Dr. Mari Richko ND, LCPC, CYI, ABT, PATP
Founder/Clinical Director
Hakomi Body Centered Psychotherapist, Somatic IFS, Zen Shiatsu Body Therapy, Yoga, Trauma-Focused Acupressure, Psychedelic Assisted Therapist Practitioner
Eating disorders, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, CPTSD, trauma, grief, life transitions, spiritual transformation, ketamine integration
"Center for Authentic Living is committed to promoting wellness, education, and expanding the healing process into the community" - Mari
Dr. Mari Schnitzius-Richko is a Naturopathic Doctor who received her degree from Clayton School of Natural Healing, is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, a Certified Yoga Instructor trained at Nature Yoga in Chicago, a Nationally Certified Zen Shiatsu Practitioner, graduate of the International Ohashi Institute in New York, trained in JinShin Do Acupressure(trauma focused bodywork), certified by Integrative Psychiatric Institute in psychedelic assisted therapy, and founder of Center for Authentic Living. Mari assists Womens Medicinal Wellness Retreats in Nevada and Montana with The Wellness Lab.
“My experience with complimentary medicine began in my early adulthood, through my exposure to herbal medicine. Due to childhood trauma and illnesses, I searched beyond conventional medicine for a method that would lead to the deepest, most fulfilling healing possible. After years of study, I adapted these methods from eastern and western traditions that have become central to my work with my clients. Believing that these concepts of health can benefit all people, I have dedicated my life to the practices of these philosophies.”
Mari is well known in the eating disorder community for her work in enhancing recovery for those suffering from mental and physical ailments. Dr. Mari’s specialties are eating disorders, anxiety disorders, PTSD, trauma, depression, stress management, chronic pain, and body illnesses due to physical and mental health issues. Mari's background includes Hakomi Body Centered Psychotherapy, IFS (Internal Family Systems), Psychedelic Assisted Therapy, CBT, Body Therapies ( Zen Shiatsu and Jin Shin Do Trauma- Informed Body Mind Acupressure), Yoga Psychology, and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Mari along with her daughter, Meghann Richko LCPC, CYT, a psychotherapist and yoga therapist, created "YogaTalk" group therapy for those in recovery and imbalances due to emotional and/or physical issues with an emphasis on cultivating a lost spiritual connection. Mari also saw a need for psychedelics to be utilized in a therapeutic intervention for heeling of body, mind, and soul and is now offering this form of therapy.
Mari has a service dog who works with client at our center. Neela comes to us from a Blue Great Dane Breeder in Pennsylvania. Neela was trained as a service dog and emotional therapy dog. Neela works with mood disorders, anxiety, PTSD, and depression. She travels with Dr. Mari to residential treatment program facilities on her time off and walks around the community putting smiles on everyone's faces.
Dr. Mari's professional engagements include lecturing on the combination of Psychotherapy and Chinese Medicine as an educational tool for recovery along with the need for yoga therapeutics as an adjunct therapy in recovery. She teaches workshops on applying these philosophies to our everyday life. She has lectured for IFS Conferences (Internal Family Systems), Richard Schwartz, Ph.D on combining IFS parts work with The Five Elements of Chinese Medicine. Her other engagements are public speaking on alternative approaches to wellness, educator on women's issues, educator for bodyworkers on chronic illness and cancer, speaker on radio talk shows on home birthing with Dr. Mayer Eisenstein, M.D., assisting pregnancies and birthing using Body Therapies. She held a position on the advisory board of directors for InNetwork, an exclusive membership group of integrative healthcare professionals whose main goal was to make complementary alternative medicine better understood and to inspire the public to use prevention medicine.
