Meredith Alger, LCSW
About
I absolutely love working with and learning from my clients; I'm so grateful that they let me into their lives. The therapeutic relationship is vital: an honest, safe space for awareness and healing. Our shared humanity allows us to connect and, though our stories are unique to us, we do all have a story. You are not alone.
My own story, struggles and experiences, inform my practice as much as any structured education, book knowledge, and professional practice and experiences I've had. But the combination of my personal struggles and experiences along with a curiosity that drove me to study and learn (completing a Master's Degree from the University of Chicago in addition to various advanced trainings), enhances my ability to connect and affords me the opportunity to relate to and help others who are struggling.
I've enjoyed working in a variety of settings, from schools and courts to community organizations and my private practice; I've had occasion to learn and practice multiple therapeutic approaches, and work with a diverse population of clients with many different presenting difficulties. I draw from this breadth of experience, to tailor approaches and strategies for each individual client.
Different benefits from different approaches motivates me to maintain an eclectic style and orientation towards therapy. Some approaches I use include Eye Movemet Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Committment Therapy (ACT), Psychodynamic approaches, and various other evidence based and talk therapies. Many I use in combination, while others, such as EMDR, work best with fidelity to a particular process. In those cases, I follow the evidence and ensure adherence to the process as it's intended.
I LOVE working with and getting to know people. I enjoy building relationships and working with clients to develop skills and implement strategies that can provide fast relief, and that they can come back to in the future. It's so wonderful to watch clients learn and grow into better versions of themselves; to feel more comfortable in their own skin, to develop healthy habits, to increase and show resiliance, to shine.
I am extremely grateful to all of my clients, for letting me in and for teaching me new things every day.
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
1. New Client seeks information and schedules appointment by:
a. call 847.739.7700 or email [email protected]
b. www.meredithalgertherapy.com SCHEDULE NOW
I confirm appointment. Either now (if first appointment will be full initial evaluation) or after first appointment (if first appointment was free consultation), I send client information to be filled out, including insurance, sliding scale information, demographics, company policies, disclosures, notices, etc.
If the initial appointment was a free consultation, at this point we will have the full evaluation and from there we will discuss follow up appointments, where clients and I continue to work together in addressing presenting concerns (and in assessing our compatibility, and ensuring the services offered are appropriate for client needs).
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois. I received a Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Chicago, SSA (2008, AM), and went on to become a Certified School Social Worker (which I remain today). I have advanced training for Trauma Focused CBT, Mindfullness and EMDR, among other approaches and many other techniques.
I do believe that much of my most useful training has been going through and overcoming my own significant struggles, as I come from a place of authenticity when working with some of the darkest and most serious human difficulties and conditions. My experiences provide me with a level of understanding and humanity that's derived from intense suffering, where, without specifics being important, a sense of connection can be felt.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your services? If so, please share the details here.
My standard price is $150 for Individual Therapy. I accept some insurance and offer a sliding scale, so clients often end up paying much less.