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IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: The content on BirthGuide does not provide medical advice. Always consult a medical provider for diagnosis and treatment. The Complementary Care Directory is a paid membership directory. Members provide the information in their listings, which is not vetted by BirthGuide. The listing of an individual or entity in this directory does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by BirthGuide. By using this directory you agree to be bound by the BirthGuide Terms & Conditions of Use. If you do not wish to be bound by these terms and conditions, please do not access the directory.

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Flourish Counseling & Wellness - Preparing for Pregnancy & TTC
1901 North Clybourn Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60614
SERVICES IN NUTSHELL
Our mission at Flourish Counseling & Wellness is to provide counseling, advocacy and resources focused on perinatal mental health from fertility to pregnancy, through postpartum and parenthood. We offer individual, family and group therapy, and medication management. We envision a world where families have the information and support they need to heal, connect and flourish.
MORE ABOUT US
Emotional support for infertility

It wasn’t supposed to be this hard. Isn’t this what you were meant to do? Why is this happening? How are you supposed to move forward when this precious dream feels so out of reach? Infertility is isolating and infuriatingly painful. Well-meaning friends and family members ask when you’re going to finally have a baby. They give unsolicited advice. Strangers may even feel entitled to say something when they hear you don’t have a baby yet. Maybe you have had a pregnancy and/or baby before, but for some unknown reason, it’s not happening now. The doctors don’t know exactly what to call it, so “secondary infertility” is on your chart. Your loss and grief is almost all-consuming. Worst of all, it feels like no one understands what you are going through.

Approximately 1 out of every 8 couples will experience infertility in some form. About 9% of men and about 11% of women of reproductive age in the United States have experienced fertility problems. But, you are more than a statistic. Your story, your struggle, and your journey matter. Coping with infertility is not something you have to do alone. A skilled infertility therapist can work with you to move through this pain. We don’t know exactly what will be on the other side of this mountain, but you can get the support and skills to cope with whatever happens next.

Emotional support while Trying to Conceive (TTC)

If you type “TTC” into a search, you are probably going to get a list of advice. And, maybe some forums to talk about this with other people who are TTC. While these can be helpful for some folks, it might not be the support you are truly looking for. There are layers of complex emotions and issues when individuals and couples are TTC. Communication, shame, blame, resentment, the hope and grief of each cycle, financial worries, and so much more. There is nothing less sexy for a couple than trying to make a baby for months, and even years. Our infertility therapists can help guide you as individuals and a couple to a more grounded, less fearful place. Therapy for folks who are trying to conceive is tailored to meet your needs throughout the process. Things will change over time, and a skilled therapist can help you navigate through the changes.

Third Party Reproduction

The therapists at Flourish have worked with prospective parents and couples for years. We understand the barriers that come up when experiencing infertility and looking for third party reproduction resources. In fact, we can help by lessening those barriers due to our ability to provide third party reproduction services.

Support for LGBTQ+ Couples

At Flourish Counseling and Wellness, we support all families. For us, that means working with couples and individuals holding all identities as we navigate the journey through infertility and fertility concerns. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans+ and Queer families can feel safe and supported by our therapists during the fertility journey.

People
Emily Heilman, MA, LCSW, PMH-C

Emily Heilman, MA, LCSW, PMH-C

Founder

Sara Barrera, MA, LCSW, PMH-C, EMDR-T

Sara Barrera, MA, LCSW, PMH-C, EMDR-T

Clinical Director

Laura Castillo, MSW, LCSW, PMH-C

Laura Castillo, MSW, LCSW, PMH-C

Psychotherapist & Clinical Supervisor

Kara Peterson, M.Ed, LPC, EMDR-T

Kara Peterson, M.Ed, LPC, EMDR-T

Clinical Supervisor & Psychotherapist

TRAINING & CERTIFICATIONS
Leadership team

Emily Heilman, MA, LCSW, PMH-C: Founder

Emily Heilman was our guest on The BirthGuide Podcast, talking about “Planning to flourish in the postpartum period ” – Listen here

I am a trauma informed Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) & Certified Perinatal Mental Health Provider (PMH-C) specializing in perinatal mental health and wellness. One of my key goals in founding Flourish Counseling & Wellness was to support women and their families navigating through their fertility journey, the pregnancy and postpartum period, and throughout motherhood.

Sara Barrera, MA, LCSW, PMH-C, EMDR-T : Staff Psychotherapist & Clinical Director

I have extensive experience and specialized training working with women and families through various stages across the lifespan. I have worked in various settings such as healthcare, early childhood, violence prevention, and immigrant services, and community mental health. For most of my career I have managed a perinatal and parenting support program for parents and families providing counseling and psychoeducation on maternal health, reproductive justice, parent-child attachment, and early childhood development.

Laura Castillo, MSW, LCSW, PMH-C: Staff Psychotherapist

I am a Licensed Social Worker specializing in work with women and couples. I have been practicing for five years in a variety of settings including parenting support and education, pregnancy and postpartum care, adoption, and community mental health.

I provide individual, couples, and family therapy in the following areas: perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, depression, anxiety, pregnancy, pregnancy loss, adoption, relationships, parenting difficulties, life transitions, spiritual issues, and grief and loss.

Kara Peterson, M.Ed, LPC, EMDR-T: Staff Psychotherapist

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with a Master of Education in Counseling. My career first led me into the world of higher education where I provided career counseling and academic advising to college students. It wasn’t until I experienced first hand the need for a perinatal mental health specialist that I even knew this type of work existed. Once I was introduced to this specialization, and on the other side of my own journey, I realized I had the education and personal experience to support a career shift. I am extremely passionate about the world of perinatal mental health and would be honored to join you during this season of your life.

Meet the rest of the clinical team

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