IVY LYNN ELLIS, LCSW My name is Ivy and I am the founder of Empathic Counseling Center located in Evanston, Illinois. If you’re reading this, it means you are looking for someone who can help you move towards your goals. I understand how difficult it is to seek therapy and ask for help, so I make a great effort to make the experience comfortable and safe for you. I think you will discover that I have an empathic and warm demeanor. Though we will work hard, we will also laugh a lot. I practice within a nonjudgemental atmosphere where you are valued and respected at all times. I’m glad you’re here, and I’d love to work with you. HOW I HELP I am NOT a “sit back and nod” type of therapist, or a “how does that make you feel” kind of therapist. I will jump right in to help you recognize unhealthy behavioral choices and thought patterns, in addition to teaching you new skills and techniques to achieve confidence and success. Every person is unique, as is their story; therefore, tailoring a treatment approach to each person is most important. I have had training in an array of therapies and do my best to keep up with the latest research to provide the best level of care to my clients. I use evidence-based approaches, like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, along with other tools, that are best suited to your needs. Additionally, I am trained in a breakthrough, integrative approach, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), to process distressing life experiences. MORE ABOUT ME When I am not in session, I enjoy spending time with my husband and daughter. My five nieces and nephews (all under age five) keep me on my toes! I enjoy yoga and fitness classes because I believe that exercise is a great tool in aiding stress and anxiety. And while I love Chicago, I am also passionate about traveling and experiencing different cultures. CREDENTIALS & EXPERIENCE I received a bachelor's degree in business and psychology from Washington University in St. Louis, and a master's degree in clinical social work from University of Chicago. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (license #149016923). Notable trainings and honors include: Fellowship through the Chicago Center for Psychoanalysis Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Social Thinking Clinical Training Gottman Level 1 Training Prenatal and Postpartum Depression Training Dialectical Behavior Therapy Training OLIVIA MASINI, LCSW My name is Olivia and I am a licensed clinical social worker providing counseling at Empathic Counseling Center in Evanston, Illinois. If you are seeking a secure, warm, and inviting space, you have come to the right place. I understand that trusting someone with your story is brave and can make you feel incredibly vulnerable. My goal is to provide an environment where you can feel safe to share, and where you will feel heard and know that your goals are valued. HOW I HELP My approach to counseling is interactive. When we first meet, I will spend time getting to know you and hearing why you have decided to seek counseling support. While I might be quieter during this first session, after that you will find that I engage much more, asking questions, challenging, and making connections. I am not the expert on your life. But I am here to use the training I’ve received to work with you and to find ways to get you where you want to be. Our relationship will get stronger and evolve over time, and sometimes we will need to adjust our approach. I apply evidence-based methods, such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, and I am always looking to learn new strategies. MORE ABOUT ME In addition to providing counseling, I work full-time at Heartland Alliance Health as the manager of care coordination. I am passionate about non-profit and mission-driven work that provides access to healthcare for those that have the hardest time getting it. Outside of work, you will find me running along the lakefront. I am also a professional singer, performing for weddings and various events in the Chicagoland area. And if you happen to see a cute dog on my phone screen, that’s Max. He’s my best buddy. CREDENTIALS & EXPERIENCE I received a bachelor's degree in psychology from DePaul University, and a master's degree in clinical social work with a specialization in mental health from Loyola University Chicago. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (license #149017137). I have received additional training in: Motivational Interviewing Crisis Intervention Harm Reduction