(she/her/hers)
Hi, I’m Danielle!
I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (ALMFT), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) committed to working with couples, individuals and families. My first career as a child life specialist led me into the field of healthcare, where I helped infants, children, youth and families cope with the stress and uncertainty of acute and chronic illness, injury, trauma, disability, loss and bereavement. While working in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), I was introduced to the world of perinatal mental health and haven’t looked back since. Whether you are experiencing challenges with fertility, pregnancy, through postpartum and parenthood, I am here for you.
Why I’m a Therapist:
My passion for perinatal mental health developed while working with women, couples and families in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. I have had the honor of walking with families throughout their perinatal journey and support them during the good days and the hard days. It takes courage to lean into the painful experiences of our lives. Together, we can work towards finding the healing and peace that can exist on the other side of this bravery. My approach to therapy is based on and tailored to the unique stories, needs and personalities of each individual, couple and family that I work with. With each client I have the privilege to work with, I see compassion and curiosity as some of the most powerful tools to go to deeper levels of the heart and mind. I strive to build a solid foundation of trust, safety and rapport so clients, couples and families feel safe and empowered to embrace the process of healing.
Education & Training:
I have over 10 years of experience working with families within the healthcare setting as a certified child life specialist. I received a Masters in Counseling Education at Northeastern Illinois University with a specialization in couples and family therapy. While in school, I provided therapeutic support, psychoeducation, resources and bereavement services for women and families in the NICU. I also facilitated a sibling support group within the NICU to provide a space where parents and NICU siblings can build understanding, connection and empowerment. Additionally, I recently co-authored a spiral-bound visual communication aid published by the American Academy of Pediatrics to help pediatricians and others who work in medical settings with children who are nonverbal. This publication helps improve communication, reduce fear and anxiety, and boosts patients’ understanding and participation in their medical visit. I believe my experiences providing services to families within the NICU and the palliative consults I assisted with from the Chicago Institute for Fetal Health offer a unique perspective as a professional counselor.
Areas of Specialization:
I provide individual, couples and family therapy with specialties in the following areas: transition and adjustment to life changes, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, birth and relational trauma, transition into parenthood, relationship/family issues, parent-child attachment issues, and acute and chronic illness.
(312) 659-4718 | contact@flourishcounselingltd.com