Life Counselors

What is a Life Counselor?

Life Counselors are exceptional individuals with extraordinary communication skills. They understand that people who are seeking assistance to improve the condition of their lives are part of family and community systems. Their skills and involvement go beyond the hour in the office. They are like a personal trainer at a Psychological Fitness Center. They develop relationships with integral parts of the community to better serve those to whom they provide care.

Associated Counseling houses only those caregivers with exceptional abilities. These counselors have demonstrated competence and results as behavioral health specialists. Working collaboratively as a team, clients receive the most comprehensive service available to assist them in finding solutions for living well. Each Associated Counseling professional is screened by a Clinical Board, has met exemplary standards, and are recommended by our administrators who support them in private practice.

Meet Our Counselors

In Midlothian

Constantine Bruns, PhD

Dr. Bruns specializes in counseling adults, adolescents and geriatric patients with a wide variety of depression, anxiety and life problems. He offers a wide range of programs and services from individual counseling with adolescents and adults to marital and family therapy. He also uses hypnotherapy in his practice to help patients stop smoking.

Dr. Bruns has been a LCPC since 1980. While in graduate school, he served as the assistant director of the Illinois Institute of Technology Counseling Center. He has seven years of experience as a counselor with the State of Illinois Department of Mental Health and the Division of Rehabilitation Services. He has also worked as a counselor at the Chicago State Stress Center.

He understands the uniqueness of all human beings, including any problems clients bring to psychotherapy. Dr. Bruns maintains that it is the job of the psychotherapist to craft specific solutions which can be implemented by the individual or family patients whom he serves.

Ann Polodna, MA, LCPC

Ann is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor specializing in a variety of issues such as the treatment of mood disorders such as depression, anxiety and bipolar disorders as well as stress, relationship problems and family conflict. She also is experienced in the treatment of adolescent issues and can provide management as well as career exploration.

She received her Masters in Marriage and Family Counseling from Governors State University and an undergraduate degree from Northern Illinois University.

Ann considers it both a privilege and a pleasure to work with clients who want to move forward in ways they desire and will be meaningful to them. If you are looking to find more meaning in your life, have more fulfilling relationships, reduce stress and unhappiness or just begin a journey towards a more satisfying life, Ann will be happy to work in partnership with you to overcome whatever personal obstacles stand in your way.

James Odom, MA, LCPC

James specializes in a wide range of issues such as alcohol/substance abuse, vocational counseling, anger management, stress, relationship/family problems, as well as mood disorders such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorders. He is also experienced in the treatment of childhood and adolescent issues.

James received his Masters degree in Community Counseling from Governors State University. He earned a Bachelors degree in Psychology with a minor in Mental Health and an Associates degree in Mental Health, with a concentration in Substance Abuse, from Prairie State College. He became a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in 2000.

Rosemary Duffy-Greslo, MS

Rosemary specializes in individual and couples therapy, family therapy and anger management. She also specializes in coming out and other issues related to being lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, questioning, or transgendering.

Rosemary is certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Level II, an approach she utilizes in the treatment of all types of trauma. In addition to individual therapy, her specialty areas include trauma and associated symptoms such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, anxiety, grief and depression.

Rosemary received her Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy and bachelors in Psychology from Purdue University – Calumet.

Deb Huisenga, MA, LPC

Deb works with individuals, couples and families who are struggling with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, relationship problems and parenting challenges. She sees children of all ages and also parents who are struggling with an ADD/ADHD diagnosis. Her life experience helps her understand first hand the frustrations, questions and concerns related to ADD/ADHD.

She takes a multi-faceted approach in addressing each individual’s needs. She believes a collaborative effort and a commitment to counseling are important factors in determining the success of treatment. Each small step in counseling is a good step if made in the right direction.

Deb received her Masters in Community Counseling from Governors State University.

George Drabik, MA

George focus is on couples and family counseling but he has done extensive work with individuals of all ages as well as group. He is among the “baby boomers” who decided to pursue a second career of caring for and addressing the psychological, emotional and social needs of others.

He has a masters degree in Counseling and bachelor’s in Psychology from Governors State University.

George brings both a systemic and multigenerational approach to his counseling. This orientation takes into consideration the interactions and relationships with the people in our lives, our prior generations and our environment, including home, community, and the world itself. His goal is to be there with you as you follow the path that helps to mend your life and your relationships.

In Bradley

Barbara Mann, PsyD

Dr. Mann works with adults in all stages of their life including those who suffer from depression, anxiety and life problems. She was a nurse at Little Company of Mary Hospital in Evergreen Park and then continued her education, obtaining a PsyD from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology. Dr. Mann is currently the Coordinator of Psychological Services for Riverside Medical Center where she has been employed for the past twenty-three years. She is also a consultant to Riverside Resolve Center and previously has been a consultant at Provena Hospital.

Kim Alberts, MHS, CARN, CADC, LCPC, RDDP

Kim is a registered nurse and counselor with over 25 years of experience in chemical dependency, mental health and trauma. She worked for over 16 years on the Mental Health unit at Riverside Medical Center, working with pediatric, adolescent and adult clients. Kim began counseling dually diagnosing clients that experienced both mental illness and substance dependence problems. She also spent nine years working with adults in the Chemical Dependency outpatient program.

Kim received her Masters in Health Studies in Addictions from Governors State University. She is a Certified Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, a Registered Dual Diagnosis Professional, a Certified Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor, and a Certified Addition Registered Nurse.

She believes that everyone may need some assistance at some point, but may have some difficulty in reaching out. Kim feels that counseling should be a warm, comfortable and client-focused experience and that feedback should be direct, honest, and assistive.

Kim helps her clients talk through issues that are troubling them, and helps them find solutions or implement any necessary changes.

Felicia Sanford, PsyD

Felicia specializes in a wide range of issues that face children, adolescents and adults with mood disorders such as depression, anxiety, and behavioral disorders. She also conducts and reports psychological testing and assessments. In addition to her work with Associate Counseling, she works part-time at the Children Learning Center at Prairie State College.

Her clinical training includes providing therapy to emotionally disturbed, physically and sexually abuse children and adolescents, individual therapy to teenagers, and family group therapy with young males in a juvenile sex offenders program.

Felicia received a Doctor of Psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology, her Masters degree from Roosevelt University and Bachelors degree from Loyola University of Chicago.

Annette Lonie, MA

Annette is successful in treating grief, depression and anxiety in youth and teenagers as well as adults. Her focus is on addictions and sexual assault and domestic violence. She uses Cognitive-Behavior and Structural Family Therapy. She also implements Family Play Therapy when appropriate.

She received her degree in Marriage and Family Counseling from Governors State University.

Annette’s goal is to help people learn how to better handle their marriages, relationships, families and career planning. She looks forward to providing quality and attentive care for all her clients, no matter what age, race or physical situation. Annette is honored to have a chance to assist all people in learning how to live healthier and more peaceful lives.

William Lacy, Jr. – Intern/Life Coach

William’s focus is using Cognitive-Behavior Therapy and applying Family and System Theory with families who are having relationship problems and family conflict.

He received his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and is completing the Master’s in Marriage and Family Counseling from Governors State University.

William uses his personal experiences of being raised by his father and growing up in a family with 13 siblings. His goal is to help people learn how to better handle their marriages, relationships, and families.