UB therapist Marion Malcome LCSW recently conducted an in-house CE training entitled Cultural Sensitivity: Working with African-American Clients in Outpatient Mental Health. Marion has done extensive research on African-American traditions, help-seeking behaviors, and the interaction between stigma and mental health treatment in the African-American community. Participants of the training were provided with practical tools for clinicians working with African-Americans. Participants also gained an understanding of the unique challenges of first-generation college educated and professional African-Americas. UB recognizes that the U.S. demographic continues to grow and change, and it is important that we provide services that are timely and culturally relevant. UB therapist are committed to education and staying current in our respective fields.
Marion looks forward to conducting this training at UB for outside therapists for CEUs in the near future.
For more information about Urban Balance, please visit www.urbanbalance.org.
Marion Malcome, LCSW
Marion is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with comprehensive experience working with adults in various mental health settings. Marion believes that seeking out therapy is a healthy, normal experience that all should embrace without shame. Her therapeutic approach is non-judgmental, client-centered and strengths based. She seeks to form a collaborative, therapeutic relationship with clients, allowing them a safe space to explore and gain understanding about obstacles to personal growth. She then hopes to provide empathic support and feedback to ultimately empower clients to set realistic goals and make necessary lasting changes. Marion received a BS in Psychology and a MSW with a concentration in community mental health, both from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She has extensive training and experience in clinical diagnostic assessment, cognitive-behavioral therapy and crisis counseling. Her areas of specialty include depression, bipolar disorder, crisis counseling, self-esteem, life transitions, and cross-cultural issues.
Joyce Marter, LCPC
Evanston office(s)
- Depression Treatment
- Anxiety Counseling
- Addiction Treatment
- Career Counseling
- Trauma, Abuse & Crisis Counseling
- Self Esteem Issues
- Relationship Issues
- Bipolar Disorder
- Codependency Issues
- EMDR
Joyce Marter has been in private practice as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) since 1998 and specializes in treating mood disorders, anxiety, self-esteem concerns, relationship issues, infertility and addiction. She has extensive experience providing psychotherapy for individuals, couples and groups coping with mental health issues, relationship challenges and chemical dependency. Her expertise extends to the workplace where Joyce provides organizational development services, executive coaching, and wellness seminars. Joyce was selected by Northwestern University as a supervisor for Master's level therapists-in-training. She graduated from The Ohio State University with Honors and earned a Masters of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Northwestern University. Joyce interned at The Family Institute, a renowned training facility for marital and family therapy. She was awarded Distinguished Alumni of the Year by the Masters in Counseling Psychology Program at Northwestern University in 2008.
Nancy Mitchell, LCPC
Libertyville office(s)
- Anxiety Counseling
- Couples Counseling
- Addiction Treatment
- Trauma, Abuse & Crisis Counseling
- Family Counseling
- Pre/Post Natal
- Mood Disorders
- Relationship Issues
- Clinical Supervision
UB Libertyville Manager
Nancy Mitchell is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and relational therapist specializing in individual, couples and family therapy. Nancy works with adults and adolescents using a client-centered approach to create a safe therapeutic environment for the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders, relationship problems, substance abuse, life transition concerns and women's issues including pregnancy and post-partum issues. Nancy believes in the power of narrative and uses a collaborative, supportive style to guide clients in their journey towards health and balance. Nancy earned a Masters degree in Counseling Psychology from Northwestern University and was selected by Northwestern as a supervisor for therapists-in-training at The Family Institute.
Barbara Noonan, LCPC
Chicago-Downtown office(s)
- Depression Treatment
- Anxiety Counseling
- Marriage & Family Counseling
- Couples Counseling
- Grief Counseling
- Adolescent Counseling
- Pre-Marital Counseling
- Self Esteem Issues
- Relationship Issues
Barbara Noonan is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and a specialist in working with couples, adults, adolescents, and in conducting art therapy. Barbara specializes in grief/loss, family-of-origin issues, relationship concerns, depression and anxiety. She earned her Master of Arts in Art Therapy from the School of the Art Institute and completed a Two-Year Post-Graduate Certificate in Marital and Family Therapy from The Family Institute at Northwestern University.
