Our Team
Dr. Cindi-Marie Willoughby Psy.D, CDP
Clinical Psychologist
I am the owner and founder of the Willoughby Center for Behavioral Health, LLC. I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Certified Dementia Practitioner in the State of Illinois. I am a telehealth ceritfied provider. I completed my Doctor of Psychology Degree (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2010. I have worked in a variety of settings including community mental health centers in Skokie, Chicago, and Joliet, as well as a residential substance abuse / dependency facility in Chicago. I have extensive training and experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. A significant focus for clinical skills has been treating clients with mood disorders, anxiety, trauma-spectrum disorders, crisis intervention, substance abuse / dependency, relationship issues, schizophrenia and LGBTQIA issues. I have facilitated groups on effective communication, coping skills, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy with adult populations.
Rachel Meriwether
LCSW
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) psychotherapist specializing in Trauma-Informed Care. Using an eclectic treatment model I focus on treating the whole person, considering the causes of trauma, and taking into account past trauma and the resulting coping mechanisms when attempting to understand behaviors and treating the patient. I received my MSW from DePaul University in 2010, and have served a broad spectrum of patients in their mental health care needs in settings including the department of corrections, youth facilities, universities, inpatient healthcare facilities, intensive out-patient care, and private and group practices in Chicago and the city’s northern and western suburbs. I treat children, adolescents, adults, and seniors in individual, couples, family, and group therapy. My areas of expertise and focus include: Trauma; Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder; Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder; Anxiety; Depression; Adjustment Disorders; Anger Management; LGBTQ youth and adults; Personality disorders; Symptom management; Post-hospitalization reintegration. My approach to patient care is to employ sincere and organic empathy with each individual, and to work with my patients to identify and bolster their strengths. I consider it a true honor to be a step in a person’s journey from surviving to thriving.
Ariel McGrew
LPC, CNP, QMHP
Born and raised on Chicago’s southside, I am down to Earth and oriented towards your ultimate goal in therapeutic process. My orientation is Adlerian, but I draw from a range of treatment modalities and techniques to ensure I have met you where you are at - to take you where you wish to go. I am a published author, counselor, advocate, entrepreneur, and military veteran. I possess the ability to show up with authenticity, vulnerability, and courage. My experience runs the gamut from youth and identity development (9-19), military and transition (primarily Reservist), women’s issues and domestic violence, and coaching entrepreneurs. My unrelenting passion and commitment to empower others is one of my greatest joys being a Licensed Professional Counselor. Ariel holds a master’s in arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and is successfully pursuing her Doctor of Philosophy in Business Psychology. She is also a Qualified Mental Health Professional and is certified in Workforce Trends and Equity, and Nonprofit Leadership, Non-profit Leadership Alliance ™, GrowthWheel Advisor, GrowthWheel Inc ©, High Impact Presenter, Gale Carnegie ® Certified Peer Specialist, Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance ™, and Mental Health and First Aid, Mental Health First Aid England ™ Ariel is also a proud parent of a creative and independent-minded young daughter, and is a contributing member of civil rights and social actions organizations in her native Chicagoland communities.
Denea Bialeschki
MS, LSW
I am a Licensed Social Worker who enjoys working with individuals, families and groups in diverse cultures and populations. I have experience in grief counseling and end of life planning, training in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA Therapy), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Play Therapy and in mindfulness techniques. I have extensive training providing therapy with individuals with developmental and cognitive disabilities such as Autism, Attention Deficit (ADHD), Intellectual deficits, behavior disorders, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and in memory loss such as dementia and Alzheimers Disease. I am an Illinois BHWELL scholar (a clinical certificate and scholarship program from the University of Illinois). I learned team-based models for integrating physical and mental health services in primary care settings in rural and underserved areas to treat both physical and mental health as a whole. I am also a National Certified Guardian by the Center for Guardianship to provide commitment to encouraging, supporting and fostering best practices for individuals under adult guardianship.
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