Chicago Therapist Helps Couples Feel Safe And Normalized
Ahna Holzinger received a master's degree in marriage and family therapy from Northern Illinois University's accredited graduate program in marriage and family therapy. She is a licensed marriage and family therapist and has been practicing for eight years. Holzinger began working in a non-profit counseling agency for at-risk youth and their families, where she became clinical director where she supervised staff and strengthened the clinical work the agency did. Holzinger also worked part-time at the Couples Clinic in Geneva, IL during this time. Holzinger made the change to exclusively work in private practice at the Couples Clinic so she could specialize in working with couples.
What are the responsibilities of your current role?
"I provide relationship counseling to couples in general distress or crisis. I also do intensive counseling, premarital counseling, or retreats for couples that want to rejuvenate their connection. In addition, I also see individuals and adolescents struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, and a variety of stress or adjustment issues. I average between 20-30 clients per week and my schedule is flexible in that I can set my own hours. Other responsibilities include staff meetings, paperwork, presentations, or workshops."
What is your favorite part of your daily duties?
"I truly enjoy bonding with couples to make them feel safe and normalized. I have the opportunity to get to know each partner's personality and then help each couple blend their personalities. It is common for most couples to feel hurt and exhausted at the start of counseling and hesitant to share their true feelings with their partner. Helping couples shift to a more vulnerable space in which they can express their underlying feelings is the starting block for positive momentum in therapy. I love when couples can start to see through the distress and heal old wounds to the point they rekindle the chemistry, care, and playfulness in the relationship."
Do you feel your education prepared you for your current role?
"Yes, this profession takes someone who has a balance of several ingredients, including a natural ability to offer care and empathy - the ability to analyze and challenge - and a sense of timing on when to provide those. While a therapist's personality and character play a major role, there needs to be a foundation of a well-rounded education in human nature, neuroscience, and theoretical models. The education I received at NIU and ongoing training from Dr. Brent Atkinson has been the perfect foundation for me."
Do you have any advice for people who desire to pursue a similar career?
"This profession can be so fulfilling, but can also take a toll emotionally. I'm lucky enough to love my work, but unfortunately burn-out can occur. Therapists need to take care of themselves mentally, physically, and emotionally, which takes time and energy. Of course, this is true of most professions. Endurance is the key. Don't underestimate the importance of continued education and development on professional endurance. Treating yourself to a spa day, chocolate, and vacations help too."
Michelle Guilbeau is a writer, reviewer, teacher and business owner living in Chicago, Illinois. She also has experience in school administration, literacy coaching and is proud founder of CraftKitsForKids.com and MichelleGuilbeau.com Michelle enjoys sharing her knowledge of Chicago, food, travel, education and parenting issues with her readers. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