Jennifer Nudell, Student Intern
Chicago-Downtown,Evanston office(s)
- Depression Treatment
- Anxiety Counseling
- Marriage & Family Counseling
- Couples Counseling
- Grief Counseling
- Mood Disorders
- Pre-Marital Counseling
- Self Esteem Issues
- Relationship Issues
- Women's Issues
Jennifer Nudell is a second year graduate student at Northwestern University, pursuing a Masters degree in Counseling Psychology. Last year, Jennifer interned at the Family Institute as a student therapist. She worked with individuals seeking assistance for a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, transitional issues, grief and loss, and eating disorders. While Jennifer’s training has focused on a psychodynamic approach, she likes to work with clients from an integrative perspective, utilizing interventions rooted in cognitive-behavioral, strength-based, dialectical-behavioral, and existential theory. Jennifer received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Philosophy from Boston University. During this time, Jennifer volunteered at a shelter for homeless women and children and as a phone operator at a parental stress hotline, providing resources and emotional support for distressed parents in need of assistance. Following her undergraduate education, Jennifer worked in customer service management and human relations, developing her abilities to problem solve and to understand and attend to the unique needs of individuals. Jennifer is excited to continue her clinical training at Urban Balance and to work with a wide variety of clients.
Rebecca Odett, LCSW
Chicago-Downtown office(s)
- Anxiety Counseling
- Couples Counseling
- Family Counseling
- Mood Disorders
- Self Esteem Issues
- Life/Cycle Challenges
- Compulsive Behaviors
- Gambling Addiction
Rebecca Odett is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and also has a Problem and Compulsive Gambling Certification. She has comprehensive clinical experience working with adolescents, adults, couples, and families on gambling addiction, anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, adjustment issues, and relationship issues. Rebecca has worked previously in a variety of clinical settings, including an employee assistance program, a residential mental health facility, a community mental health clinic, and a school. She uses a strengths-based relational approach with her clients guided by motivational interviewing and solution focused therapy. Rebecca believes that the strongest indicator for therapeutic success is a supportive and trusting relationship between the therapist and client, and she works diligently with clients to build this relationship in order to foster optimal emotional growth and change. Rebecca earned her Masters of Social Work degree from Rutgers University where she was a member of the Phi Alpha honor society.
Ron Pajak, LSW
Chicago-Downtown,Evanston office(s)
- Depression Treatment
- Anxiety Counseling
- Marriage & Family Counseling
- Couples Counseling
- Trauma, Abuse & Crisis Counseling
- Mood Disorders
- Self Esteem Issues
- Relationship Issues
- Life/Cycle Challenges
- Men's Issues
- PTSD
- Family of Origin Issues
- LGBTQ
Ron Pajak is a Licensed Social Worker. He specializes in clinical work with trauma, depression and anxiety. Areas of particular interest are men’s issues; navigating life changes; grief and loss. He has experience with diverse populations regarding age, ethnicity, gender, orientation and socio-economic status. He has worked with individuals, couples and groups, and has experience providing counseling to LGBT populations concerning issues of self-esteem and family dynamics. Ron is very interested in the use of personal narrative as a method of self-exploration and a means to identify patterns of behavior. He uses an integrative therapeutic approach, with a strong foundation in psychodynamic theory and family systems. Ron received his social work degree from the School of Social Service Administration at the University of Chicago.
