Amy Y. Grabowski, MA, LCPC, ATR

• Director and Founder of The Awakening Center 1994
• Graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago, 1986
• Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
• Professional member: The Academy of Eating Disorders
• State Board member: ANAD (National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders)
• Author of "Becoming Real" a book about recovery, due to be published 2007
• Recorded "Imagine Being At Peace..." a guided imagery, relaxation CD, 2005
• Registered Art Therapist
• Editor of ANAD’s newsletter for 12 years
• A frequent guest lecturer and speaker
• Appeared in newspapers, magazines, on radio and television
• Presented at several professional conferences
• Taught classes in eating disorders at several universities in the Chicago area
• Alumni Profile from UIC alumni magazine

“Having experienced recovery myself, I can empathize with the difficulties that my clients face during recovery. I know that eating disorders are not about food, eating or weight. Eating disorders stem from a lack of a sense of self, which causes one to feel empty, defective and out of control of life. Using a wholistic approach, I help my clients recover their true sense of self, and learn to honor, even love, the person they were meant to be.”

Newsletter articles by Amy Grabowski

Erin Diedling, MEd, LPC

• Licensed Professional Counselor
• M.Ed. Community Counseling, Loyola University Chicago, 2003
• Journal of the American Academy of Psychotherapists: Published article titled, "Learning the 'Impossible' Task of Psychotherapy". Fall 2002
• Spirit In Flight: Facilitated retreat for United and American Airlines flight crews directly involved with the events of  9/11. 2002
• Womencare Counseling: Trauma Consultation Group, completed 2 year seminar led by two pioneers in the field of Traumatology. 2003 & 2004
• Chicago Women's Health Center, Volunteer Counselor. 2003 - present
• Areas of expertise:
  - trauma
  - attachment
  - adult recovery from physical or sexual abuse
  - transitions
  - eating disorders
  - relationships
  - individuation
• Personal supervision and training by Amy Grabowski, MA, LCPC, Director of The Awakening Center

Gulin Guneri, Psy.D.

Beth Hennessey, MA, LPC

Jennifer Schurman, MA

• MA in Marriage and Family Therapy, Adler School of Professional Psychology, 2006
• Internship experience with Remuda Ranch in the Remuda Life extended care program
• Leader of ANAD eating disorder support group
• Supervision and training by Amy Grabowski, MA, LCPC, Director of The Awakening Center
• Areas of expertise and specialty training:
  - Family Therapy
  - Couples Therapy
  - Eating Disorders
  - Anxiety Disorders
  - Relationship dynamics and issues

“When working with clients I focus on fostering a collaborative relationship where clients can begin to explore the many dynamics related to a greater sense of self-awareness. I believe change and progress occurs as clients begin approaching themselves with a sense of compassion and confidence in their unique gifts. In cultivating a greater understanding of one’s history, patterns, and even purposes clients realize the choices in reaching their potential. I consider it a true privilege to support, encourage, and at times challenge clients as they build a life based in the foundation of authenticity.”

Mari M. Schnitzius-Richko, MA, ND, LCPC

• Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
• Master/Degree in Community Counseling
  
• BA in Psychology Loyola University
  
• Naturopathic Doctor
  
• Nationally Certified Shiatsu Practioner
  
• Certified Acupressurist
  
• Bodycentered Psychotherapist
  
• Member American Oriental Bodyworkers Association
  
• Member of National Board of Certified Counselors
  
• Member of International Counseling
• AssociationLecturer for IFS Conferences on combining psychotherapy and Chinese medical approaches
  
• Public speaking on alternative approaches to wellness
  
• Educator on women’s issues
  
• Assisting birthing using acupressure
  
• Nutritional seminars on healthy eating and herbal remedies
  
• Appeared on radio talk shows on homebirthing, articles in magazines on wellness
• www.themariinstitute.com

"My philosophy is that a truly optimum treatment program relies on the awareness of the mental, physical, and spiritual aspects of our healing process. With direction, encouragement, and support in a nurturing environment, my interdisciplinary approach provides each individual with a deeper sense of self and the body’s own unique patterns. My vision for you is health, happiness, and longevity, with the most fulfilling and enduring healing process possible. And to discover that this source is already within you."

Linda R. Winter, MA, LPC

• Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology: Northwestern University, 2007
• Teaching Assistance to Solomon Cytrynbaum, PhD
• Co-facilitator of “Teens Take Charge” a Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Training Group for Teens
• Trained in: Psychodynamic Psychotherapies Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Family & Group Therapy
• Specializes in:
  - Women’s Issues
  - Eating Disorders
  - Depression/Anxiety
  - Relationships, Communication and Conflict Life
  - Transitions
  - Sexual Abuse
  - Self-Injury

“Often clients feel misunderstood or that they have not been heard.  My collaboration with the client begins with listening and making the client feel understood.  From there, we begin to define and work toward the client’s goals. I work within the client’s style – at times a more client-directed style or at other times a more interactive style – an embracing, wholistic approach coupled with curiosity and compassion about the problematic behaviors or attitudes, and the context within which they developed.   I use many approaches to help us understand and transform destructive or no-longer-useful behaviors.”