Biographies
Dr. Vicki Alden, LCSW
I provide psychotherapy/counseling to individuals from 21 years of age and beyond. My specialty is working with anyone experiencing grief and loss and those dealing with life issues that make daily functioning challenging. I am part of the Brain Change Treatment Team for anyone struggling with psychological dysfunction and the Peak Performance Team for optimal performance in sports, professional and personal life. During my 30-plus years in the mental health and social service field I have had the privilege to work within family and youth service agencies, an inpatient mental health center, and three teaching hospitals.
I believe each person is a unique individual that must be treated with dignity, respect and empathic understanding. Each person's strengths need to be identified and utilized to solve problems and to achieve goals in both therapy and in daily life.
My practice is based on the holistic approach that stresses the need for mind, body, spirit to be in balance and harmony to enable each person to truly find joy in living.
312.305.3443 or drvicki10@gmail.com
Laura Ritchason, MS, LPC
When individuals experience trauma or severe life stressors, it is not uncommon for them to feel as if their lives have unraveled. My dedication is to bring healing to individuals who have experienced traumatic and stressful events. I know that no single approach is right for everyone, so I have been trained in a wide range of therapeutic techniques that include
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Client Centered Therapy, Solution Focused, Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Mindfullness and Neurofeedback. Through these approaches, I am able to help my clients find healthy perceptions of themselves in order to make changes and find a more peaceful and calming place in their lives.
Opening up during counseling sessions can be difficult and sometimes scary for some. Often times there can be apprehension in which individuals may feel they will be judged. I provide a safe, relaxing and compassionate atmosphere where they can speak openly about difficult subjects.
I specialize in working with adults, children and group dynamics that cover a range of issues: depression, anxiety, PTSD, Neurofeedback, domestic violence, sexual assault and partner abuse intervention program (PAIP).
224.227.5684 or homegirl2u2006@yahoo.com
Dr. Alden's Friends
These are professional associates, colleagues and community providers throughout northern Illinois.
Lakisha Hale, LCSW Resilient Life Counseling, PLLC
Lakisha Hale is a licensed clinical social worker with over eight years of experience working in the mental health field. Lakisha received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Jacksonville University before continuing on to obtain her Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana.
Throughout her eight years working in community mental health, Lakisha has gained knowledge and experience in working with adolescents and young adults. Lakisha has extensive experience in helping her clients work through a variety of challenges including depression, anxiety, poor self-esteem, stress management, self-harming behaviors, and suicidal ideations. Lakisha also has experience working with clients who have a history of trauma.
Lakisha believes her clients are the experts of their own life and uses her role to help support, guide, and empower her clients to make positive changes and accomplish their goals. Lakisha focuses on creating a safe and nonjudgmental space in which her clients can feel comfortable speaking about their experiences and challenges. Lakisha’s therapy is rooted in client-centered perspective and she incorporates a variety of therapeutic approaches to help her clients including cognitive behavioral therapy, strength-based, and solution focused approaches.
815.901.3371 or kishah1706@gmail.com