“I believe as therapists that it is necessary to use compassion, cultivate mindfulness, and wisdom in our approach to empowering individuals to progress towards improved health and well- being and that it is imperative to develop some sort of spiritual practice in life to transform and fully heal. I believe a truly optimum treatment program relies on the awareness of the mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual aspects of who we are in the world, what parts of us are in alignment with our purpose and those that are not. It is my passion to integrate these components while working with my clients. This integration and personal spiritual practice includes our work in the world, our love, our families, and our understanding of mind/ body/spirit. My love of eastern philosophy, body therapies and yoga as a vehicles towards a healthy life have always been a large part of my own practice in the world and as a practitioner of psychotherapy and body therapy.”
“With direction, encouragement, and support, I would be honored assist you in finding a deeper sense of "Self" and a deeper connection with your Body/Mind. My vision for you is health, happiness, and longevity, with the most fulfilling and enduring healing process possible. For you to discover that this source is already within you."
Meghann Richko, LCPC, CYT
Assistant Direct, Clinical Supervisor, HR
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
Yoga Therapist
Children, teens, adults, mood disorders, grief, ADHD, OCD, self harm, school issues, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, fertility issues, yoga therapy, ESA dog, pain management, chronic illness, trauma, athletes
Meghann is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Yoga Therapist, and Fitness professional. She holds an M.A. in counseling, B.A. in psychology, and a CYT in Yoga Therapy. Along with providing counseling services, she currently teaches ongoing yoga classes, facilitates continuing education, and leads seminars on mental and physical health topics. Meghann has been practicing, studying, and teaching many styles of yoga and group fitness for 20 years, and is a skilled teacher in relaxation techniques and breathing practices. Meghann has a Therapy Dog, Romeo, who is a part of the team and at her office. A therapy dog is a dog that is trained to provide affection, comfort, and support to people. Therapy dogs are friendly, obedient, calm, patient, and affectionate. They can provide a great sense of calm during client sessions and provide support during talk therapy.
Her counseling style incorporates client-centered, body/mind, and cognitive-behavioral practices, combined with integrative techniques appropriate for each client. Her therapeutic techniques revolve around empowering individuals to progress towards improved health and well-being. With close observation and guidance, Meghann creates treatment and lifestyle plans based on an individual’s needs, with their input and participation. Her emphasis is on methods for managing or healing a variety of conditions including but not limited to anxiety, depression, OCD, stress reduction, eating disorders, body image issues, somatic disorder, muscular skeletal issues, stress related illnesses, injury rehab and prevention, preventative health, improving nutrition, and the psychological aspects of pain and pain management.
In addition to her studies in psychology, clinical work, and traditional counseling, Meghann studied holistic approaches to health at the Rocky Mountain Institute of Yoga and Aryuvedic Medicine, where she obtained her therapeutic background, which includes applications to mental and physical health conditions, as well as Yin and Restorative practices. She also acquired yoga certifications and training hours from Richard Freeman’s Yoga School (Ashtanga), YogaView (Vinyasa Yoga Level 1 and 2), and CorePower Yoga (Power Level 1, 2, and 3, Hot, Sculpt, and Restorative). She is an American Aerobics Fitness Association Group Fitness Instructor.
Meghann believes that individuals can achieve success in all aspects of their lives by improving their health. The connection between body, mind, and environment is constantly explored in the therapeutic relationship, and it is Meghann’s goal to help her clients learn new ways to cope with tensions and transitions that are a part of everyday life. This is achieved by investigating the biological, psychological, cultural, societal, and environmental factors of life, and how each of these affects physical and emotional health.
Meghann works with children, adolescents, and adults. Along with traditional individual psychotherapy and group counseling (talk therapy), Meghann is available for yoga therapy, fitness training, and wellness counseling. She is truly committed to helping others through listening, interpersonal skills, and motivation.
Samantha Neri, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Assistant Director, Operations
LGBTQIA+ community, trauma, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, ketamine assisted therapy
Samantha (Sam) Neri is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Loyola University Chicago. Sam specializes in supporting individuals navigating trauma, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and LGBTQIA+ related concerns. As a member of the queer community, Sam is deeply passionate about providing affirming care to LGBTQIA+ individuals and creating a space where all identities are seen, valued, and celebrated.
