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 Values and Philosophy My work with families over the years has allowed me to work with individuals across the lifespan. I enjoy working with children just as much as working with adults, parents and couples. I would describe my approach as strengths-based, family systems-oriented and trauma informed. What does that exactly mean you might ask? It is helpful to explore and understand what strengths one has. Within the capacity of each individual, whether child or adult, exists resiliency that helps one along in life. It is important to build on and nurture what is already there. Being family systems-oriented helps me to make sense of how individuals have evolved into the person they are by integrating knowledge and understanding about the family they grew up in and how those relationships shape current relationships. We are all part of a family, however that may be defined in our life. Family can carry us through the most difficult of times, nurture us when we need it and provide us with much love and laughter. Family can also crush our spirit, cause us to feel badly about ourselves or lead us to question our identity and ability. Some families can do this all in one day! Whatever your connection may be with your family, they are present every day of your life in the way that you relate to others and interface with the world around you. Trauma exists in many different forms aside from abuse and neglect. One may have experienced a single traumatic event or lived within circumstances that were traumatic. How one survives trauma threads itself into daily life. Being trauma- informed helps me to understand what survival mechanisms developed in order to protect one from being hurt again. These survival skills likely have helped you cope with emotions that arise from trauma, yet can also cause pain and conflict within yourself or in your relationship with others. In coming to understand how these skills have served you, it can be useful to explore ways in which they can sometimes not feel as useful or even counterproductive. We will work on developing additional means for coping that can allow you to move into new ways of being in relationship with yourself and others. Training and Experience I received my Masters Degree in social work in 1993 and I am a licensed clinical social worker. For most of my professional career, I have worked in community-based mental health settings with individuals, couples and families, providing therapy, case management and outreach as well as supervision to staff and student interns. Range of Focus
Individual, Couples and Family Psychotherapy If you experience challenges in your relationships with others in your life, we can work together to make changes. We will work as partners in this process-I consider you the expert on your life! In our work together, I will support you in developing skills that will enhance your emotional well being, including new ways of communicating with important others in your life, greater understanding of yourself as a whole being and methods for self care. If you have experienced trauma, we will explore your existing means for coping in order to build on the strengths you already possess as well as develop additional coping skills. Looking at the parts of traumatic experiences allows us to see they are made up of smaller parts, all of which can be named, and some of which can be healed or altered, which makes it more manageable. Professional Training and Consultation I am also available to provide workshops, consultation and supervision for other social service professionals on a variety of topics. Degrees and Certifications Bachelor of Arts, 1991 Sociology/Psychology Elmhurst College Elmhurst, Illinois Master of Social Work, 1993 Jane Addams College of Social Work University of Illinois - Chicago Licensed Clinical Social Worker, 1996 Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation License # 149-007050 Contact Information 1300 W. Belmont, Suite 400 Chicago, IL 60657 773.880.1310, ext. 77293 amessana@liveoakchicago.com Office Hours Thursday 1:00 - 7:00 pm |
We are a group of psychotherapists and consultants who provide counseling and educational services that enhance the emotional and psychological well being of individuals, families, organizations and communities.
We bring to our work decades of experience in clinical practice. Our longevity and success derive from the inspirational courage of our clients, our deep commitment to learning, and a strength-based philosophy that fosters growth, strengthens identity, and promotes real and lasting change. The following principles inform our work:
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