|
|
|
 Our Trained Chicago
Therapists
Our licensed Chicago therapists at the Center for Personal Development are here
to assist you. We have created a comfortable and nurturing environment to help you
feel completely at ease.
Our therapists are fully trained in a number of different areas and therapeutic
approaches. We understand that working with a therapist who you feel comfortable
with, is very important to your success.
To learn more about our therapists or our nonaffiliated recommended therapists,
please select a link below to read the bios of these therapists:
Dr. Steven Nakisher
Christopher Zurawic, Psy.D.
Kalli N. Rimikis-Kerr, MAMFT *
Joan Liautaud, Psy.D. *
Nancia Shawver, Psy.D. *
Mia M. Gregor, Psy.D.
Meghan LeBlanc, Psy.D.
Amy E. Fox Zurawic, M.A.
Cara McCanse, Psy.D.
Katie Crofton, M.A.
Dr. Steven Nakisher
Dr. Steven Nakisher is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, founder of the Center for
Personal Development and co-founder of Cornerpiece Consulting. Dr. Nakisher received his undergraduate
degree from the University of Michigan and completed his doctorate degree at the
Chicago School of Professional Psychology.
To read more about Dr. Steven Nakisher click here.
[ Top of Page ]
Christopher Zurawic, Psy.D. – Licensed Clinical Psychologist
We’ve all acknowledged at some moment that our lives are not looking or feeling as we’d like. Often times, these moments stand out as a prime opportunity to
consult an expert who can help us align or realign to a full and authentic experience of our life – the way we know, somewhere inside, that our life can be.
Dr. Zurawic provides psychotherapy services designed to address the most common barriers to living free and fully. Steeped in compassion and an understanding of the human being in all of us, as well as an understanding
of the pitfalls and traps of modern life, you will be personally supported and caringly challenged to lift out of the doldrums
of depressive or distracted living, understand the stuck beliefs that keep you spinning your wheels – engaging and taking life in like never before.
• Overcome sedimented beliefs and depressive barriers by working through pains or regrets – traumas, old wounds, and unresolved issues that keep you stuck.
• Learn to live more fully by changing the relationship you have with anxiety.
• Clear the way for entirely new relationships – with yourself, your partner/friends/family, and your world at large.
The urgency for living well can sometimes be fleeting. So whether you’re ready to address the anxiety or depression that’s been holding you back,
empower yourself to navigate that problematic relationship, or engage in a journey of self-knowledge that will open up your horizons of possibility, now is the time.
Dr. Zurawic works with individuals, couples, and in a group setting. Contact him today for appointment times.
_
Dr. Zurawic is a licensed clinical psychologist in the state of Illinois, and completed his doctoral degree at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology.
Additionally, he holds a Master's degree in clinical/counseling psychology
from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology,
and a degree in leadership/life coaching from the UIC Graduate School of Business.
[ Top of Page ]
Kalli N. Rimikis-Kerr *
Kalli N. Rimikis-Kerr is a Marriage and Family Therapist and a Family and Divorce
Mediator. She earned a Bachelor's Degree in Clinical Psychology and Sociology from
Moravian College, and a specialized Master's Degree in Family and Marital Counseling
from the Adler School of Professional Psychology. After completing Mediation Certification,
she completed a practicum in Advanced Mediation, interning with two of the top Family
Law Mediators in the city of Chicago.
Ms. Kerr works with a variety of family situations. In her early career, she emphasized
working with women either contemplating or undergoing divorce, leading support groups
for them along the way. This was a natural extension of her work with women during
a two-year internship with Planned Parenthood. She welcomes both individuals and
couples to explore relational patterns in the quest to forge healthier, more stable
relationships. Adults whose childhood development was affected by the fallout from
divorce have always been a prime focus of her work also. With compassion and acceptance,
she works with couples in a therapeutic environment to support each individual's
interests as a means to catalyze better communication and more positive interaction
between the parties. By challenging and empowering clients in a supportive and honest
environment, individuals and couples are assisted in achieving a greater degree
of enjoyment and satisfaction in life.
In her mediation practice, Ms. Kerr works collaboratively with Attorneys and other
Family Law professionals to lessen the emotional impact of divorce for all concerned.
Her focus is the well being of the parents divorcing but more importantly, that
of any children involved. Her use of extensive printed materials and other resources
assist the couple to mediate their divorce in a mutually beneficial manner rather
than the adversarial approach used by many divorce attorneys.
