I love being a therapist. Being a witness and a facilitator as clients emerge from traumatic histories - as well as from current hurtful experiences - never fails to inspire me. Even in the face of seemingly insurmountable pain and despair, people heal.  I feel so privileged to be part of that process.

As a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) in private practice on the north side of Chicago since 1999, I have extensive experience working with individuals and couples on relationship issues, anxiety and depression, LGBT concerns, and health, especially cancer and chronic pain.

My primary therapeutic framework is the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model, which is a non-pathologizing and empowering way to understand human problems, and an approach to therapy that brings both therapist and client into a transformational relationship that supports true healing.  I am also comfortable using techniques and concepts from psychodynamic, cognitive, experiential, and spiritual approaches to personal growth and mental health.
 

Collaboration and respect for each client are essential for me, across all types of psychotherapy. Whether using a down-to-earth, practical framework or a spiritually based one - or both - I partner with each client to help them (1) explore who they truly are, and (2) gently dissolve the burdens that may be blocking their way. Then, they can naturally move toward greater clarity, deeper calm, and a more consistent feeling of aliveness.

A graduate of the University of Illinois in Urbana, my master's degree in counseling comes from Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago. I'm a member of the American Counseling Association and the Illinois Counseling Association. My career path has included several significant twists and turns: I've been a high school teacher, a computer programmer, a writer/editor, a singer/songwriter, and more.  

Paula Walowitz, LCPC