JoDana Varilek

I have a passion for working with others to improve their quality of life. I have spent over twenty years working with children, adolescents and adults, whom have had emotional, behavioral, medical, dual diagnosis, trauma, abuse, depression, anxiety, learning difficulties, behavioral outbursts, divorce issues, self-harm, grief & loss and more. I have experience providing individual, family and marital therapy. I am a LCSW, LSSW, LCWS and have advanced training in EMDR and trauma.

My approach to counseling is that it’s a learning process where respect and trust are built to develop a partnership between the therapist and client. I use creative approaches such as play therapy, yoga, art, and movement in sessions to engage clients. I am passionate and will meet the client where they are in the learning and therapeutic process.

I attended ISU for my bachelor’s degree and attended the UIC for my master’s degree in Social Work with a concentration in schools.

I live my life by the words of Mahatma Gandhi “You must be the Change you wish to see in the World” and have committed my life to working with others. I feel honored to be given the privilege of learning about your story and working with you to achieve the goals you wish to achieve within the therapeutic setting without judgement.

Helen Keller once said, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much”. Working together we can create a life that is fulfilling and full of peace and joy.