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 Values and Philosophy "As we grow as unique persons, we learn to respect the uniqueness of others." -Robert H. Schuller I have always been fascinated by people and their stories-what experiences and relationships shape who they are and how they react to situations and feelings. While some similarities in overarching themes exist, from an early age I recognized that each person, couple, and family has a unique history. This lifelong fascination and recognition has informed my clinical work as a therapist and social worker. When I meet with clients, I am excited to explore a new history that will help us learn together how reactions and survival strategies have been created and reinforced in the past, and how those may exist in the present and future. In exploring a personal history, unique strengths and vulnerabilities will be identified. Additionally, our past experiences do not exist in a vacuum; we are supported and challenged by the environment and the people in our lives. In clinical work, I believe in the importance of exploring how the many systems in life (family, friends, co-workers, neighborhood, etc.) play a part in the complex interplay of personal strengths and vulnerabilities. This exploration fosters work to strengthen and use a person's unique resiliencies. The idea behind this is that much like a toolbox in our homes, a variety of tools will provide the best outcome for the most situations. Our work will include identifying all of your available "tools" and noting when some work for a situation and when another tool might be more effective. This may include tools and strengths you were not totally aware that you have! Training and Experience I earned my Master's Degree in Social Work from the School of Social Service Administration (SSA) at the University of Chicago and am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). I have had the privilege to work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families in a variety of settings, ranging from an office to hospital, school, and courtroom settings. Such differing environments have provided the opportunity to explore issues related to health, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, and trauma in a variety of ways that were informed by the location and focus of treatment, as well as the unique needs of the people with whom I have worked. In addition to my work at Live Oak, I am also a therapist and clinical researcher at the University of Chicago Medical Center's Eating and Weight Disorders Program. Under the direction and training of Dr. Daniel Le Grange, I have been trained to conduct family-based treatment (FBT; also known as the Maudsley method or approach) for adolescents and young adults with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and overweight. More information about FBT can be found at: http://www.maudsleyparents.org/whatismaudsley.html. Range of Focus
Psychotherapy When I meet with clients for the first time, I always ask what brings them in for therapy. Our work together begins with the acknowledgment of the strength and courage it takes to seek change. I also enter with the belief that you are the "expert" of your current life and history as you help me to better understand your unique past, environment, strengths, and vulnerabilities. Our work will be tailored to your specific needs, ranging from developing new ways of understanding and communicating with ourselves and others, to new means of coping, healthy behaviors, and self-care. In individual therapy, we will work together to establish safety and a trusting relationship so that together we can create an understanding of past and current patterns and create and explore new ones. In couples therapy, we will also focus on establishing safety and a trusting relationship so that we can explore your needs and patterns as individuals and as a couple. We will also explore how individual patterns can collide with a partner's patterns, and how we can experiment with such patterns with openness, trust, and hope for positive change. Work we do together involving eating disorders, obesity, or general health may require check-ins with a pediatrician or primary care provider. Degrees and Certifications Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, 2007 DePaul University Master of Arts in Clinical Social Work, 2009 School of Social Service Administration, The University of Chicago Certificate in Domestic Violence, 2007 Family Rescue Certificate in Family-Based Treatment of Eating Disorders in Adolescents: The Maudsley Method Training, 2009 Training Institute for Child and Adolescent Eating Disorders Licensed Clinical Social Worker, 2011 Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation Contact Information 1300 W. Belmont, Suite 400 Chicago, IL 60657 773.880.1310, ext. 77292 cshields@liveoakchicago.com Office Hours Tuesdays and Thursdays: Please call for available times. |
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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