Studio For Change Therapists
Julia M. Rahn, Ph. D., Founder
Dr. Julia is a Clinical Psychologist with more than ten years experience helping people meet their individual and family goals. Her expertise lies in health and rehabilitation issues such as overcoming eating disorders and adjusting to chronic illness. Dr. Julia also has a solid record assisting both adults and children with patterns of depression and anxiety, and she takes a special interest in working with families with children with neurodevelopmental disorders including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
Dr. Julia's success is a result of her insistence on addressing each person as a whole and using creative interventions to promote change. To that end, she has frequently ventured outside her therapy offices to research and present ancillary support in the form of resources and products for her clients. Over time it became clear to Dr. Julia that the best way for her to serve the interests of her clients was to integrate all her therapeutic efforts under one roof. Thus Flourish Studios® was born, a relaxed setting where people can learn to create positive change in their lives at a comfortable pace, using the methods and tools they find most inviting and effective.
In addition to working with clients and overseeing Flourish Studios®, she is sought out for speaking engagements throughout the city to promote self-understanding and individual goal achievement.
To reach Dr. Julia Rahn email her at drjulia@icanflourish.com or call 773-281-8130 (mailbox 1)
Debra Steele, MSMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Debra Steele is a passionate and integrative therapist who holds a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. She uses clients' strengths to help resolve presenting problems. Debra is ardent about helping people from diverse backgrounds to promote life and relationship satisfaction for individuals, couples and families. Debra graduated from the University of Minnesota with a major in Family Social Science. Both her work as a counselor in a residential home for mentally disabled adults and her personal life's work inspired her to pursue a Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Northwestern University.
Debra’s therapeutic focus is working with individuals struggling with anxiety and depression, couples wanting to improve their relationship and families struggling with child behavioral issues. She is particularly excited about starting a divorce support group for children on Wednesdays nights entitled 'Changing Families'. She takes a holistic approach to all her cases combining elements of mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional wellness to help facilitate positive change in her client's lives. Debra has experience and enjoys working with a variety of client populations including single mothers, LGBTQ families, minority groups, trauma survivors, children and adolescents, married and dating couples, and individuals in life transition.
During the week you may also find Debra on the retail floor talking to customers, working with other therapists, reading to children during Flourish's story-time, and much more (and usually with a quick smile or laugh). Once a month Debra also plays host to therapists new to the field of mental health with the Flourish New Therapist Group.
To set-up an appointment or for more information about Debra Steele either call 773-281-8130 (mailbox 0) or email her at debra@icanflourish.com .
Cathy Hennessy Price, LCSW, Child & Family Therapist
Cathy Hennessy Price is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the newest member of the Studio For Change. She brings with her over twelve years of experience working with individuals, groups and families. Cathy received her Master's Degree in Social Work from Loyola University, Chicago and worked for many years at Jewish Child and Family Services (formerly the Jewish Children's Bureau) in clinical, supervisory and administrative capacities.
Cathy has dedicated her career to supporting children and families. Her focus has been working with children with disabilities, who have experienced trauma or are coping with adjustments. Cathy utilizes a positive, strength-based approach to help children and teens recognize their inner abilities to manage and overcome their challenges. She believes that it is not only important to support individuals in the therapeutic setting, but to also help them develop the confidence and skills needed to consistently live to the best of their ability in everyday life. Cathy values the importance of supporting the child as well as each member of the family! Cathy is very excited to be joining the Studio for Change and she is currently accepting new clients including children, teens, parents and families.
For more information about Cathy or her services please call 773-281-8130 (mailbox 2) or email her at cathy@icanflourish.com.
Lesley Foreman, MSW, Psychotherapist
Lesley focuses on the individual client. For her, each client is unique and deserves a dynamic, flexible approach to therapy. Human development strongly influences her theoretical foundation. She firmly believes that wellness is an inside out job, that physical ilness can manifest from emotional pain and that often times, one's psychology can become one's biology. Lesley addresses relationship issues, self-esteem, parenting, divorce and the navigation of female and male issues throughout the lifespan. She employs an empathic and nurturing approach focusing on one's strengths and resiliencies rather than from a deficit approach. She believes in a creative, positive approach to therapy that focuses on personal empowerment. Working with adolescents and adults, Lesley supports each person's individual process and utilizes an eclectic variety of therapeutic approaches. Her work is firmly rooted in the philosophy that with some awareness, everyone has the opportunity to live an extraordinary life! Lesley feels fortunate to be able to help clients discover their passions in the creative and healing space at Studio for Change.
Lesley earned her Master's in Social Work from Loyola University and a Master's in Child Development from Erikson Institute. In addition, she completed the divorce mediation certification program at Northwestern University. She continues to expand her knowledge to best serve her clients by regularly attending training seminars in the areas of family mediation and personal empowerment.
For more information about Lesley or her services please call 773-281-8130 (mailbox 3) or email her at Lesley@icanflourish.com
Michelle Cain, LCSW, Child Therapist
Michelle Cain, LCSW, is a graduate from the University of Iowa, and she received her Masters Degree in Social Work from Loyola University Chicago. Prior to entering private practice Michelle has experience providing clinical services to families, children, adolescents and young adults in various settings. She spent four years working in the special education system with children struggling with severe emotional and behavioral difficulties and she also spent three years supporting families in a Healthy Families/Early Head Start program. Michelle believes that every child experiences the world and puts the pieces together in their own unique way; therefore, therapy is a highly individualized process to meet the unique needs of each client. Furthermore, Michelle encourages her clients share their experiences and feelings through a variety of communication channels such as play, art, and talk. She creates a safe environment where change is possible, builds upon existing strengths and uses a variety of interventions to encourage the use of positive coping skills. Michelle works with adults, children and teens who struggle with attachment issues, loss, depression, anxiety, behavior problems, and adjusting to changes in family and school.