Cori Robin, LCSW
Chicago-Downtown office(s)
- Depression Treatment
- Anxiety Counseling
- Couples Counseling
- Grief Counseling
- Trauma, Abuse & Crisis Counseling
- Adolescent Counseling
- Life Cycle Changes
- Chronic Ilness
- CBT
Cori Robin is a psychotherapist with experience providing guidance and therapeutic services to individuals (children to elderly), couples, and families with a wide array of conditions. Cori's specialized work includes depression and anxiety, grief and loss, oncology issues, older adults and life transitions, health diagnoses adjustments (mental / physical), relationship struggles, domestic abuse and sexual trauma. Cori works and listens emphatically - blending keen mindfulness with psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral approaches - to create a safe and open experience for each client. She utilizes a strengths-based approach to assist individuals in gaining insight and creating positive, meaningful growth. Cori earned a Bachelors of Science in Rehabilitation Psychology from University of Wisconsin-Madison and received a Masters of Social Work from Loyola University-Chicago.
Cindy Sigal, AMFT
Chicago-Downtown office(s)
- Depression Treatment
- Anxiety Counseling
- Marriage & Family Counseling
- Couples Counseling
- Child Therapy
- Adolescent Counseling
- Mood Disorders
- Divorce Counseling
- DBT
- Women's Issues
Cindy Sigal is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, working with children, adolescents, families, couples, and individual adults. Cindy utilizes a systemic, integrative, problem-centered perspective. A basic premise of her work is that integration is fundamental to healing and well-being, therefore a central part of therapy is to help clients work through what is getting in the way of their inherent wholeness. Cindy creates a safe, empathic space, which stems from the therapeutic relationship. She specializes in issues, such as: depression, anxiety, life-transitions, trauma, and self-harm and is trained in Mindfulness and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Cindy has experience with children and adolescents with emotional, social, or school difficulties; families with special needs children, divorcing issues, and co-parenting needs; and couples with communication, conflict, and intimacy issues. Cindy earned her Master of Science in Marital and Family Therapy from The Family Institute at Northwestern University.
Lisa Srour, LCSW,CADC
Libertyville office(s)
- Depression Treatment
- Anxiety Counseling
- Addiction Treatment
- Mood Disorders
- Self Esteem Issues
- Bipolar Disorder
- Co-Occurring Disorders
- Codependency Issues
- Substance Abuse
- Stress Management
Lisa Srour is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor with experience working with individuals (young adults and adults) and families. Lisa specializes in treating issues related to chemical dependency, anxiety, depression, codependency, self-esteem, shame and stress management. Lisa utilizes both a holistic and cognitive behavioral approach to therapy that is goal oriented and focuses on clients’ strengths and overall well being. She also understands that addiction is a brain disease and addresses chemical dependency treatment from a disease and 12-step based model. Lisa provides a safe and empathic therapeutic environment while assisting her clients in healing and improving their lives one day at a time. Lisa earned her Masters in Social Work from Loyola University Chicago and her CADC from The Adler School of Professional Psychology.
Lisa Stanton, LCSW
Chicago-Downtown,Evanston office(s)
- Depression Treatment
- Anxiety Counseling
- Grief Counseling
- Trauma, Abuse & Crisis Counseling
- Pre-Marital Counseling
- Relationship Issues
- Axis II
- PTSD
- Co-Occurring Disorders
- Phobia Counseling
- Clinical Supervision
Manager of Evanston location.
Lisa Stanton is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) who uses a relational model and humanistic approach in working with people who have relationship/life issues, mood disorders, anxiety, addictions and trauma histories. She works collaboratively in a client-centered approach utilizing people's strengths in the healing process. Lisa focuses on emotional safety in her work with clients in a non-judgmental environment to enhance the quality of people's lives. She has extensive experience in the community mental health and child welfare fields that has helped inform the importance of relational work. She specializes in trauma recovery with men and women who are survivors of early childhood trauma or traumatic loss. She has experience in diverse cultural environments and has worked in the social service field for 17 years. Lisa graduated with a Master's Degree in Social Work from Fordham University in New York City.