Sam’s approach to therapy is holistic, intuitive, and person-centered. She integrates elements from narrative therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), mindfulness, family systems therapy, and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP). Early in her career, Sam worked in PHP/IOP treatment settings, where she witnessed many clients struggle to find effective treatment, often cycling in and out of care. This experience led her to explore innovative healing approaches that address the root causes of an individual’s struggles rather than simply providing a temporary solution. Sam strives to walk alongside clients as they lean into their healing, develop self-awareness, and break free from patterns that no longer serve them.
Sam works with individuals of all backgrounds aged 10+ and offers individual, group, and couples counseling. Her goal is to help clients reconnect with their inner wisdom, develop self-awareness, and step into a more authentic and fulfilling life.
“I believe that healing begins when we feel truly seen, heard, and accepted. In therapy, we will work together to create a safe space where you can explore your inner world, tune into your intuition, and heal in a way that feels right for you. Whether through traditional talk therapy, mindfulness practices, or deeper experiential work, I will support you in finding the tools and insights that align with your journey. I'm honored to walk alongside you—celebrating your joys, holding space for your pain, and supporting you as you grow into your most authentic self.”
Julia Matson (she/her/ella), LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions, self-esteem, mindfulness, Healing Touch, self-development, EMDR, ARC, Sand Tray, IFS, Expressive Therapies
Julia is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a dual degree in Social Work and Women’s Studies from Loyola University Chicago. She has over 13 years of experience working with survivors of childhood trauma and has experience supporting people with many issues including stress, anxiety, life transitions, and self-esteem.
Julia is trained in Healing Touch (an energy healing modality); EMDR; and the Attachment, Regulation, and Competency modality; among others. Julia is passionate about using a holistic, intuitive approach in therapy to best meet the unique needs of each person seeking services. She weaves together elements from Internal Family Systems, body-based practices, EMDR, mindfulness, and creative and expressive work. Julia can provide therapy in Spanish.
“I believe that as we connect and attune to our inner wisdom and intuition, our path becomes clearer, we nourish and clarify our gifts, and we find the courage and compassion to show up as our genuine selves. We have many storytellers- our heart, our mind, our body, our spirit. Often through our upbringing and life experiences we learn to ignore or shut down those storytellers in order to survive.
In therapy we will find safe ways to tune into your inner messages and wisdom. We will use a variety of approaches depending on your interests and needs: art and expressive therapies, sand tray, EMDR, mindfulness, energy work, somatic/body based therapies, and traditional talk therapy.
Together we will work to build a relationship that feels safe and welcoming, and I will accompany you as we explore and strengthen your inner and outer resources. I am passionate about helping people heal their core wounds so they can connect with and fully embody their authentic Self. The world needs you!”
Cheryl Ramos, MS, LPC, CADC, CODPI
Licensed Professional Counselor
Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor
Substance Use Disorder, Dual Diagnosis, Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar, Codependency
Smart Recovery Facilitator,CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness
Cheryl is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from National Louis University., in addition to being a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Co-Occurring Disorder Professional, and a National Certified Counselor.
She has been working in the mental health field with co-occurring disorders for the past 6 years, focused on helping individuals be able to develop a sense of who they are and find the underlying cause to their concerns. She has worked with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, bipolar, codependency, developing boundaries, and substance abuse. Her counseling style uses cognitive- behavioral therapy, person centered, and utilizes mindfulness for grounding and focus. She helps individuals learning new ways of self-care, effective coping skills, and skills to recognize additional concerns that arise. She helps individuals develop personal goals from their identified individual needs in order to help them grow.
