Our Staff

As a therapist and as a writer I am keenly aware of the power of words to give voice, and to heal.  The experience of those injured or betrayed as children is often wordless.  Children are silenced and robbed of their stories.  I think of myself as a midwife to my clients’ untold stories, helping them to create new narratives that restore meaning and dignity.

Laurie Kahn (she/hers), MA, MFA, LCPC  is the founder and director of Womencare Counseling & Training Center.  She is a pioneer in the field of trauma treatment.  For nearly forty years, her ideas and expertise have served clients who have experienced childhood trauma.

In addition, her contribution to the training and support of clinicians is far reaching and enduring.  She has encouraged and fostered trauma informed work through the development of on-going training programs, providing professional workshops at international and local conferences and mentoring individual clinicians.

Her most salient contribution to the field is the concept of child abuse as a traumatic experience of love.  In her book, Baffled by Love: Stories of the Lasting Impact of Childhood Trauma Inflicted by Loved Ones Laurie includes strands from her own story, interwoven with her clients’ stories.  It is where her passion for stories and her experience as a psychotherapist find each other.  “The truth is,” Laurie says, “between the client and the therapist is our shared humanity, flawed and glistening.”

In her capacity as a teacher, mentor, and consultant, Laurie sees the gifts of each therapist while challenging them and fostering their growth and development. 

For the last twenty years, as co-creator of the, Trauma Consultation Training Program, she has trained practitioners throughout the Chicago area in the treatment of trauma and post traumatic stress disorders.  She has presented at the First African Conference on Traumatic Stress in South Africa and at annual conferences of the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies and The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation.  She has been honored by the Family Institute as Alumna of the Year for her dedication to the field of family therapy.

Although Laurie is a frequent presenter at conferences in the field of trauma, she insists, “There are no real experts in trauma; we are all humbled in its wake.”  To work with those who have been traumatized, she believes, necessitates both humility and responsibility.  To read and hear more from Laurie click here.

Laurie’s areas of specialty:

As a culturally sensitive and culturally affirming therapist, my highest intention is to restore dignity to those who have been marginalized or exiled from our human community because of their traumatic experiences. I see therapy as a journey we embark on together, where I am invited not only to tread the well-worn paths of our shared humanity, but also to walk reverently into the sacred spaces of my clients’ life stories. I approach this work with humility, deep respect, and a fierce commitment to my clients’ well-being. I am known to hang in there when things get tough, and I enjoy a healthy dose of playfulness and humor in every relationship.

For the past 30 years, Beth Holzhauer (she/her), MSW, LCSW, has companioned adults, adolescents, and pre-teens through life’s ordinary and traumatic challenges. She is committed to advancing social justice, human rights, anti-oppression and anti-racism within social structures, institutions, communities, and relationships. Beth specialize in the treatment of childhood trauma and traumatic loss, self-harm, eating disorders and adoption. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, she feels especially privileged to work with individuals who identify within the LGBTQIA+ sexuality and gender spectrum. In addition, she provides consultation for therapists and school social workers, and is an adjunct faculty member for the Trauma Consultation Training Program at Womencare Counseling and Training Center.

Beth’s areas of specialty: 

• Childhood trauma and traumatic loss
• Dissociation
• Self-injury
• Eating disorders
• Adoption
• LGBTQ+ spectrum issues
• Grief
• Anxiety

Beth can be reached at 847-475-7003 x 240 or bholzhauer@womencarecounseling.com

Beth facilitates the group:

Stronger Together: A Group for Young Women and Transgender/Gender Queer Teens (ages 14-18)

Beth is available to train, present or consult on:

• Self-Injury in Adolescents
• The Effects of Complex Trauma on Learning, Behavior and Relationships in School-Age Children and Teens
• Working with LGBTQIA Youth
• The Special Needs and Struggles of Adopted Children and Teens
• Creating Trauma Informed Schools and Agencies

Beth accepts:  Northwestern  Student Insurance (Aetna)

Education and Credentials

Bachelor of Science in Zoology, 1984, University of Wisconsin, Madison

Master of Social Work, 1993, University of Illinois, Chicago

LCSW (Illinois Licensed Clinical Social Worker)

Illinois Educator License in Social Work and Secondary Education

Professional Affiliations

National Association of Social Workers (NASW)

The International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS)

International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISST-D)

Illinois Association of School Social Workers (IASSW)

For over twenty years I have witnessed the powerful and transformative healing that arises in trauma therapy, both in individual work and groups, for men and for women.  In doing this challenging work together, it is possible to live a life of one’s own choosing, rather than just exist in the control of PTSD symptoms that are often confusing, frightening and overwhelming.  In therapy I co-create a safe and deeply accepting place, making it possible to bear the unbearable and in so doing, heal what has seemed un-healable.

Judith Ierulli (she/her), MSW, LCSW is passionate about working with survivors of trauma, especially those who have been silenced and marginalized.  She knows that experiences of trauma leave survivors dwelling in the darkest of the dark places.  Symptoms such as dissociation, self harming behaviors, sexual issues, anxiety and depression can hinder participation in life and entrap a survivor in a habitual sense of danger that may no longer be true.  Yet she also knows healing is possible.

