Annie_DinwoodieHello, my name is Annie Dolan and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and specialize in Couples and Family Counseling here at LifeWork Counseling. I began my clinical career here as a clinical intern in 2009 while I was pursuing my Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Counseling from Governors State University in University Park, IL. Prior to that I worked in the  corporate sector in sales and marketing before finding my true calling as a counselor. For some individuals, choosing to seek counseling can be overwhelming. One of my main goals is to create an environment that is safe and comforting.  I want my clients to feel relaxed, as if they are having a conversation with an old friend. Although my approach is relaxed, I do not sit there quietly.  I engage my clients to make positive decisions that are needed to create the outcome that is best for their life journey. Many of the people I work with are highly motivated, intelligent, and caring individuals who happen to struggle in one or more areas of their lives. Theses challenges often come from loss of a loved one, couple issues, parenting, family or work-life imbalances.  I take a holistic view with my clients, looking at all areas of their lives and tailor my counseling approach to accommodate their needs. As a couples and family systems counselor I believe real change occurs when we work with those closest to us.  I have a passion for helping couples and families resolve conflicts that interfere in their relationships.  I enjoy working with people from all backgrounds. While I work with a number of life’s concerns I specialize in: Couples/Marital concerns Adjustment disorders (things just not going as we wish they would) Grief/Bereavement Loss of a child and other complex losses Anxiety Depression I believe that when we are the best person we can be, we can be better for those around us! When not practicing, I enjoy an active life in the Chicagoland area with my family and friends.  I am married and have four children; a daughter who passed in early infancy, along with two sons and another daughter who continue to renew life’s hope and promise. Read my latest article on moving forward after a loss by clicking DINWOODIE-DOLAN ARTICLE 2012-1. Contact me: annie@lifeworkcounseling.net

Author Archives: Scott DeValk

Learning Guidelines for Children

The processes that we employ to learn are complex and remarkable. School is underway for many children and adults. This is when formal learning takes place. When my children were young, it was a time of appreciable anxiety and excitement for all us. This is common for many other families...

A Message To Fathers

When I was a child, fathers were often understood as leaders, knowledgeable individuals, and vital. Many male friends of mine have mentioned that today fathers are portrayed as bumbling, incompetent, and single-minded obstacles. Recently, the New York Times published an ‘op-ed’ that fathers were “not necessary”. Perhaps the topic is...

Marriage and Couple Therapy

Several decades ago, I was assigned to provide marriage counseling. I had some sound training for marriage counseling, so, thankfully, all went well. This early experience opened the door for realizing the complexities of marital and couple problems. In the course of further education, training, supervision, case discussions, and more...

Engaging Children In Counseling

When I began my doctoral internship, I was introduced to treating childhood disorders. I had worked in a variety of settings, under several conditions, but engaging children in treatment was a new challenge. I had to obtain the wisdom of others and remember my childhood as reference points. I was...

Basics of Counseling

Many years ago, I wondered “how to do counseling”. This included answering some tough questions from clients. I was fortunate to have learned from experienced therapists what was needed to reduce a client’s anxiety, depression, or some other disorder. As students in our doctoral training, we were told not to...

Connect the dots…

“Connect the dots.” “Stop, think, and act.” “Plan how this will play out.”  These are  simple phrases that help children govern challenging behaviors and emotions. At LifeWork Counseling, we blend counseling knowledge with creativity as an ‘art’. So, simple phrases, redefining problems, using graphics, and developing props as symbols, often...

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Location

LifeWork Counseling

911 N. Elm St. Suite 316
Hinsdale, IL 60521
Phone: 630-655-0404
Fax: 630-655-0101
Email: info@lifeworkcounseling.net