Ms. Kerr utilizes the Family Systems approach to therapy. One of her goals is to
clarify historical family dynamics that have shaped individuals during their developmental
years by defining the parameters that motivate their behavior. If a clearer understanding
of one's motivation is attained, it becomes possible to gain a better understanding
of how we succeed or fail in our relationships. This process can offer some consolation
to all parties experiencing the process of forging, repairing or dissolving a relationship.
[ Top of Page ]
Joan Liautaud, Psy.D. *
Joan Liautaud, Psy.D. attended University of San Diego for her undergraduate degree
and obtained her doctorate in clinical psychology from the Chicago School of Professional
Psychology.
Dr. Liautaud believes that what frequently encourages individuals to seek psychotherapy
is a disruptive or transitional life event that results in individuals questioning
the meaning of their life or with a desire to make a change. Informed by developmental
and interpersonal models, Dr. Liautaud's collaborative approach to psychotherapy
focuses on creating a safe, supportive, environment where individuals can explore
the complexity of their lives and identify what they feel is instrumental in making
informed choices that lead to living a healthy, meaningful life. With a clinical
background in human rights and working within and across cultures, Dr. Liautaud
specializes in treating adolescents and adults who are struggling with life transitions,
personal relationships, grief and loss, depression, anxiety and trauma-related disorders.
[ Top of Page ]
Nancia Shawver, Psy.D. *
Nancia Shawver, Psy.D. has a doctorate in clinical psychology with a specialization
in multicultural counseling. With extensive training in insight-oriented psychology,
her philosophy of therapy is based on her belief that the therapist-client relationship
is a unique one, which provides clients with a supportive context for self-confrontation
and growth. Dr. Shawver utilizes an integrative, holistic approach that is geared
towards the emotional needs and interests of a client. She utilizes an interactive
style that is both empathic and direct.
Dr. Shawver is a compassionate professional with training and experience working
in a number of areas with adults of a wide range of ages, cultural backgrounds and
various lifestyles. Her areas of professional skill include helping clients with
concerns related to identity development, adjustments to loss and life transitions,
as well as painful childhood experiences. She also has experience assisting clients
with relationship skills, parenting concerns, blended family issues, and the inter-generational
challenges of immigration. Dr. Shawver consults on issues related to children with
learning disabilities. She speaks Spanish as a second language. Dr. Shawver maintains
a self-pay practice; her fees are affordable. Dr. Shawver sees clients at the Michigan
Avenue location and at 655 W. Irving Park Road.
[ Top of Page ]
[ Top of Page ]
Mia M. Gregor, Psy.D.
Mia M. Gregor, Psy.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist who received her doctorate in clinical psychology with a concentration in health psychology. She completed a two-year postdoctoral fellowship in neuropsychology and behavioral medicine. She has extensive experience working with health related issues and conducting neuropsychological testing on a variety of issues. She specializes in neuropsychological evaluations and her current areas of focus include: ADHD, learning disabilities, and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders.
Dr. Gregor is the supervising neuropsychologist at the Center for Personal Development in Chicago, Illinois. She conducts neuropsychological and psychological evaluations with children (K-12) and is a supervisor to several doctoral students. Dr. Gregor is an adjunct professor at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, teaching students receiving their Master’s degrees in Clinical Counseling. Additionally, she is part of the Midwest Regional Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Training Center (www.mrfastc.org) Illinois team and is on the board of directors of FASTeam, a not-for-profit focused on raising awareness about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders.
Dr. Gregor is a member of the American Psychological Association (APA), Illinois Psychological Association (IPA), Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT), and the National Academy of Neuropsychology (NAN). She is the former co-chair of the Legislative committee of the Illinois Psychological Association and former committee member of the Professional Affairs and Information Committee (PAIC) of the National Academy of Neuropsychology, dedicated to helping neuropsychological practitioners. .
[ Top of Page ]
Meghan LeBlanc, Psy.D. - Neuropsychology Fellow
Meghan M. LeBlanc, Psy.D. receivedher doctorate in clinical psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She specializes in neuropsychological assessment of children and adults with a wide variety of known or suspected acquired and organic neurocognitive disorders.Dr. LeBlanc completed her internship training at Mount Sinai Medical Center/School of Medicine in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine. She completed a two year post-doctoral fellowship in neuropsychology and behavioral medicine. Dr. LeBlanc has published and presented research in the areas of autistic spectrum disorders, pediatric and adult traumatic brain injury, differential diagnoses of dementia, and the use of imaging in the diagnosis and treatment of bipolar disorder.
