MHP Counseling, PLLC
773-817-8974
Melissa Pollack, LCSW
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 22 years of experience helping people of all ages. My clients' issues and challenges vary - they can include depression, anxiety, social skills, relationship issues, trauma, and stress management.
I believe that everyone has their own unique story and experiences and are impacted differently. Therapy has to be individualized and personalized in order to facilitate growth, improvement and change. I collaborate with clients to help them enhance problem-solving, coping and social skills, using a variety of integrated treatment modalities depending upon the clients' presenting problems, developmental age, and personality style.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family. I also enjoy traveling and cooking. I find cooking therapeutic and a great way to connect with others.
My clients describe me as supportive, caring, and real.
MY BACKGROUND
Degrees & Licenses:
BA (Sociology), Northeastern Illinois University
MSW, Loyola University Chicago
MAEd, Olivet Nazarene University
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LSCW)
Memberships:
National Association of Social Workers
Illinois Association of School Social Workers
School Social Work Association of America
The TLC Foundation
Association for Contextual Behavior Science
WHO I WORK WITH
Age Groups:
Adolescents (ages 12-17)
Adults
Issues:
Anxiety
Depression
Coping Skills
Stress
Trauma
Relationships
Peer Relationships
Coping Skills
Body Focused Repetitive Disorders (BFRBs)
What to Expect from Therapy
Therapy is a process of self-disclosure and growth. It is a collaborative process between the client and therapist who can help you to better understand and cope with the challenges you face. Therapy can help by teaching you the skills and strategies needed to deal with stress and unhealthy behaviors and thoughts. The goal is to increase your overall sense of well-being by utilizing a variety of techniques. Working with a therapist gives you an opportunity to explore your thoughts, feelings and patterns of behavior. Therapy is individualized and is adjusted to fit the needs of the client over time.
We'll have a brief phone conversation before scheduling your first appointment. This conversation is both an opportunity to introduce ourselves and help you decide whether I'm the right therapist for you. It typically lasts approximately 15-20 minutes. After this call, I'll send you my new client forms to complete before your first appointment.
Your first appointment will last about one hour. All paperwork must be completed and returned prior to your appointment. Our first session is a way for each of us to get to know each other. I will ask you questions to help me better understand your primary issues, concerns, and goals, as well as your history (family, childhood, current challenges and career). You will also have the opportunity to ask me questions as well. In order for therapy to be successful, we need to establish a client/therapist relationship that is honest and supportive.
For clients under 18 years of age, typically the initial assessment consists of two separate appointments: one with the parents or guardians and one with the client. Thereafter, parents/guardians are invited into the last 10 minutes of a session with the permission of the client.