Personal
Statement: Ford Willoughby received his Bachelor's degree from Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana, and his Master's degree in Counseling Psychology from The Illinois School of Professional Psychology, Chicago Illinois. He completed his practicum work at Ravenswood Hospital where he led group therapy sessions for severely mentally ill (schizophrenia, major depression with psychosis, obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, and borderline personality disorder) adults and families. Ford also worked at Children's Memorial Hospital, in their therapeutic day-school. At Children's, he was a milieu therapist working with a population of children diagnosed with major mental illness including behavioral/characterological disorders (antisocial personality disorder, ADD/ADHD, post-traumatic stress, autism, sexual abuse, rage). He is currently a therapist on staff with Lutheran Social Services of Illinois, Behavioral Healthcare Unit, working with adolescents, adults, families and coup! les. Through LSSI, Ford is a clinical consultant to Chicago Read Mental Health Center, as well as several Chicago area mental health clinics. He is an active member of the Illinois Mental Health Counselors Association and a licensed clinician in Illinois.
Ford has participated in many personal development workshops including The Artist's Way with Julia Cameron, and numerous workshops with Bernie Segall, Joan Borshenko, and Depak Chopra. He served in a leadership role at Landmark Education, and is currently enrolled in the Licensed Unity Teacher program through Unity Village in Lee's Summit, Missouri. Self-development is his greatest personal hobby; facilitating the unfoldment of his clients' visions for their lives, is his life's work and one of his greatest joys.
I am always amazed and inspired by people's ability to rise to the occasion, meeting the myriad challenges that life presents. Most of the time we do the right thing and often retain our sense of humor in the midst of difficulty. Sometimes, however, we are unable to do it alone, and so we courageously seek help, as you are doing today. Taking the appropriate steps, you will persevere. Therapy does work; further suffering is optional.
Since we don't get an owner's manual titled How to Live a Richly Rewarding Life, we do the best we can, and for the most part we do a fine job. But there are areas of our lives where we may have developed poor emotional and behavioral habits. Perhaps at one time these habits served a useful purpose in our lives. However, now they lead to disenchantment and dissatisfaction.
Knowing that many of my clients will begin therapy immersed in such uncomfortable feelings, my first objective is to provide relief by establishing a safe nurturing environment. I have a very relaxed easy going manner which my clients inform me is calming and non-threatening. I take the necessary steps to insure that my clients feel safe and appreciated. Instilling a sense of security and consolation is crucial to the therapeutic process and allows my clients to feel at ease. As a sense of well-being is restored, and one's sense-of-self is strengthened, we take a more active role toward solving the challenges at hand. To establish a feeling of personal control, I encourage my clients to take an active role in planning their course in therapy. After a few session I will formulate several treatment plans to address your specific needs. We will discuss these plans and then you choose the direction and intensity of your treatment.
Therapy is both soothing and invigorating. My clients find the process enjoyable. In my own development I have found that self-discovery is a truly wondrous experience, full of humor, pathos and joy. I would be honored to attend your journey.
Please call me to schedule a free consultation. 708-271-2864
Services Offered: Psychotherapy
Specialties: Marriage / couples, parenting, depression, anxiety, personal growth, divorce, adolescent issuse, family therapy, stress.
Languages:
Ethnicity: Caucasian American
Gay/Lesbian Focus: No
Religion: Unity
Client profile: M/F Ages:
15-60
Payments/Conditions: Our first session is free of charge. I offer a sliding scale to those in need. Most major insurance companies accepted. Checks or cash. Payment or copayment due at each session.
Credentials/Training: Bachelor's Degree: Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana
Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology: The Illinois School of Professional Psychology, Chicago Illinois
License: 180-005-100
Nearby Towns: Elmhurst, Western Springs, Hinsdale, La Grange, Lyons, Brookfield, Riverside, Chicago, Melrose Park
Nearby Counties: Cook
Nearby Zip Codes: 60302, 60647
Listed: 9-13-06
