Our Team

  

  Dr. Mari Schnitzius-Richko ND, LCPC, CYI, ABT, PATP

  Founder/Clinical Director

Hakomi Body Centered Psychotherapist, Body Focused IFS, Zen Shiatsu, Yoga, Trauma-Focused Acupressure, Psychedelic Assisted Therapist

   Eating disorders, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, trauma, grief, life transitions, spiritual transformation

"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.

“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 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.

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."

  

  

  

 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!”

Susan Freeman, LCSW

family therapy, substance use,  trauma, depression, anxiety, nervous system work, emotional regulation

Susan (Susie) Freeman is a licensed clinical social worker with over 15 years of experience. She has a degree in human development from Northwestern University and earned a master’s degree in clinical social work with an emphasis on mental health from the University of Chicago. Susie has provided individual and family therapy in both private practice and community mental health settings to teens and adults. She specializes in the treatment of Trauma, depression, anxiety and substance use.

Susie utilizes evidence-based practices, somatic techniques and a collaborative change process to offer her clients a safe space for healing, growth and processing the human experience. Her areas of interest in her practice are working with Trauma, identity development, nervous system and emotional regulation, issues of adolescence, anxiety, depression, navigating both external and internal systems, and life transitions. In connection with her professional education and practice, Susie’s own collection of life experiences has shaped who she is as a clinician and how she approaches her work with clients through an anti-oppressive framework. 

“My goal in therapy is to help clients meet and develop their authentic and every evolving self. I work to create a safe and trusting space that encourages clients to liberate themselves to be wholly human. Through my education, work experience and personal journey navigating childhood Trauma, I have developed a firm and caring approach to providing therapy that aims to cultivate clients’ regulated intentional stability. With therapy, I hope to teach clients the healing power of being connected and present. The power of being human is that you already have inside all the tools you need to grow, heal and be whole; I look forward to working with you on your journey of personal evolution.”

 Cheryl Ramos MS, LPC, CADC, CODPI, NCC
  Licensed Professional 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.  

 Mirela Masinovic, LPC, EdS
 Licensed Professional Counselor

 Individual /Family/Group Therapy,  Children, Adolescents, Young Adult

Mirela Masinovic holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and an Education Specialist degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Loyola University. Mirela brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her practice, spanning various settings such as schools, outpatient clinics, and community-based programs. Specializing in individual and group/family therapy, she focuses on creating a safe and supportive environment for clients to explore their thoughts and emotions, particularly in working with adolescents aged 8-18. Mirela provides therapy in Bosnian and Serbian if necessary.

 I approach therapy from a person-centered and trauma-informed perspective, aiming to empower clients to navigate mental health challenges with resilience and self-awareness. Committed to providing compassionate and evidence-based care, I look forward to supporting you on your journey towards emotional well-being.  

 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 with 20 years of experience in the field.  She has been seeing clients in the private practice setting for 12 years.  She 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.   Courtney has clinical expertise and training in anxiety, pregnancy and fertility, childbirth and parenting, grief and loss, mindfulness, aging, self-esteem, inner child work, and depression.

"My goal for providing therapy is to help individuals learn tools to navigate the complex nature of our world and the complex emotions that come along with it. 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. By having a safe, private, and non-judgemental space to openly discuss difficult memories, experiences, or feelings; powerful healing and new understandings can begin to emerge.    I aim to help people gain peace in the midst of anxiety, heal from trauma and loss, learn communication tools, and develop new insights.  I utilize a diverse array of evidence - based treatment modalities combined with an empathic intuitive approach to meet each client's individual needs. 

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. I have experienced time and again the power of therapy 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.

Laurie Walsh, LCSW, L.Ac. 

Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Acupuncturist

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.

Kim Normyole, Certified Trauma-Informed Yogini

 Trauma, Breathe work, Meditation, Somatic Wellness

Kim is a registered and certified Trauma-Informed Yogini with emphasis on Somatic Wellness through intentional breathing, movement, and rest. She studied yoga, the psychology and science of yoga, and incorporating trauma-informed cueing and language with The Sacred Movement Academy. Kim received continuing education on Trauma-Informed Somatic Wellness from The Sacred Movement Academy. During the pandemic, she taught private virtual yoga sessions in her spare time. She believes that interactive private sessions are essential to build relationships and trust with her clients. She eases her way into building resiliency and trust with her clients, incorporating relaxing meditations and gentle warm-ups; allowing room to challenge oneself and their thoughts, while cultivating a safe space to celebrate the power of choice. The clients are in control the entire session with grounding tactics to accommodate the release of stress, grief, and triggers. Kim found her home studios with Ahimsa Yoga Studio in Evanston as well as Luvvli in Park Ridge.  

Kim is a mother, fur baby mom, and wife to a first responder. Kim’s passions are spending time with family and friends, yoga, going to the beach, helping others heal, working with non-profits, reading, writing, and music. Kim works with non-profit animal shelters, is a Local Leader for non-profit C.I.T.Y of Support (Children In Therapy and You,) as well as a contributing writer, community member, and advocate for Healing & C-PTSD. She has found collective healing and co-regulation to be crucial on her own healing journey as a survivor of Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.  

Overcoming obstacles from childhood and adult trauma, Kim has found yoga to be an all-inclusive outlook and way of life for shedding layers of trauma, grief, depression, and anxiety. 

 “Not only a tool for strengthening and alleviating the physical body, this practice of mind-body connection sparks the curiosity of us being more than just a physical body; connecting us with spirituality, and the art of letting go ~ Savasana.” 

 Laila Dancing Spider Woman,  Indigenous Medicine Woman

Women's Circles, Indigenous Fire Ceremonies, Private sessions, Card Readings

Laila Dancing Spider Woman is a Cherokee Grandmother & Keeper of the Sacred Fire. She is born from a long line of Wild Women who have danced, drummed, and sang prayers through the Generations.

Traveling throughout Turtle Island the United States, Granny Spider shares stories, ceremonies & songs in honor of the Beauty Way. She offers up the Medicines & Symbolism of the Animals & Tall Ones (Trees) through card readings & Medicine Sits that weave the mystical into the mundane. Conveying a meaningful and practical understanding of wisdom to inspire, encourage, and cultivate joy for natural balance in our everyday lives.

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 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!