Alison Thayer, LCPC
Chicago-Downtown office(s)
- Depression Treatment
- Anxiety Counseling
- Marriage & Family Counseling
- Career Counseling
- Trauma, Abuse & Crisis Counseling
- Adolescent Counseling
- Pre/Post Natal
- Parenting Counseling
- Relationship Issues
- Life/Cycle Challenges
- Substance Abuse
- Clinical Supervision
Alison Thayer is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Certified Employee Assistance Professional with over thirteen years of experience working with adults, adolescents, children and families. She has worked in a variety of settings, including community mental health agencies and an Employee Assistance Program. Alison provides a supportive therapeutic environment to empower clients to grow and make effective changes in their lives. Through utilizing an integrative approach emphasizing cognitive behavioral and solution-focused methods, treatment is non-judgmental, client centered and goal-oriented. She believes that building upon the client’s strengths is a critical component of the therapeutic process. Her specialties include mood and anxiety disorders, relationship issues, occupational issues, adjustment difficulties and substance abuse. During her work as an Employee Assistance Professional, Alison has provided Critical Incident Stress Management services and Management Consultation. In addition, she was previously an Adjunct Professor of Psychology at DeVry University and she has corporate training experience. Alison received her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Illinois School of Professional Psychology, now known as Argosy University.
Michael Trammell, LCSW
Chicago-Ravenswood office(s)
- Depression Treatment
- Anxiety Counseling
- Couples Counseling
- Grief Counseling
- Mood Disorders
- Self Esteem Issues
- Relationship Issues
- Men's Issues
- Bipolar Disorder
- Chronic Ilness
- LGBTQ
Michael Trammell is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over fourteen years of experience providing therapeutic services to adults and has experience working with people from diverse backgrounds. Michael specializes in the treatment of depression, anxiety, mood disorders, self esteem and identity development, relationship issues, grief and loss, life transitions and LGBT issues. In addition, Michael has worked with many individuals who have secondary chronic medical concerns including HIV/AIDS. Utilizing Psychodynamic and Family Systems theory, Michael integrates multiple treatment modalities to fit the current needs of the individual and couple with which he works. Michael earned his Master of Social Work Degree from Loyola University of Chicago.
Christine Vacin, LCSW
Chicago-Downtown office(s)
- Anxiety Counseling
- Addiction Treatment
- Grief Counseling
- Trauma, Abuse & Crisis Counseling
- Adolescent Counseling
- Life Cycle Changes
- Codependency Issues
Christine Vacin is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in treating adolescents and adults to overcome issues with mood and anxiety disorders. Christine utilizes a psychodynamic and strength-based approach to explore and work through problems concerning self-confidence, anxiety, depression, stress, adjustment difficulties, life transitions, self-identity, and relationship dynamics. Christine also uses experiential therapy to explore various underlying life experiences which may offer a new perspective to process these issues. She strongly believes in developing a safe, trusting relationship in a warm, non-judgmental environment with her clients. Christine graduated from Loyola University Chicago with an MSW and a specialization in children and families. She received her B.A. degree in Psychology from Wheaton College in Massachusetts.
Stephanie Whitman, LFMT,Certified Mediator
Chicago-Downtown,Evanston office(s)
- Depression Treatment
- Anxiety Counseling
- Marriage & Family Counseling
- Addiction Treatment
- Adolescent Counseling
- Family Counseling
- Life Cycle Changes
- Parenting Counseling
- Relationship Issues
- Anger Management
- Compulsive Behaviors
- Anger Management
- Divorce Counseling
- Mediation
Stephanie Whitman is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who received her Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Psychology from the University of Michigan, a J.D. from Washington and Lee Law School and a Masters in Marital and Family Therapy from Northwestern University. Stephanie's approach to helping clients is collaborative and solution-focused. She uses a combination of insight-oriented therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy to help clients understand issues and develop tools to solve problems. Her approach is non-judgmental and she seeks to create a safe and comfortable environment in which to explore issues. Stephanie works with individuals, couples and families in such areas such as depression, anxiety, anger management, communication issues, infidelity, compulsive behaviors, parenting skills and life transitions. Stephanie is also a certified mediator and provides divorce mediation services at UB.