To make an appointment with Michelle Cain call 773-281-8130 (mailbox 4) or email her at michelle@icanflourish.com
Kelley Kitley, LCSW, Psychotherapist
Kelley Kitley has been working as a clinical social worker in the field of mental health for the past ten years. She is a graduate of The Jane Addams College of Social Work and has an eclectic array of experience treating clients ranging from inpatient programs for substance abuse and eating disorders to helping people who struggle with panic disorder, agoraphobia, and depression using a short term model called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Kelley also works with clients who are looking for longer term treatment to work through traumas such as rape and sexual abuse. One of her specialties is working with women and their partners through pre- and post-natal anxieties and depression.
Kelley Kitley is an action oriented therapist who believes the therapeutic process is a partnership. She works with clients to set goals and is committed to helping her clients reach their full potential. Kelley's clients have reported feeling happier, more productive, comfortable, understood, and that her approach is caring, effective, and professional. In addition to her role as a therapist, Kelley teaches graduate courses in CBT and Group Processes.
To reach Kelley Kitley, LCSW, call 773-281-8130 (mailbox 5) or email her at kelly@icanflourish.com
Carolyn A. Barsano, Psy.D., Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Carolyn Barsano earned her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She enjoys working with individuals of all ages, especially with children, adolescents, and families. Carolyn's interests in attachment issues, acting-out behaviors and childhood trauma/abuse have guided her clinically in the prevention and treatment for child and adolescent mental illness. She is also a provider of early childhood assessment and intervention. Carolyn is experienced in treating a range of clinical issues related to mood disorders, self-esteem, grief and loss, attention deficit and hyperactivity, educational or occupational difficulties, and life transitions. She has also led social skills, grief and loss, and anger management therapy groups for children and adolescents, psycho-education and support groups for caregivers, and she conducts psychological testing. Carolyn's therapeutic approach is strength-based, supportive, and collaborative. She believes that providing a safe, nurturing environment is essential for developing a positive therapeutic relationship. Within this environment, one can focus on strengths, insights, and goals so as to address the identified concerns and problems. Empowering people in exploring and processing feelings, thoughts, and behaviors through communication and play promotes them to reach their unique potentials. This can aid in more effective coping and positive change, so as to overcome emotional and behavioral challenges, and improve functioning in home, school, and work settings. Carolyn is thrilled to join the Studio for Change and is currently accepting new clients.
For more information about Carolyn or her services please call 773-281-8130 (mailbox 6) or email her at carolyn@icanflourish.com
Janeil Ruiz, Psy.D., Psychotherapist & Consultant
Janeil Ruiz obtained her doctoral degree in clinical psychology from Wheaton College and is a Licensed Professional Counselor. Dr. Ruiz works with individuals, couples and families from many different backgrounds to help them meet their personal and collective goals. In her practice, she uses body/mind techniques from psychotherapy and spirituality to help clients heal, releasing self energy, resiliency and creative problem solving. Her holistic perspective derives from her own multi-cultural background as a researcher and ethnographer in primitive villages across Mexico and South America. Fluent in both English and Spanish, she loves working with people from all ages and cultural backgrounds, and has acquired expertise through years of clinical experience treating clinical depression, bi-polar, anxiety, phobias and obsessive compulsive disorder. She specializes in the recovery from trauma, substance abuse, eating disorders, and sexual addictions. She also helps people navigate difficult relational issues both past and present such as adoption, bereavement, divorce, parent-child attachment, perfectionism and spiritual trauma. Dr. Ruiz is available for psychological testing for diagnostic clarification in neurodevelopmental disorders such as attention deficit disorder, autism and obsessive compulsive disorder. She is also available to lead presentations and provide consultation on the following topics: optimal stress in the work place, emotionally healthy spirituality, post-natal couple adjustment, pre-marital preparation, finding your voice, relating to your difficult teen, and increasing relational satisfaction between mothers and daughters during adolescence.
To contact Dr. Janeil Ruiz for an appointment or for more information email her at Janeil@icanflourish.com or call 773-281-8130 (mailbox 7).
Amanda Santos, MA, LPC, Clinical Intern
Amanda Santos is one of the Clinical Interns at the Studio For Change. She received her Masters degree in Mental Health Counseling from Rollins College in Winter Park, FL. Amanda uses and integrative counseling approach with strong ties to Humanistic theory to support, empower and guide individuals to their own self-discoveries. Amanda is also quite passionate about working with adolescents and adults who are experiencing anxiety, depression, difficulty with life transitions, relationship concerns, and those who have experienced trauma. She believes that a solid therapeutic relationship, awareness, and using the individual's unique strengths can inspire growth, positive change, and healing. Amanda believes in using creative interventions that encourage self expression and help the individual find a balance within the self.
To contact Amanda Santos for an appointment email her at Amanda@icanflourish.com.
