Specialties: Adult Individual and Couples therapy; ADHD and family issues related to diagnoses; Developmental Disabilities such as Asperger’s Syndrome and Autistic Spectrum disorders; Gerontology; Mood disorders and Anxiety
 
I always congratulate clients if they have taken the first step of seeking therapy/counseling.  I believe that seeking treatment for oneself is a sign of health although many would associate it with pathology.  Therapy is certainly not about advice but about a safe place to bring issues and put them on the table.  A therapist is more of a "life witness” than a judge. Clients usually have enough judges and advice givers in their social circle.  A good therapist provides resources, educational materials, positive mirroring, techniques to manage symptoms and hopefully joins with the client in acknowledging their world view.  A good therapist allows clients to learn from mistakes while providing guidelines to help avoid pitfalls. Providing a client with the tools to take charge of their own life rather than allow them to feel victimized goes beyond simply supportive therapy.  Certainly providing structure and setting goals is as central as healthy confrontation when appropriate.  None of this can happen, however, if the therapy is not person-centered and based on the individual client’s needs and perceptions.

Elizabeth is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. She obtained her Masters Degree from Benedictine University, and her B.S. in Psychology from North Central  College, Naperville. Elizabeth has worked in physician’s offices, with Catholic Charities and DCFS, in nursing and rehabilitation, in a village counseling center and shelter in Downers Grove and in several private practices including her own. She has extensive experience with adults, couples and senior citizens.
 
Elizabeth’s ongoing professional interests include Autism spectrum disorders, Alzheimer’s Disease and research regarding neurological testing advances especially with regard to ADHD. In addition to her work at Portrait Health Centers,  Elizabeth works as a Social Service Director in a Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Naperville. Elizabeth is single and has three grown children.