Mary Cherullo, LCSW
"When we are no longer able to change the situation; we are challenged to change ourselves." Frankl 1946
“But in order to change a situation one has first to see it for what it is…”
~ James Baldwin, 1962, The Fire Next Time, p. 81
Through the developmental stages that span a lifetime, there are different challenges and needed support. The stress and pressure of life can become overwhelming in the best of times. It can become crushing in the worst. Throughout life's journey there are opportunities for observation, reflection and adaptation to improve overall contentment and satisfaction. I hope to reduce suffering by increasing the understanding of why we feel, think and act the way we do as well as applicable strategies for shifting life dynamics.
I offer a client centered therapy, with a foundation built on strengths perspective, empathy and unconditional positive self regard. I have studied and have a well rounded understanding of psychoanalysis and behaviorism. I provide assessment, planning and facilitation of progress towards a calm, balanced life perspective and attainment of goals, in a very brief or longer term model of therapy. It is important to me that each client feels comfortable sharing their life story, perspective and goals at their pace, with appropriate encouragement and therapeutic challenges when necessary.
I want to work together to reduce distress, whether it be due to a life transition, grief, or trauma. With increased education on the science behind why we feel, think and act the way we do, we disarm its power and grip, and allow for a pathway to change and adaptation. I want to help people live in alignment with their values and to their full potential by providing each individual tools to remove the obstacles, improving life contentment and fulfillment.
I see individuals, couples and families; aged four through lifetime, with a wide range of diagnoses and chronic health issues, working in a brief or long term therapy model. If you are interested in support navigating life, please consider reaching out to myself or another provider. There is always a way forward; Let us help you organize, develop and execute that path.
EXPERIENCE:
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Private Practice Clinician; The Thriving You, Zaborac and Associates, Hoover and Associates
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University of Chicago; Education Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience; Behavioral Medicine, Grief Specialist, Psychiatry Department
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Palos Community/Health Hospital; Inpatient Psych, Outpatient IOP/PHP
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Jesse Brown and Hines VA: working with veterans in stabilization and addiction
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Riveredge Hospital Inpatient Psych; Concentration in child, adolescents and adult psych, treating Alzheimer’s, Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, Addiction, Trauma
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Oak Park River Forest High School; Extern, Counseling Department
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Ada S. McKinley, SASS Program; Crisis intervention work with children and adolescents for the State of Illinois
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Hephzibah Children’s Association, Internship: Children's group home and emergency shelter, foster care, court mediation and parental reunification
EDUCATION:
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Aurora University Type 73; School Social Worker Certification
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Loyola University Chicago; Master of Social Work
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Jane Addams College of Social Work; University of Illinois Chicago; Bachelors of Social Work
LICENSURE:
State of Illinois Licensed Clinical Social Worker #149.013561
State of Indiana Licensed Clinical Social Worker # 34010653A
HOURS:
By appointment only
“…the purpose of psychotherapy is to set people free.”
~ Rollo May, 1981, Freedom and Destiny, p. 19