George Becker, LCSW 

George Becker is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 35 years experience at providing individual, couples and family therapy in a wide variety of clinical and educational settings.  He earned his MSW degree from the former George Williams College which is now part of Aurora University.  For the past 15 years, he has worked intensively with the Spanish-speaking communities in Chicago and throughout the northwest suburbs.  George is fluent in Spanish and demonstrates a keen sensitivity to the subtle differences of culture and communication styles common between Spanish and English speakers.  He has developed an expertise in understanding the difficulties of acculturation and assimilation among immigrant families. Additionally, George remains active working toward improving the rights of immigrants. 

“I believe that the most important aspect of working effectively with Latinos, or any other immigrant group, is to understand their values and beliefs. Being effective requires more than just the ability to speak the language.”  George’s vast experience has taught him that feelings of isolation and estrangement are very common, as families of origin are often separated for many years without hope of being reunited.  “One cannot simply translate English into Spanish and assume that we will be understood, or that we actually understand what our clients are trying to communicate.  We need to understand their frame of reference.”  In addition, George understands that the Hispanic culture is represented by numerous subcultures.  “Apart from a basic language similarity and predominant religious background, they represent many different belief systems about education, family structure and personal goals.  When providing therapeutic services, we must be aware of these individual and regional characteristics in order to best meet the needs of each every client.” 

George Becker is available for a free telephone consultation and he is available with convenient appointment times including evenings and weekends. George can be reached at 847-301-4333 or by email at george@owenscounseling.com.

Shannon Olson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.   Shannon provides individual, group, couples, and family therapy and counseling.  Shannon works with children and adults who require a supportive therapeutic environment to help them meet their goals. 

Additionally, Shannon works with victims of sexual abuse and rape. "I believe that each victim has a need and desire to find the survivor within."  Shannon also believes that every person deserves to have a life of peace, joy and fulfillment. However, she sadly notes that many are living without that life of peace, joy, and personal fulfillment. Shannon believes that the effects of silence, self-loathing, and shame often compound the drive for an individual to become self-destructive.  This is most often the case for women and children who have been sexually assaulted, molested or raped.

"Sexual abuse is very difficult to overcome, but I firmly believe that within each victim lives a survivor. In therapy I can provide a safe place for you to tell your story, perhaps for the first time, and allow you the opportunity to heal and grow." Shannon's approach is focused on her client's individual needs and may include trauma and strengths based counseling, psycho-education, empowerment, skills training for managing emotions, relationship enhancement, distress tolerance and mindfulness, plus exposure therapy and relaxation techniques.

Shannon feels that overcoming abuse issues often-times requires a guide to provide a safe place as well as gentle assistance and support to overcome the terror, the anger, the pain and the shame.

"Together we can discover ways to help you heal from your deepest pain and your greatest shame. Let me help you tell your story and attain the life of true inner freedom that you deserve."

Shannon can be reached at 847-301-4333 or by email at shannon@owenscounseling.com.

Alan Owens, D.Sc., LCPC holds a doctorate in counseling psychology and is licensed as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor.  Alan specializes in existential therapy while utilizing behavioral and choice therapy techniques and strategies.  “I believe everyone has the ability to change, to grow, and to accomplish their goals.”  If you are experiencing difficulties in life – with others, with your job, or with yourself, Alan can help you get to where you want to be.  You can reach Alan direct at 847-301-4333 or by email at alan@owenscounseling.com.