MEET OUR THERAPISTS
Therapist: Karen Anderson, LCSW
Degree: UIC, Jane Addams School of Social Work, MSW, Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Training: PCIT (Parent Child Interaction Therapy); PC Care (Parent Child Care); National Adoption Competency Mental Health Initiative
Experience: Residential settings, Academic settings, Safe Families for Children
Areas of Interest / Expertise: Child behavioral issues; parenting skills, adoption support
More About Me: I have many years of parenting foster, adoptive and biological children. My mission is to help strengthen families by providing training and therapy. I integrate spiritual principles from a Biblical faith-based perspective with clients who desire this. I love outdoor activities like camping, biking, hiking, running and gardening.
Therapist: Julie Lang, LSW
Degree: UIC, Jane Addams School of Social Work, MSW, Licensed Social Worker
Training: Certified Clinical Trauma Professional
Experience: Children and families, post-adoption, play therapy
Areas of Interest / Expertise: Individual, children and family, trauma and post-adoption
More About Me: I have been married for 35 years and have raised five children (both biological and adoptive). My focus is to meet each client where they are, walking alongside as they process grief and loss, relational discord, trauma, internal/external struggle, moving towards healing and emotional strength. I incorporate a faith-based perspective if desired. I enjoy reading and spending time with friends and family.
Therapist: Amy McGann, LCSW
Degree: University of Chicago/SSA, MA, Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Training: Gottman Certified Marriage Therapist (Level 1); EMDR Trained Therapist
Experience: Child welfare, children and families, older adults, marriage and family
Areas of Interest / Expertise: Cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal conflict, depression and anxiety, grief and loss, trauma
More About Me: I believe that each person is capable of learning and growing at any age and any stage of life. It is important to me to create an open and accepting environment for my clients and to help each client learn skills and tools to build emotional health and well-being. I love spending time outside hiking and biking with my family.
Therapist: Becky Williams, LCSW
Degree: UIC, Jane Addams School of Social Work, MSW, Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Training: ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis); National Adoption Competency Mental Health Initiative
Experience: Special Education, Foster Parenting, Transitional Living
Areas of Interest / Expertise: Child and Teen behavioral issues, Parenting skills and support, Independent living, Family Systems therapy
More About Me: I am pleased to be working with Lydia Home Counseling which I have been involved in for many years. I am married and have eight sons, both biological and fostered. I believe it is my responsibility to walk with clients through life events, past and present, seeing the function of behavior and move forward with skills to enhance wellness. I am equipped to incorporate a biblical/spiritual approach if desired. I enjoy reading, gardening, and enjoying time with family and friends.
Therapist: Mikayla McIlrath, LPC
Degree: Wheaton College, MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Training: National Adoption Competency Trained
Experience: Teenagers, social anxiety, family conflict, communication/socialization skills, spiritual issues
Areas of Interest / Expertise: Anxiety and depression, identity formation for teens or young adults, times of transition, family conflict
More About Me: I am a Chicago native and am passionate about providing mental health services in the community I grew up in. I believe that the therapeutic relationship can cause substantial healing in a person's life, so my therapeutic approach is person-centered and strength-based in nature. I also lean heavily on an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy model for the work that I do in session. When clients walk into my therapy room, they can be certain that I will join them in their situation with a non-judgmental lens and work alongside them towards the path of healing and growth. I am eager to incorporate a faith-based perspective if this is requested. When I am not at Lydia, I am usually walking around a forest preserve with a friend or trying out a new yummy food place in Chicago with my loved ones.