Christine Bonavolante, LCSW

MSW from the University of Illinois at Chicago and my B.A. from Columbia College in Chicago. In addition, School certification and mediation certification, secured from Aurora University. Work has been in a variety of settings; however, primarily it has been in mental health counseling, with most of my work in private practice in Hinsdale, IL. The range of client ages has been from pre-teens through seniors.

Educated in all areas of mental health and can counsel on individual, marital, and family issues. Much of my experience has been working with people who are struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, substance abuse, and the challenges of parenting as well as co-parenting stresses. The style used in practice is warm and supportive, and ready to help you tackle your struggles head-on. Collaboration is important — together we can work on establishing concrete goals and steps to help you overcome your current challenges.

Taking time and working on wellness slowly, holistically, and consistently. Just as physical health takes time and consistency, so does mental health. I look forward to helping you in any way I can. Difficult and painful times are part of the human experience, and I understand that seeking help can be a vulnerable step. Exploring the healing process or enriching one’s personal growth first requires establishing a trusting and emotionally supportive relationship. Change is not easy, but it is possible.

The approach utilized is goal-oriented and client-centered.  Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). Both modalities are hands-on, practical approaches to problem-solving. CBT treatment usually involves efforts to change thinking patterns and/or behaviors. The goals are to change patterns of thinking or behavior that contribute to difficult situations and, in turn, change the way a person feels. This helps individuals identify faulty or unhelpful ways of thinking and learn better ways of coping with life’s full variety of stressors.