Judith works with adults and teens also facilitates trauma survivor groups for men and women.  She provides consultation for therapists and counselors and is an adjunct faculty member for the Trauma Consultation Training Program.

If requested and appropriate she also brings Sophie, a therapy dog, who unconditionally accepts and loves everyone who gives her a cookie.

Judith’s areas of specialty: 

• Trauma and PTSD
• Sexual abuse
• Dissociation
• Witnessed violence and its impact 
• Physical abuse and recent trauma

Judith can be reached at 847-475-7003 x 270 or by email at jierulli@womencarecounseling.com

Judith facilitates this group:

Male Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse: A repeating 10 week-sessions, structured group intended for male survivors at all stages of the healing journey

Judith is available to train, present or consult on:

• Challenges and Opportunities in Treating Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
• Working with Complex Trauma and Posttraumatic Stress Responses
• Tools for Moving from Surviving to Thriving
• Trauma Treatment, Resiliency in Adolescents and Affect Regulation
• Working with Male Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse
• Compassion Fatigue: The Cost of Caring
• Crisis Intervention and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
• Working with Survivors of Sexual Assault

Judith accepts: Northwestern  Student Insurance (Aetna)

Education and Credentials

MSW (Masters of Social Work), 2001, University of Pennsylvania

LCSW (Illinois Licensed Clinical Social Worker)

Professional Affiliations

Illinois Chapter of the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISST-D)

Illinois Society for Clinical Social Work (ISCSW), Board Member

National Association of Social Workers (NASW)

As a therapist, I care most about looking for the “real” with people.  Life can be full of stories and beliefs that we hold- stories that keep us from being fully who we are.  My most important work as a therapist is to create as safe a space as possible to explore these narratives, however challenging they may be.  Actively working to hold a respectful, protective and nurturing space, I work to help my clients find their own resiliency and power.  There will be tears and laughter- and, ultimately, the creation of a story that speaks their truth. 

Ellen M. Lonnquist (she/her), MS, LMFT, a family systems therapist, specializes in helping families, couples, adolescents and children.  She focuses on developing greater resilience and internal flexibility when managing depression, anxiety, trauma and other relational issues.  Ellen also has a strong commitment to working with people with disabilities and other special needs, and their families.  She provides guidance and support for parents and siblings in managing and understanding their own challenges in emotionally negotiating the larger systems at play when you love someone society sees as different. 

Ellen’s areas of specialty:

• Family Systems Issues
• Disabilities/special needs
• Self-Injury
• Trauma
• Depression
• Anxiety

Ellen can be reached at 847-475-7003 x 290 or elonnquist@womencarecounseling.com

Ellen is available to train, present or consult on:

• Family Systems and the Special Needs Child
• The Other Child: Growing Up with a Special Needs Sibling
• Special Parents: Balancing Life, Work and the Issues of a Special Needs Child
• Keeping Yourself: Maintaining Identity Throughout Parenthood
• Understanding Self-Injury in Adolescents
• Teens and Healthy Relationships

Ellen accepts: BCBS PPO and Northwestern Student Insurance (Aetna)

Education and Credentials

MSMFT (Masters in Marital and Family Therapy), 1999, The Family Institute at Northwestern University

LMFT (Illinois Licensed Marital and Family Therapist)

Professional Affiliations

American Association of Marital and Family Therapists

Member of the Heart-Centered Hypnotherapy Network

We all ache to be more, live more, love and be better loved.  In order to fulfill this innate destiny, we may slog through the mud as often as dance in the light.  In dark times and in dark places, I listen for the gold not claimed and the dreams not dared.  Embracing curiosity, compassion and courage, together we will convert fear, hurt and anger into forces that promote life’s imagined and unimagined possibilities.

As a relational therapist engaged in private practice, clinical consultation and as a leader of women’s personal growth workshops offered by Woman Within International, Monica Robinson (she/her), LCSW, is known for her all-embracing compassion that values all aspects of oneself.

Monica’s areas of specialty:

• Life transition
• Trauma
• Brainspotting, a derivative of EMDR
• Grief and loss
• Trauma recovery groups
• Depression
• Anxiety

Monica can be reached at 847-475-7003 x 280 or at mrobinson@womencarecounseling.com

Monica is available to train, present, or consult on:

• The Emerging Therapist
• Experiential Workshops for Women on Self-Discovery and Transformation
• Workshops and Support for Women Experiencing Life Transitions
• Archetypal models for women in leadership
• The Disowned Self
• Mid-Life as Loss and Renewal
• Myths of Transformation and Descent
• Workshops and Support Groups for Grieving Therapists

Monica accepts: Northwestern Student Insurance (Aetna)

Education and Credentials

MSW (Masters Degree in Social Work), 2002, Loyola University, Chicago

LCSW (Illinois and Wisconsin Licensed Clinical Social Worker)

Professional Affiliations

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW)

Chicago Center for Psychoanalysis

Woman Within International

Dominant culture messages about what success looks like and who gets valued can leave us feeling anywhere from lonely, self-critical and lost, to more deeply injured and assaulted.  Additionally, when we have survived relationships that cause harm, it is difficult to find solid footing.  I roll up my sleeves with my clients, as they each discover and define for themselves what makes them valuable, powerful and joyful.  It is a sincere honor to offer creativity, humor and compassion while accompanying each of my clients on their healing journeys.