At the Center for Personal Development, Dr. LeBlanc conducts neuropsychological and psychological evaluations with pediatric and adult outpatients presenting with a variety of neurocognitive and neurobehavioral issues, including neurodevelopmental conditions, learning disorders, psychiatric complaints, chronic mental illness, dementia, and traumatic brain injury. Dr. LeBlanc is an Associate Professor in the Clinical Psy.D. Programat The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She has also taught as an adjunct instructor at the Adler School of Professional Psychology.
Dr. LeBlanc is a member of the Illinois Psychological Association (IPA), American Psychological Association (APA), National Academy of Neuropsychology (NAN), and International Neuropsychological Society (INS). She currently serves as co-chair of the Legislative Committee of the Illinois Psychological Association.
[ Top of Page ]
Amy E. Fox Zurawic, M.A.– Clinical Psychology Post-Doctoral Fellow
Amy is a post-doctoral fellow in clinical psychology. She is excited to pioneer the Center’s new Lakeview location. As a therapist, Amy’s orientation is Emotion-Focused Therapy—a proven, empirically supported, health-focused clinical approach for both individuals and couples. Amy has several years of experience in providing therapy services to individuals and couples, as well as international experience teaching therapists how to work from an Emotion-Focused approach.
Amy’s area of expertise with individuals is in working with anxiety, depression, eating disorders / body image issues, women’s issues, bereavement, and diverse identity issues. Amy’s approach as a therapist is grounded in attending to and honoring all aspects of experience—she works with clients in listening to their bodies, emotions, and thoughts to heal and promote growth and discovery. According to Amy, “clients come to see me because they don’t feel well; emotions are the core component of our experience, and emotions are connected to our most essential needs.” Clients undergoing Emotion-Focused therapy with Amy learn to better identify, explore, make sense of, transform, and flexibly manage their emotional experiences.
With regard to couples therapy, Amy offers three types of services: 1) pre-marital counseling which celebrates and solidifies commitment while structuring healthy communication patterns, 2) couples counseling which attends to established painful relational patterns and wounds and enables couples to heal and re-establish healthy connection and communication, and 3) couples mediation which helps divorcing partners attend in a healthy way to the pain of endings and the responsibilities of co-parenting.
Amy obtained bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Theology from Calvin College, studied religion and spirituality at Princeton Theological Seminary, and obtained her master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology. She is currently finishing her dissertation on self-soothing prior to obtaining her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology.
[ Top of Page ]
Cara McCanse, Psy.D.
Dr. McCanse is a licensed clinical psychologist who received her doctorate from the
Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She has extensive experience providing
therapeutic services to children, adolescents, families and adults. She has worked in
diverse settings such as community mental health centers, school systems, college
counseling centers, and in a physicians group practicing integrated primary care.
Dr. McCanse believes that the therapeutic relationship is the most important tool to help
facilitate change. Through this warm, and at times challenging relationship, great work
can be done. Dr. McCanse’s areas of professional skills and interest include helping
people identify and change maladaptive patterns of relating, work through depression,
overcome fears, anxieties and compulsions, and heal from traumatic or harmful life
experiences. Dr. McCanse incorporates interpersonal and psychodynamic approaches in
therapy to help individuals, families, and couples identify what is keeping them “stuck,”
utilize current strengths to help work through these difficulties, and pave the way to the
attainment of fully recognized potential.
[ Top of Page ]
Katie Crofton, M.A.
As a therapist, Katie provides a warm, safe, and accepting environment in which clients can move towards their full potential,
through the process of knowing themselves more fully. Katie is excited to work with individuals and couples in a manner that
supports their personal healing and self-awareness. She is an active and compassionate therapist who has experience helping
clients face difficult or painful parts of themselves or their past in order to discover healthy solutions based on their unique
values and goals.
Katie is available
to see clients at both the Wabash Avenue location as well as our newer Lakeview office.
[ Top of Page ]
*This is a recommended therapist from the Center for Personal
Development. This therapist is not directly affiliated with CPD.
QUICK LINKS:
Counseling and Therapy ::
Life Strategy :: Therapeutic Issues
:: Background Information
Psychological Assessments ::
Useful Resources ::
Privacy Policy :: Site Map ::
Home
Center For Personal Development
405 North Wabash Avenue, Suite 208 & 1114 | Chicago, IL 60611
1300 W. Belmont Ave, Suite 407C | Chicago, IL 60657
Tel: 312.755.7000 | Fax: 312.755.7001
Web: www.chicagotherapist.com | E-mail:
info@chicagotherapist.com
|
|
Dr. Steven Nakisher
Our Mission