Cheryl works with clients that have dissociative disorder. Cheryl understands that when a client is presenting these symptoms, it is most important to meet the client where they are and that their identities are not working together in a coordinated way. Cheryl is able to develop boundaries and work with the client in a warm, empathic, and consistent way in order to establish safety, work through past trauma, and be able to integrate back into their daily life. Cheryl utilizes CBT and DBT in order to help the client get back to their daily life.
Cheryl believes that therapy is a place to explore individuals past, present, and future and how it relates to their current relationships with themselves and others. She encourages everyone to have empathy, compassion for others, be understood, and explore them self with limitless boundaries in a safe and judgement free environment.
Clark Marie Finkelstein LPC, R-DMT
Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Dance/Movement Therapist
Children, teens, adults, ADHD, self harm, anxiety, depression, CPTSD, trauma, expressive therapies, groups
Clark Marie Finkelstein is a licensed professional counselor and a certified dance/movement therapist. She received her master of arts in clinical mental health counseling with a concentration in somatic counseling: dance/movement therapy from Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado. Clark has experience working with adolescents and adults both individually and in groups. She is trained in working with anxiety, depression, and PTSD. She uses her somatic lens to bridge the gap between the mind and body to help clients heal in a client-centered approach.
Clark grew up dancing and has always been in touch with movement, seeing it as a very beneficial therapeutic tool. She recognizes how essential somatic work is to healing and to connecting the whole mind, body, and soul. Through her classes at Naropa and becoming a certified yoga instructor, Clark has learned how to be a trauma-informed somatic counselor. Clark can help clients through body awareness and movement to process their emotions and create personalized coping skills that honor their body and well-being.
“My passion is to help clients connect to the wisdom their body holds. Like the saying, ‘trust your gut’, our body knows more than we give it credit for so why not work with it? In doing so I help my clients feel more empowered and in control to make positive changes in their process of healing.”
Laurie Walsh, LCSW, L.Ac.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Acupuncturist, Consultant
ADHD, grief, women's health issues, nutritional counseling, couples, families, acupuncture, Gottman level 1 trained
Laurie Walsh, LCSW, L.Ac. - Laurie is the owner of Insight EAP LLC, an integrative health and wellness practice located in Chicago and Park Ridge, IL. She is a licensed clinical social worker(LCSW) as well as a licensed acupuncturist(L.Ac.).
Laurie has more than 20 years of mental health experience, and she specializes in the evaluation & treatment of children and adults with attention deficit disorder (AD/HD), as well as women's health issues, and nutritional counseling.
In her private practice, Laurie also been working with couples and families having relationship difficulties for 20 years and has Gottman level 1 training. She also works with those suffering from depression and anxiety. In addition, she has many years of corporate employee assistance(EAP) expertise, and she works with organizations on critical incident debriefings and grief counseling.
"An integrative approach to wellness and health care makes the most sense to me. I have seen time and time again the benefits of using both Western and Eastern modalities in the treatment of all kinds of difficulties, both physical and emotional. "
Laurie completed her master's degree in clinical social work (MSW), and earned Magna Cum Laude honors for her master's degree in Oriental Medicine (MSOM) and her bachelor's degree in nutrition.
Sylvia Sztark, LCPC
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, Brainspotting, EMDR
Sylvia is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor trained in EMDR, Brainspotting, somatic/body-based therapies, and mindfulness. She is dedicated to helping clients heal through an integrative approach that encompasses the body, mind, and spirit. Specializing in trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, and mood disorders related to hormonal imbalances such as PMDD, Sylvia focuses on facilitating significant therapeutic progress. She believes in the mind's natural power to heal when provided with the right tools and support. Her practice emphasizes spiritual concepts, helping clients connect with a deeper sense of meaning and purpose. Sylvia also provides therapy sessions in Polish and offers both in-person and telehealth appointments.
"I believe that true healing occurs when we embrace our inner light and let it guide us through the darkness. By doing so, we not only heal ourselves but also transform our lives, finding peace, clarity, and a deeper connection to our true selves. Through this journey, we discover that our struggles are not merely obstacles but opportunities for growth and greater understanding.”