Megan Wickman (she/they), MSW, LCSW, accompanies adults and adolescents across gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation and relationship configuration spectrums.   She believes that while healing the wounds of trauma can be grueling work, through connection and care individuals can transform their pain into healing.  She nurtures empowerment and growth by helping individuals build self-confidence and gain a stronger sense of community.  She affirms individuals’ dignities, honors mutuality and accountability in relationships, and promotes insight, resiliency and self-care.

Megan’s areas of specialty: 

Megan can be reached at 847-475-7003 x 400 or at mwickman@womencarecounseling.com

Megan accepts: BCBS PPO

Education and Credentials

MSW (Master of Social Work), 2010, Loyola University

MS (Master of Science in Child Development), 2009, Erikson Institute

LCSW (Illinois Licensed Clinical Social Worker)

Professional Affiliations

National Association of Social Workers (NASW)

As Womencare’s office manager, Ivory Hatch (she/her) is responsible for maintaining the day-to-day operations of the office.  Ivory processes payroll and payments, sends out correspondence,  submits insurance claims, orders supplies and maintains employee and client records.  As a very detail-oriented, self reliant, hard working individual, Ivory seamlessly keeps Womencare’s office running efficiently.  

After 30+ years working as a clinical social worker with individuals, families, couple and groups, Lynn has joined the team at Womencare to provide intake assessments and provide support and assistance to potential clients interested in our services. Intake provides an initial exploration of your needs as well as an overview of our services and together, we can determine if Womencare is a good fit for you.

Lynn can be reached at 847-475-7003 x 100 or at scheduling@womencarecounseling.com.

Undaunted by “dark nights of the soul,” I support clients who are struggling with depression, anxiety, and trauma. I believe the first step is feeling truly understood, and that my first job as a therapist is to provide an experience of warmth, care, and security, where clients can express themselves without fear of judgment or alienation. I support clients in developing self-compassion and learning new ways to meet old challenges. Watching someone become more fully themselves, without apology or hesitation, is a gift. 

Brittney works with survivors of all forms of abuse and trauma, as well as people experiencing depression and anxiety. Her approach to therapy is both gentle and straightforward, integrating CBT, DBT, and ACT. She is committed to practicing cultural humility and affirming marginalized identities. 

Brittney’s areas of specialty:

• Physical, sexual, and emotional abuse
• PTSD, complex trauma, and borderline personality
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Parent/adult child conflict

 Brittney can be reached at 847-475-7003 x 330, by email at brittneylind@womencarecounseling.com, or through her website, https://www.firstprinciplescounseling.com.

Meredith Glick (she/her), LCSW, has a private practice in Chicago’s Lincoln Square neighborhood.  She is committed to treating a range of dissociative and trauma disorders.  Meredith Glick is a board member of a local chapter of the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation and provides consultation to therapists in the field.  She has provided trauma training to not for profit agencies and currently is an adjunct faculty member of the Trauma Consultation Training Program at Womencare.

Beth Katz (she/her), MS, EdM, LCPC, CT is the founder of The Dove Center in Evanston.  She is an integrative, relational therapist whose clinical expertise includes trauma, grief and loss, complicated mourning and childhood issues including attachment, divorce, social development, self-esteem and identity.  In addition, she facilitates workshops and presents nationally on the topics of childhood grief and complicated mourning; and provides ongoing consultation and clinical supervision to mental health, medical and school professionals.

Janet Migdow (she/her), PhD, LCPC is a relational psychodynamic clinician, founder of Options Counseling, and co-founder of the Trauma Consultation Training Program.  She has been in private practice for 40 years, specializing in the treatment of trauma survivors and those with dissociative spectrum disorders.

Dr. Migdow provides supervision, training and consultation to individual practitioners and social service agencies in the clinical treatment of the pervasive injuries which arise in the wake of traumatic experience.  As President of the Illinois Chapter of ISSTD, she facilitates consultation and training for clinicians working with patients presenting with dissociative identity disorder.

John Sykes (he/they), MSW, LCSW is the owner of According to Sykes, a private practice located in Chicago’s Hyde Park community. According to Sykes is a culturally responsive mental health provider that focuses on advancing anti-racism, social justice and anti-oppression. John and the other associates work with individuals, families and communities impacted by the complexities of traumatic life events. He uses an integrative approach as the vehicle to facilitate healing and critically reflective spaces. Body-centered, play therapy, mindfulness-informed, and systemic models are approaches used in his practice.