Mark Brown, L.C.S.W.
About
It's most important for the light to go on in your head, not just mine. My emphasis is Humanistic, and I work with clients to establish a fair balance of give and take with those they know and meet. I strive to help them to establish what they may owe others, and what they may deserve from others, in equal measure. Then, also, I hope to help to bring to the surface genuine resources for giving, and receiving, and evaluate what may be the real limits of any enterprise.
I hope to merit the trust people place in me. I love to stand beside those who may come forth with pain, even if it's only to bear witness, before any remedy or deliverance is available. Then, it's wonderful if, through the wisdom of social work, and the resources identifiable and summonable within the context of the client, something may be done that restores wholeness. To be a part of this is a deep responsibility, and a beautiful and often surprising gift to me for which I am grateful.
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
The first goal is to learn what brings someone in. This could include gathering history and discovering who else may be involved in the clients current or past circumstances. Is there danger to the client or others? Does the client succeed in explaining the issue he or she brings in the door, or if not, am I hearing the unspoken question? Is the client better off than is apparent to him/her? More at risk?
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I earned my masters degree in social work from Loyola University in 1989, and my licence to do independent clinical practice after 3000 hours of supervised practice, and successful completion of a State board exam one and a half years later. Since then I have been a provider for Chicgo HMO, I have given staffings at public and private schools for faculty on working with students with ADHD. I have worked with the victims of trauma, and families going through divorce that grew destructive, especially when vulnerable children were caught in the middle. I have been a consultant to two law firms, one handling trauma cases, and the other divorce. I regularly work with families in need of anger management, depression, stress, in adults and children. I work with elders who are isolated without adequate family and community support. Otherwise, my practice has had a generic base, and I attended to people across a wide variety of concerns and issues. I taught in the human services department at Oakton College for three semesters, teaching "Counseling and Interviewing."
Do you have a standard pricing system for your services? If so, please share the details here.
Home visit: $95/ hr.
Office visit in Northfield, Illinois:$95/hr.
Online correspondence, or telephone work:$85/per hr.
How did you get started in this business?
I studied English Literature at University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana. I got a wonderful education there, and I often became a helper to friends and acquaintances applying the teachings which may be found and shared through reading fine literature and studying its' greatness. I have also become a lifelong student of the religious and philosophical thought of Martin Buber, which shaped my thinking and disposition as helper as well. I have been lovingly helped by many others, and 30 years ago I turned in my career as a musician, and began social work school.
What types of customers have you worked with?
See above.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Recently, I led a small group of readers through a portion of Martin Buber's wonderful book, "I and Thou." We waded through its richness, reading it like a poem, which it deserves. Fun.
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a pro in your area of expertise?
Avoid cliches and easy answers...open you soul and speak and listen with your heart. You are not alone.
What questions should customers think through before talking to pros about their needs?
Bring the need you may have, and then credit your walking in the door. See what happens.