Guilaine Bell
No one in the entire existent of this world, as we know it, was ever born into a family, country, race, social economic status, or gender of their choice. However, what’s in our control are the good and/or bad choices we make on a daily basis. These choices can impact our lives negatively or positively. Regardless of the situations we are dealing with, we are ultimately in control of our mind, body, and soul. Sometimes, however, that control of the whole self could get lost intentionally or unintentionally when making some of these decisions.
Both my professional and personal experiences as a counselor have taught me that all challenges can be opportunities for growth and empowerment. I pull from my extensive training and experiences from working with both children and adults to help you see how this mind shift from “problem” to “opportunity” can happen. I have ten years of mental health counseling experience, sixteen years of experience with children and families’ services, and eight years of public school education experience. I have seen the various struggles that most of us go through from all levels and know that I can assist you with whatever you are dealing with.
My goal as your mental health therapist is to assist you in finding balance and peace within yourself to overcome the challenges you are facing. I listen, build on your strengths, help you work through the problem(s), and assist in making those changes that empower you to create a fulfilling life. My approach is to be integrative and collaborative with my clients, to provide them with the necessary tools and skills on how to regain or sustain control of their mind, body, and soul. I am a holistic, psycho-educational, and cognitive behavioral mental health practitioner. I treat each client as a whole person and help them on the journey of discovering their “beauty within” and becoming their best selves. I also practice and provide faith-based counseling and will work with anyone who would be interested in this method of discovering their strengths through faith.
Again, we never made the choice to be born into this world, but every day is a choice to make this our best life, regardless of our circumstances. Helping you find balance and peace through these circumstances in life is my passion. I look forward to working with you in whichever capacity you choose. I am confident that together we can make this your best and most fulfilling life.
Education
2008 M.A. from Webster University in Mental Health Counseling/Guidance School Counseling
2002 B.S. from the University of Florida in Psychology
Associations
NAFC: National Association of Forensic Counselors
ASCA: American School Counseling Association
GHACC: Greater Haitian American Chamber of Commerce
Additional Skills/Certifications
Licensed Mental Health Counselor: MH 15528
Professional Guidance Counselor
Bi-Lingual (Haitian-Creole)
Certified Cognitive Behavior Therapist
Mildred Holmes
As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, I have over 20 years of providing caring, compassionate, creative and common-sense counseling to individuals, couples and families.
My specialty is working with diverse professionals, children and adolescents, and group therapy/workshops. My work focuses on empowering and helping you to learn and develop the skills needed to overcome the many challenges and obstacles faced on this journey called “life”. Often, we become so overwhelmed with financial, work, school, children and relationship problems, that we suffer physically, emotionally and mentally with an array of symptoms (depression, anxiety, stress, sleep deprivation, weight gain/loss, irritability/anger).
My background and training as a therapist along with my own personal experiences has given me a unique insight into the problems and situations that may impact you. I believe that each individual has the ability to successfully navigate through difficult times and eventually get to peace and happiness. However, sometimes we need a licensed and experienced professional to help us get there. My job is to provide you with a caring and compassionate environment by using holistic techniques that empower and educate you, as we work towards your goals (i.e.; personal or professional).
I look forward to helping you become a more happier, healthier and whole you!
Education
Governors State University
University Park, IL
Illinois State University
Normal, IL
Professional Associations
American Counseling Association
Association of Multicultural Counseling
Additional Skills/Certifications
Licensed Mental Health Counselor-Florida
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor- Illinois
Past President- Illinois Multicultural Counseling Association
Abby Foster
Abby Foster has recently relocated from the Northeast to FL. As a recent transplant, she understands the challenges associated with change and transitions. Life is full of them! Whether those challenges are deep rooted from childhood or more recent, sometimes we need support in building our personal toolbelt. Abby has an MA in Art Therapy from Lesley University in Cambridge, MA, but she utilizes various methods to meet clients where they are in their journey of life. She has experience using DBT, CBT, psychoeducation, spirituality based psychology, neuropsychology and other holistic methods.
Kirk Riddle
My goal as your therapist is to utilize my counseling and extensive life experiences to help individuals reach their full human potential. I have ten years of clinical experience helping to improve the lives of my clients through therapy. I am an advocate of ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy). This theory teaches that we must first accept our situation in life without bias or judgement, and the need to refrain from unhelpful self-descriptions.
Prior to embarking on a career in counseling, I enjoyed a successful career in the Pharmaceutical Industry, with 27.5 years of sales and sales management experience with Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Corporation. This experience taught me that we so often define ourselves by or work, rather than our life/family. The need for work and life/family balance is critical for your mental wellbeing.
I have worked in a variety of settings ranging from elementary school students, to high school students to adults. Adult issues included depression, anxiety, anger, marriage infidelity, employment issues, and sexual identity issues. I also volunteered at the Chicago Department of Mental Health for 6 years. All experience was gathered in a culturally sensitive environment. I specialize in working with African American male issues.
I am quite comfortable working with individuals struggling to overcome issues of grief. I am also quite comfortable with a faith-based approach to counseling; however, we will decide together what is best for you. I look forward to serving you in your mental health wellbeing journey.