Courtney Bowles LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Perinatal, Pregnancy and Fertility, grief, loss, aging, anxiety
Courtney Bowles is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Reiki practitioner with 20 years of experience in the field. She is the owner of CBB Counseling and Holistic Healing and has been seeing clients in the private practice setting for 12 years. She provides traditional talk therapy and therapeutic Reiki to treat mind, body and spirit. Through therapy, individuals and families can create powerful change in their lives - improving quality of life, relationships with others, and an overall sense of peace. Additionally, therapeutic Reiki is an energy healing modality that helps promote relaxation, balance and general well-being. Reiki is a perfect compliment to traditional talk therapy, as it provides healing on an energetic level. Through therapy, Reiki, or both, Courtney aims to help people gain peace in the midst of anxiety, heal from trauma and loss, learn communication tools, and develop new insights. She utilizes a diverse array of evidence - based treatment modalities combined with an empathic intuitive approach to meet each client's individual needs.
Courtney began her career as a perinatal social worker at University of Chicago Medical Center, running the Perinatal Loss Program and working with families to provide perinatal mental health education and support. She has additionally worked for a perinatal mental health hotline, supported individuals on dialysis in nursing homes, and provided in-home counseling to elderly and disabled individuals before transitioning to full time private practice work. Courtney has received level 3 Reiki Master training in the Usui tradition, enabling her to command the full spectrum of Reiki healing. Courtney has clinical expertise and training in anxiety, life transitions, childbirth and parenting, chronic pain, grief and loss, aging, self-esteem, inner child work, and depression.
"I believe in the inherent power each person possesses to make positive changes in their life. I utilize a strengths based, nonjudgmental approach with my clients. I believe in providing a safe, private and supportive space for my clients to freely explore experiences and themes in their life that may cause them pain or stress, allowing healing and new understandings to emerge. My goal for providing therapy and therapeutic Reiki is to help individuals learn tools to navigate the complex nature of our world and the complex emotions that come along with it. I have experienced time and again the power of therapy and Reiki to truly help people, and I am passionate about the work I do."
Linda Young, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Anxiety, Depression, Crisis Intervention, Grief, Life Changes, Self Esteem, Relationships, Divorce, Failure to Launch, Domestic Violence.
Linda is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a wide range of experience since 1996. Her work with adults has been in state psychiatric facilities, community mental health, Emergency Departments, mental health residential facilities, crisis lines, police department social services and individual therapy. Linda is a certified domestic violence professional; she has extensive knowledge of the impacts of DV and the court system.
“I am an enthusiastic and compassionate provider who builds trusting therapeutic relationships through empathy, acceptance, skill building, and humor.”
Jane Ballis MA, LCPC CADC
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
Children, adolescents, couples, families, trauma informed
EMDR, Gottman, Dissociative Disorders
Jane Ballis received her master’s degree in clinical psychology from The Illinois School of Professional Psychology. She has completed her EMDR Level 1 training and obtained specialized training with Ana Gomez, an author and specialist, in EMDR and dissociative disorders with children. Jane also has completed levels 1 and 2 at the Gottman Institute in couples therapy.
Jane appreciates working with people of varied ages and abilities as a therapist. Jane seeks to understand differences in various cultures, race, and religions and strives to be as knowledgeable as possible in treating people with diverse backgrounds. Jane’s background includes many years of helping children, adolescents and adults express themselves through various artistic mediums such as painting, drawing, photography, and multimedia. Jane learned behavioral therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy and trained and worked under clinical psychologist’s supervision for many years learning psychodynamic theory, play and family therapy while specializing in children, adolescents, adults and families at an APA approved training site. Jane has practiced in child welfare and substance abuse settings. Jane has worked with at risk men who were involved in prostitution as well as many issues such as LGBTQ, homelessness, medical and employment challenges.
