ABOUT BALANCED LIFE

A safe & calm space for growth

We want you to feel welcomed at Balanced Life Counseling. When you walk into our office, you’ll be greeted by our friendly staff and offered a selection of coffee, tea, and water. Our calm and comfortable waiting room has plenty of space to relax while you wait to begin your appointment. ​ Our office is conveniently located in the heart of Logan Square, and free street parking is available on Armitage Ave. in front of and across from our office.

Team

Our therapists have experience with a range of situations and relationship dynamics.

We place a priority on communication, affirmation, and comfort and work with you to help you move forward on your unique journey.

MEET OUR FULL TEAM →

REBECCA SLUSHER, MA, LCPC

SHE/HER

Founder, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor

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Bailey Kraft, MS, LMFT

SHE/HER

Operations Director, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist

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Joelle Spiegel, JD, LCSW

SHE/HER

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

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Mike Connell, MA, LMFT

HE/HIM

Clinical Director, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist

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Coral Serrano Bennitt, MS, LCPC

SHE/HER

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor

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Gideon Greene, ATR-BC, LPC

HE/HIM

Licensed Professional Counselor

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DeJa Survillion, MA, LPC

SHE/HER

Licensed Professional Counselor

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Mona Sterling, MS, ALMFT

SHE/HER

Associate Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

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Jennifer Kendler

SHE/HER

Client Intake & Billing Coordinator

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Meg Doster, ALMFT

SHE/HER

Associate Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

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Erin Debono, MS

SHE/HER

Pre-Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

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Olivia McLeod

SHE/HER

Psychotherapy Intern

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Services

Open & Understanding Individual and RELATIONSHIP Therapy

Whether you’re experiencing depression, anxiety, a life transition, communication concerns, or have recently experienced a traumatic event, we’re here to help you work through whatever difficulty you’re facing in life.

LEARN MORE →

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PREMARITAL
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RELATIONSHIP
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INDIVIDUAL
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MIND & BODY

have a question you don’t see answered here? WE’RE STANDING BY TO HELP →

What insurance providers do you work with & what are your fees?

Fee for services

Individual Intake/Initial Session — $165.00

Couples Intake/Initial Session — $175.00

Ongoing Individual Counseling Sessions — $145.00

Ongoing Couples Counseling Sessions -- $160.00

Balanced Life Counseling also offers therapy services with psychotherapy interns on a sliding fee scale

 

Balanced Life Counseling is in-network* for the following insurance providers:

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue Choice PPO

  • Aetna PPO

  • Cigna PPO

We are out-of-network for all other insurance carriers. Please contact your insurance to learn more about your out-of-network benefits. The most common coverage is a reimbursement of 50% of the full cost of the session. We will gladly submit out-of-network claims* to your insurance company.

 

If you have the following insurance plans, they will not cover therapy with us:

  • Medicare

  • Medicaid

  • an HMO plan

  • an accident plan like National General


 * If you would like us to submit claims to your health insurance provider, our Client Intake Coordinator, Jennifer Kendler, needs to verify your insurance before we can schedule an appointment.  Please allow up to 24 hours or the next business day to receive a reply with the information from the client intake coordinator. ​If you would like to begin this process, please click here

What is psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy is a process for treating varying levels of emotional distress (anxiety, sadness, grief, etc.) and disruptive/ineffective behavioral patterns through verbal and nonverbal communication between a client and a trained psychotherapist. Psychotherapy may include many different methods of treatment; however, most importantly, it requires active effort on your part as the client.  This involves working with your therapist to identify the problems, develop goals, and take action. Psychotherapy cannot give you the answers to the problems you are facing, but it can help you find your own answers.  Clients normally experience a range of reactions following sessions throughout the therapeutic process. Since therapy often involves discussing unpleasant aspects of your life, you may experience uncomfortable feelings like sadness, guilt, anger, and frustration during or after sessions. On the other hand, you may also feel a sense of relief, support, empowerment, or accomplishment after a session. As long as you engage in the process, psychotherapy can lead to better relationships, solutions to specific problems, and significant reductions in feelings of distress. 

Why might I be feeling nervous or weird about trying psychotherapy?

Going to therapy does not mean you are "crazy" or that you can't handle your own problems.  You may not be sure what you are feeling and why. Or you may feel as though "it isn't a big enough problem for therapy."  At Balanced Life Counseling, we believe that psychotherapy can be helpful to anyone at different points throughout their life. Beginning psychotherapy is a courageous step to take on your journey to a more satisfying and balanced life.

How long and how many times a week is a typical session?

Sessions are 55 minutes in length. Most clients are seen at least once a week in the beginning and then, as time goes on, less frequently. The number of sessions depends on what your current needs are. It is important that the you feel comfortable with your therapist, which may take a few sessions to determine.

How long will I be in psychotherapy?

The length of time you are in therapy depends on the nature of the problem and the goals that you and your therapist identify in the first few sessions. Some clients have a very specific problem that can be worked through in a set course of sessions. For others, therapy may be treating a more complex set of problems or an in-depth issue and may require a longer commitment on the client's part to achieve results.  And others find that counseling is an ongoing learning process that helps them maintain a better sense of self-awareness and support to help them achieve their life goals.

How can psychotherapy help me?

Psychotherapy can provide you with an empathic ear, a more objective perspective, a safe place to explore emotionally painful topics, and guidance on helping you help yourself.  It can help increase your confidence in your own strengths and help you develop tools to deal with problems more effectively.  It may help you overcome obstacles that are preventing you from having more satisfying relationships, fulfill personal goals, or reach your potential in work or school environments.

How could couples therapy help my relationship?

Couples therapy focuses on increasing communication skills, learning to resolve conflict respectfully, and addressing unhealthy or ineffective relational patterns.  Your therapist will act as a neutral party to aid in increasing understanding, safety, and intimacy in the relationship.  Your therapist can help each of you gain insight into how your behavior influences your partner and the relationship as a whole.

What if I want couples therapy, but my partner won't come?

Unfortunately, sometimes one partner is not as willing as the other to come in for therapy. However, it is possible to improve the relationship by addressing even one partner's emotional reactions and behavior.

Do you prescribe medication?

No. At Balanced Life Counseling, we do not prescribe medication. Typically, clients see a psychiatrist or physician in network with their health insurance or we can refer you to someone if you feel medication is needed.

LOCATION & HOURS

To Schedule An Appointment:
Simply fill out the form here or call (872)-588-1071


3111 W Armitage Ave, Suites 200-204 Chicago, IL

 

Mon-Thurs: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM, by appointment only

Fri-Sun: By appointment only

 

Getting Here:

The office is conveniently located at the Armitage and Albany #73 bus stop and we are a short walk from the California and Logan Square Blue Line stops.

 

Parking:

There is free street parking on Armitage avenue in front of and across from the office.


 

Contact us today to meet our therapists and learn how our practice can help you cope with challenges and restore your sense of belonging.