773-766-7010 katelcsw@gmail.com

Our Therapists

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Kate Giandonato, LCSW

Welcome. I hope that some information about me, who I typically treat, and how I approach the therapeutic relationship will help you determine if we may be a good fit to work together. I am a therapist holding two masters degrees in both clinical social work and child development and have been working in the field of clinical work for over 15 years. My academic and professional background helps me to have a deeper understanding of development and how it interplays with clinical needs.  

With young children, I help them increase: confidence, regulation and anger/anxiety/impulse control. With adolescents and emerging adults, we collaborate towards finding their voice and look forward to adulthood and what that brings. I also support issues regarding depression, anxiety, isolation, adoption, trauma and specific considerations with members of the LGBTQ+ community. Adults receive treatment support through organizing their life and experience and working to identify individual goals, perspective, and needs to chart their course. We may look at ways systems in your life are helpful as well as others that may not be working for you. Parents looking for specific guidance and support will receive assistance in navigating their relationships with their child(ren), and finding their own path in the complex web of parenting. 

My treatment approach is client centered and eclectic, yet I gravitate towards circle of security, CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy), and solution focused modalities. I work with each client to establish treatment goals and objectives, regularly returning to them to track progress.  I help clients navigate their experiences and examine different ways to move forward: I aim to encourage individuals to find and rely on their own strength and power.  Please feel free to contact me directly if you have any questions.

 

Courtney Clark, LCSW

(Independent Contractor with Kate Giandonato & Associates)

I am a licensed clinical social worker with a Master’s degree from The University of Chicago’s Social Service Administration program and a post-graduate certificate in infant mental health from The Erikson Institute.  I have over twenty years of experience working with children and families, providing counseling/therapy, case management, consultation, and supervision services to children, adults, families, and other professionals.  I manage social service programs in the areas of child welfare, school-based and community mental health, and social-emotional needs of children.  I utilize training from a variety of approaches:  psychodynamic, relationship-based approaches, family systems, cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and child-parent psychotherapy.   I am empathic and interested in understanding her clients’ worldview and experiences, and in hearing what my clients would like to accomplish in their therapy work.

Tanya A. Wade, LCSW, LPHA

(Independent Contractor with Kate Giandonato & Associates)

Treating clients ages 14+

It is the desire of every human being to be loved and to belong.  The only true thing that distinguishes us from one another is our experiences and our perspective of those experiences.  Your past, the personal struggles and decisions you currently face and the conflicts between you and those you care about does not define you.  What I offer is empathy, compassion, and support with a focus on creating a warm, safe and welcoming environment where you can be heard and understood without judgment. 

My treatment approach is collaborative and supportive with an emphasis on helping you obtain your goals and achieve greater insight for a more satisfying life.  I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with 20 years experience working with “tweens,” teenagers, and adults with wide ranging concerns in New York and Chicago.  During my last 11 years of clinical practice, I have worked with diverse populations specializing in developmental and relational concerns common to teenagers and assisting their parents and guardians;  foster care and adoption support and education; resolving childhood trauma; grief, loss and separation; interpersonal and relationship issues;  stress management; and enhancing self-esteem.  I have facilitated workshops and trainings on trauma, self-care and parenting.

L. Carrie Shere, MSW

(Independent Contractor with Kate Giandonato & Associates)

 

Hello, I am a compassionate Social Worker dedicated to collaborating closely with clients of all ages to support and achieve their therapy goals. With experience utilizing a variety of therapeutic approaches, I specialize in providing counseling and therapy to children, teens, and their families. I address issues such as anxiety, depression, self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship skills.

I am skilled in nurturing healthy child-parent relationships and have a particular focus on enhancing executive functioning skills and socialization abilities in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. When working with young children, I incorporate a play-based therapeutic approach. I have experience creating tailored interventions for substance use disorder recovery in teenagers and adults. My passion lies in empowering clients and families to navigate challenges and thrive.