Shifa Living, LLC
About
Is fear, worry or nerves a problem for you? This can change. If you are an adolescent or adult, I will teach you how to eliminate anxiety that causes you distress.
I am a licensed clinical social worker who is passionate about helping adolescents and adults remove internal distress so they can achieve mental wellness. I have over 20 years of experience helping others apply tools that empower them, and I use evidence-based, practice informed interventions to bring quick relief.
Fears and worries are like a wild animal. Either you manage them or they will manage you. Let me teach you how to tame them.
I consider it a honor to support people as they transform themselves.
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
When I start my work with you, feeling safe and understood is my first goal. Information about how anxiety causes problems, what has been done to address it and key information that informs the treatment process is discussed. Subsequent sessions address thoughts, feelings and beliefs that feed fears and worries. I move at a pace that is comfortable for you and support your ability to make meaningful change.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I hold a BA in Psychology from the University of Michigan and a MSW from Grand Valley State University. I am licensed in Michigan and Illinois as a Clinical Social Worker
Do you have a standard pricing system for your services? If so, please share the details here.
I am an in-network provider for Blue Cross Blue Shield of IL and Cigna. Out-of-network and private pay customers can pay for services using a health savings account or credit card.
How did you get started in this business?
I have always been the person people liked to tell their personal information. But, my interest in becoming a therapist started as my own challenges with disappointment, fear, sadness and excessive worry started to affect my functioning. So many times, I thought about talking to someone or a safe space to clarify my thoughts and feelings. The thought of talking to someone and the stigma associated with therapy made accepting help scary. Being vulnerable didn't make sense when I felt that I needed to be strong. I learned that my strength was in my vulnerabilities and an important part of learning what changes I needed to make. I wanted to others in a similar way.
What types of customers have you worked with?
I have worked with adolescents, young adults and adults. Ethnicities include African Americans, Indian, Hispanic, Asian, and Caucasian. I have also worked with teens and adults who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Queer, Transgendered, Asexual, Pansexual, Demisexual or Bisexual.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
A team of therapists, interns and I planned and facilitated activities in support of suicide prevention. This was a five-day event offered to college students. Activities included a panel discussion, training, artistic expressions of hope, and collaboration with local suicide prevention initiatives.
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a pro in your area of expertise?
Look for a therapist you feel understands your struggles, do not come across as the expert of "you", is patient with your change process and who can create a safe space for you to look at yourself.
What questions should customers think through before talking to pros about their needs?
1. What is a success story you can share about working with someone with similar issues as mine.
2. How do you determine if I am getting better?
3. Is there an opportunity for me to give you feedback about how this process is working for me?
4. How many people have you helped that share my ethnicity?
5. Under what circumstances might you share personal inforamation about yourself?
6. Under what circumstances might you recommend medication?
7. Under what circumstances might you recommend psychiatric hospitalization?