Angie Winkler, LCPC
Chicago-Downtown office(s)
- Depression Treatment
- Anxiety Counseling
- Trauma, Abuse & Crisis Counseling
- Adolescent Counseling
- Family Counseling
- Relationship Issues
- Bipolar Disorder
- Clinical Supervision
Angie Winkler is an experienced clinician with a Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology. She is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who approaches therapy from a strengths-based perspective. Angie strives to partner with her clients to create a therapeutic relationship that is supportive, accepting, and challenging. She has comprehensive experience counseling individuals coping with Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Relationship Conflicts, Trauma or Abuse, Stress Management, and Self-Esteem concerns. Throughout her career, Angie has specialized in providing Crisis Counseling for families with children or adolescents who are coping with a mental illness. She has years of experience providing training and supervision to new clinicians on a Child and Adolescent Crisis team. Angie blends together techniques from Cognitive Behavioral, Client-Centered, and Insight-Oriented therapy to assist her clients in achieving wellness. She has worked in a variety of settings including community mental health centers, hospitals, child welfare, schools, and private practice.
Mariko Wiseberg, LCPC
Chicago-Ravenswood office(s)
- Depression Treatment
- Anxiety Counseling
- Grief Counseling
- Trauma, Abuse & Crisis Counseling
- Mood Disorders
- Life Cycle Changes
- Self Esteem Issues
- Relationship Issues
Mariko Wiseberg us a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with experience in providing therapy to children, adolescents, families, and adults. She incorporates client centered, psychodynamic, and systemic approaches approaches in her work with clients. By valuing collaboration in therapy, her goal is to empower clients to build upon their strengths and learn new tools to enable growth. Mariko has experience working with mood and anxiety disorders, trauma, giref and loss, relationship issues, life cycle transitions, and self-esteem issues. She has an extensive background in community mental health. Mariko received her Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology, now known as Argosy University. She has served as a Clinical Supervisor for masters level therapists-in-training from Northwestern University.
Rebecca Zalman, Student Intern
Chicago-Downtown,Evanston office(s)
- Depression Treatment
- Anxiety Counseling
- Grief Counseling
- Mood Disorders
- Life Cycle Changes
- Self Esteem Issues
- Relationship Issues
- Eating Disorders
- Family of Origin Issues
- Women's Issues
Rebecca Zalman is a second year student in the Masters of Counseling Psychology Program at Northwestern University. Rebecca spent the past year interning at The Family Institute at Northwestern where she worked with a wide variety of adults ranging in age and background. During this time, she specialized in mood and anxiety disorders, self-esteem concerns and relationship issues. Rebecca is excited about working at UB and is eager to work with couples as well as individuals. Her training focuses on a psychodynamic approach, however, Rebecca believes in a collaborative and personalized approach to therapy. She likes to incorporate a more relational model and uses a wide array of interventions from various theories including cognitive behavioral and strength based approaches. Prior to beginning graduate school, Rebecca worked as a public relations and marketing associate for several agencies and organizations in the Chicagoland area. Before moving to Chicago, Rebecca graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Communications from Tulane University, New Orleans. While at Tulane, she interned as a community relations intern and worked alongside a social worker at a local New Orleans charter school to implement new programming post-Katrina. Rebecca was also an active member in rebuilding the local community.
Christina Zerwer, LCPC
Chicago-Downtown office(s)
- Depression Treatment
- Anxiety Counseling
- Life Cycle Changes
- Self Esteem Issues
- Bipolar Disorder
Christina Zerwer is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with experience in anxiety, depression, bi-polar disorder, schizophrenia, trauma, life transitions and self-esteem issues. Using an open, empathic, strengths-based approach, Christina works with individuals and groups to explore their inner world to uncover hidden strengths, confidence, and well-being. She focuses on building a trusting relationship, using reflection and honesty with each individual, while employing a trial and error approach to specifically tailor treatment to the individual. She strongly believes that each client is the “specialist” on him/herself and that the therapist’s role is to help each individual feel more confident in themselves. With a background in community mental health, Christina also has gained over three years of crisis work, helping those in need of immediate intervention cope through extremely difficult times. Christina received her MA in Counseling at Southwestern College in Santa Fe, New Mexico.