps you work through the maze called modern day dating.
Couples Counseling
Whether sexual issues, incessant arguing, or disagreements over parenting issues often lead you to feel upset, angry, frustrated and sometimes even wondering if you’ve made the wrong decision to stay in your relationship. Some couples fear that counseling cannot resolve their chronic conflicts. You both may be anxious that there’s no hope. Couples therapy offers you new skills. Counseling often teaches you how to look at conflict from a different perspective, learn new ways of communicating and even expressing more affection for each other. Therapy helps you sort through relationship conflicts that while alternative ways of solving them.
Addiction Counseling
At our Center we focus on breaking the grip of different types of addictions ranging from chemical addictions to many forms of process addictions. Process addictions range from gaming, sex, eating, gambling or social media. These process addictions cause as much conflict in an individuals life as those addictions to substances. We must learn the triggers/vulnerabilities which lead to the persons mindless engagement and the vicious cycle of guilt and shame which follows.
Consultation
Our practice offers many levels of consultation from helping new parents manage the demands of their expanded family. Help mediating parenting agreements for those couples looking to terminate their relationships. To assisting family members dealing with the arduous task of caring for an aging parent suffering from Alzheimer’s.
meet Our team of therapists
Barbara M. Livingston-Goschi, Psy.D.
Dr Goschi is a warm, interactive individual who will help you feel hopeful during your initial consultation. She has treated individuals from adolescence through older adulthood for the past 25 years. Her vast experiential base gives her a better understanding of how to help you tackle even the most difficult problems. No problem is too big or too small. Her experience has afforded her the opportunity to help individuals struggling with the most severe to the most common issues.
Each session will focus on empowering you to become the person you want to be – more confident, less anxious, less depressed and in control of your life. Dr. Goschi’s empathic, active listening and proactive style will help move you forward. Therapy is a collaborative effort outlined by both Dr. Goschi and her patient. No longer must you face your problems in isolation. Establishing a therapeutic partnership with Dr. Goschi will help you find meaning and direction in your life.
Jirmiah Leverette, LSW
I believe starting counseling can open Pandora’s box. However, I work to create a safe space where patients share feelings and experiences of
childhood trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, difficult moods or other troublesome issues.
As a therapist, I feel honored to help you work
through these hardships. I have worked with individuals, couples, and families for the last 10 years. I understand that isolation can occur
at many stages in life. Trying to obtain a positive human connection can be difficult to navigate alone. Social and emotional frustration
can pour into different areas of our lives. Problematic relationships or a damaged sense of self can affect us deeply. I tailor my treatment to focus on your strengths while increasing your well being.
Daily life often challenges us but with new coping skills along with an empathic ear you will find greater fulfillment in both your personal and professional life. Take a step forward today and allow me to help.
Sara Fraum, LCPC, CADC
If I am your therapist, you can expect to be heard, supported, and challenged. I aim to create a space for healing. I prioritize the formation of a trusting therapeutic relationship. I meet my clients with authenticity and validation, as I believe that having someone listen unconditionally without judgment yields a profoundly intimate connection.
As a clinician, my background includes experience treating individuals, couples, and families. I specialize in anxiety, establishing balance in your life, addiction, trauma, depression, grief and loss, personality issues, compulsive behaviors, and PTSD. My passion stems from wanting to help people feel relief and strength
Karin Gutierrez, LPC
Whatever the reason for your distress, whether you struggle with anxiety, depression or other hardships, we can work together to process and explore ways of managing your conflict more effectively. I am an attentive listener who provides a safe environment for those in need of help. As a bilingual therapist, I am passionate about assisting patients navigate through life successfully while bringing a culturally sensitive approach.
Being highly trained in both English and Spanish allows me to help the needs of a diverse population. I use a variety of strategies to help you achieve your goals. For example, I am well versed in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. I am a kind and understanding clinician offering a comprehensive range of therapeutic techniques tailored to meet the unique needs of each couple and individual I treat.
I treat individuals & couples struggling with addiction, communication issues, sexual intimacy, and more. We can work through any grief of depressive episodes you may have as well.
Haley Gilbert, LPC
Interactive and warm best describes my therapeutic style. I treat my clients with respect, sensitivity and compassion. I don’t judge or use stigmatizing labels. My approach combines Cognitive-behavioral,
Psychodynamic, and Dialectical Behavioral therapy.
I work with individuals, couples, and families struggling with a wide range of issues including depression, anxiety, addiction (substance abuse) and trauma. I tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I assist in enhancing your strengths.
It takes courage to take the first steps towards change. Let’s work together to provide you with a more fulfilling life.
Alan Czarnopol, LPC
As a therapist, I look for the best characteristics in everyone I treat. The strength-based approach focuses on overcoming daily obstacles using reasonable solutions. I want the best for all my clients. During our therapy session, I provide a nonjudgmental environment so you feel comfortable sharing everything and anything. I collaborate with patients on goal setting and we move through therapy at your own pace.
I believe everyone possesses certain magic from just being alive. It takes courage to live in this chaotic world. With perseverance, you can conquer the ups and downs of life. I help you achieve your goals through utilizing Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Narrative Therapy among other techniques. I help individuals and couples find their voice which says yes - I (We) can do this!
I have spent over 20 years working in intensive outpatient and mental health residential homes where I saw people at their most vulnerable points in life. My therapeutic experience allows me to confidently treat depression, anxiety, substance use, generic sexual issues, family therapy, and various other mental health challenges.
Congratulations on taking the first step toward achieving a better life. Let’s see how far we can go in helping you actualize yourself.
Nora Abdelrahman, LPC
Life's challenges are often difficult to deal with on your own. I am here to help you work through the problems you cannot resolve . I will teach you the skills necessary to tackle your conflicts. Together we will explore how to engage in healthier, more meaningful relationships. When appropriate I will push you to reach your potential through learning healthier coping mechanisms and maximize your strengths while minimizing your weaknesses. As always, my client's set the pace of their therapy.
I utilize cognitive behavioral therapy, DBT and client-centered therapy as needed. Each client has different goals and needs. I work together with my clients to find the treatment which best benefits you. I don't use cookie cutter approaches to therapy. Rather, I tailor treatment to your unique individual issues.
I am comfortable working with a wide variety of issues. My goal as a therapist is to provide a safe space for clients to share their feelings, experiences, and thoughts openly. I feel grateful to have the opportunity to help others in need
John Benson
Life requires us all to respond to change, yet doing so can be quite challenging even in the best of times. Changes in work, relationships, health, finances, or ourselves stir up a variety of thoughts and feelings in us that can destabilize and disrupt our peace and joy. Periods of transition in life can also be disorienting and painful. In our therapy together, I offer support and guide you in your efforts to meet life on your own terms.
My experience as a therapist provides me with the context for understanding and empathizing with your struggles. My approach to therapy involves a variety of modalities, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems, Contextual Therapy and Neuro Affective Relational Model (NARM).
I possess the framework necessary to help you step forward with more confidence today as well as tomorrow. I have the knowledge and experience to help you look past and ameliorate your symptoms of depression, anxiety, addiction, or relationship issues. I work with individuals, couples and families to help you gain insight about what creates your disturbance. Together, we create a treatment plan ultimately affording you the life you desire. I meet you where you are, and, together, we move to where you want to be.