About

 she/her

Wendy R. Lauter Licensed Counselor and Art Therapist

My Professional Background

 I am licensed by the State of Illinois as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor.  I have a Master's Degree in Creative Arts Therapy from Hahnemann Medical College (now Drexel) in Philadelphia, PA.   I have over 25 years of experience, 15 of which I spent in Oak Park/River Forest. Recently, I opened a second office in Ravenswood.  I worked in management and as a clinician at two psychiatric hospitals in the western suburbs.  I taught at both The School of the Art Institute of Chicago and the Adler School of Professional Psychology in their Art Therapy Master's programs.  In addition to my experience in private practice, I have worked with children and teens in the DCFS system, children in domestic violence situations, hospice, and therapeutic day schools.

I am also a mother of a teenager, which I consider part of my professional development.  

10 minutes to meet me

I believe therapy is such a personal, intimate experience that I offer potential clients 10 minutes to meet me and see my office before deciding to start.  Some people take me up on this, while others do not feel the need after talking on the phone.  Call to set up this 10-minute appointment.  (708) 488-8000 #0

The Process of Therapy

Trust is crucial in any relationship, especially in the Counseling relationship.   Building a trusting relationship while allowing you to slowly unfold at your own pace is only one of two parts of Counseling.  The second part is the counselor actively intervening and providing guidance.  The balance and timing for these two things are different for each person.   I find it essential to be active and sensitive to your specific needs.  I give practical, helpful homework and practice assignments.  Together, we figure out how these things can be used in your everyday life.  Each relationship starts with a thorough assessment, and deciding on goals you will be part of creating.  Through you or your child's strengths, we find the key to healing the challenges.  Parent involvement is very important for children and adolescents!  Practical suggestions will be provided throughout the counseling so parents can support their child's growth.     

Specialties                       

Child and Adolescents

Adult Women in life transitions

Issues

ADHD

Anxiety 

Adoption/Foster

Behavior Problems 

Anger

Depression

Divorce

Grief

Social Problems

School Problems

Spiritual Issues

Self esteem 

Trauma. 

Treatment Orientations 

Cognitive Behavioral/ACT

Solution Focused

Relational

Art Therapy

Spiritual Counseling

Psychodynamic 

Adlerian

IFS (Internal Family Systems)

Business

Cost: $150 per hour

Insurance:  I take only Blue Cross PPO.  Please call your insurance company to check your benefits.

If you do not have Blue Cross you can find out what your out of network reimbursement is and I will give you a bill to send to your insurance company

Specialized Training

Mightier Certified  https://www.mightier.com  (computer biofeedback program for children)  https://www.mightier.com/for-professionals/spotlights/wendy-lauter/

Level 1 IFS training program. https://ifs-institute.com. 

Reiki Trained, Master's level