Biography

Prior to working at Chicago Institute for Change, I worked in property and casualty insurance, health insurance, higher-education, and in the wellness industry as a Health Coach.  In these roles I learned how to build trusting relationships as I helped people navigate challenging situations.  Let’s just say that even before I became a therapist, my prior roles allowed me to become effective at helping people make decisions about their future related to unplanned health events, accidents, changing roles, or starting something new while dealing with the anxiety, hopelessness, unfairness, and excitement that these situations bring. I enjoy working with people from all walks of life and socio-economic backgrounds. Most importantly I enjoy working with people like YOU! Especially you!

When I’m not with clients I enjoy focusing physically, mentally, and spiritually on my own self-care by being open to new experiences (food, recreation, music, literature) and binging really good shows!

Degree/Certifications

M.A. Counseling Marriage and Family Therapy - Governor's State University

B.A. Health and Exercise Science - Truman State University

Level 1 Training in Gottman Couples Therapy

Contact Lakesha Phone: (312) 445- 0834 E-Mail: ldean@chicagoinstituteforchange.com

Therapeutic Approach

Regardless of how society has conditioned us to feel about ourselves or our own life experiences they are important.  Our unique experiences can help us better understand ourselves, connect with others, heal, and be a source of inspiration.  My goal as a therapist is to help you increase your quality of life by journeying with you through self-discovery, understanding new emotions, balancing life, and taking steps to transform even your toughest experiences into opportunities for self-development.  I understand that life is not easy. We are each unique people who are continuously overcoming, learning, and discovering new ways to show up for ourselves and the world around us.  Some days, heck, some years will be harder to get through than others.  Together we will co-create coping strategies to navigate through challenging times and welcome new parts of you with care and excitement.

I work with clients from both narrative and systemic lens.  I believe that we are all experts when it comes to our own lives.  What we need to move forward is not only within us, but around us in our interactions with family, friends, co-workers, health-care organizations, educational institutions, and our communities.  My role as a therapist is to help my clients uncover the underlying truths about their personal stories that help them to foster acceptance and enhances their decision-making skills. I also share tools that empower clients achieve a level of emotional and behavioral health that boosts their quality of life.

Clients will be welcomed into a non-judgmental space where their strengths, insecurities, hurt, pain, intelligence, shame, sadness, excitement, personality quirks, and unique backgrounds are respected and explored together with care.

I want to congratulate you on your courage to take the step to consider working with a therapist! I look forward to being present with you and supporting you as you journey through life’s experiences.

Stress

Feeling Overwhelmed

Parenting issues

Self-Esteem/Self-Worth

Self-Concept/Identity Development

Job Related Stressors/Issues

Interpersonal Problems

Balancing Multiple Roles

Lifestyle Changes related to Health and Wellbeing

Divorce Recovery for Children

Blended Families

Chronic Illness

Verbal/Emotional Abuse

Specialization and Interests:

Anxiety

Depression

Adjusting

Relationship Distress

Co-Dependency

Grief and Loss

Disenfranchised Grief

Therapeutic Modalities:

Motivational Interviewing

Health and Wellness Coaching

Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Mindfulness and Meditation

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Gottman Family/Couples Therapy Techniques

Narrative Therapy

Positive Psychology

Post-Modern Approach

Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)

Solutions-Focused Therapy (SFT)

Creative Therapies (Art/Music/Writing or Journaling)