EMDR is an important approach to the work Jane does. EMDR is used to treat many issues from mild to very complex. such as PTSD, trauma, anxiety, phobias, panic disorder, obsessive compulsive, anxiety disorders, and excessive grief. Children and adolescents have alleviated their symptoms using EMDR, including depression, caused by disturbing life experiences. Studies have shown that many crime victims, police officers, fire fighters, and field workers were no longer disturbed by the aftereffects of violent assaults and/or the stressful nature of their work. Victim of Sexual assault, natural and man made disasters, accidents, surgeries and burn victims, family, marital and sexual dysfunction, involvement were also assisted. Clients at all stages of chemical dependency, sexual deviation/addiction, and pathological gamblers have been also treated successfully along with people with dissociative disorders. Many people with performance anxiety or deficits in school, business, performing arts, and sport have benefited from EMDR as a tool to help enhance performance. People with somatic problems/somatoform disorders, including migraines, chronic pain, phantom limb pain, chronic eczema, gastrointestinal problems, CFS, psychogenic seizures, eating disorders, and negative body image, have attained a relief of suffering.
Adults and adolescents have been successfully treated for diagnosed depression Clients with acute trauma and wide variety of PTSD and trauma-based personality issues experience substantial benefited from EMDR. There are many applications for EMDR which has been used by many major treatment facilities such as the armed forces.
Maralis
Social Media Manager
Reiki Master Practitioner/Teacher, E-RYTI, YACEP, Certified Mental Health Ally
Spiritual Guide, Healer, Workshop Facilitator, Mentor
Maralis is a heart-led spiritual practitioner whose own profound awakening and layered healing journey began over a decade ago. Her lived experiences—from spiritual awakening and late-in-life coming out, to overcoming trauma, divorce, religious and cultural de-conditioning, and rebuilding her identity—deeply inform the compassionate work she does with others today. Clients are often drawn to Maralis because she has walked through the very fires they now face. She understands the rawness of transformation and the beauty that emerges from honest, intentional healing. Her grounded, empathetic presence is balanced by her ability to hold space with honesty and directness. As one fellow medium described her: "The Universal Mother."
Maralis supports people navigating a range of life transitions and inner awakenings, including spiritual emergence, self-worth work, and redefining one's path after loss or upheaval. She especially resonates with those who are ready to rediscover and redefine who they truly are. Her training includes certifications in Reiki, Yoga, Meditation, Mindfulness, Channeling, and she offers Sound Healing. She is also certified as a mental health ally and trained in leadership. These modalities are complemented by her strong intuitive gifts and a deep commitment to integrity, love, and collective healing.
Maralis offers private Intuitive Energy Healing (Reiki) sessions, workshops, individual and group intuitive readings, and retreats—always with the intention of helping others embody their most authentic selves and evolve with purpose. She believes: We experience. We learn. We heal. We evolve. Again and again. Look out for her monthly Women's Circle coming soon to CFAL, as well as other workshops and events.
Neela
Certified Service and Emotional Therapy Dog
Neela comes to us from a Blue Great Dane Breeder in Pennsylvania. Neela was trained as a service dog and emotional therapy dog for her owner, Mari Richko, owner of CFAL. Neela works with mood disorders, anxiety, PTSD, and depression. She travels with Dr. Mari to residential treatment program facilities on her time off, our other office in Nevada, and walks around the community putting smiles on everyone's faces.
Bella
Certified Emotional Therapy Dog (retired) Our sweet Bella left our side May 1, 2025. She will be missed and was loved so dearly by all who crossed her path!❤️
Bella comes to us from the Great Dane Midwest Rescue in WoodStock, IL. She developed a natural ability to attend to others trauma after experiencing her own trauma at the hands of a neglectful owner. GDMR alerted Dr. Mari that she would make a good therapy dog. They were right! We are so happy to have her and grateful that she has s wonderful life now!