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Our Team

The Calm Mind team supports our clients through a wide range of therapeutic techniques, and has been able to help our clients achieve a calm mind.  We provide a safe and comforting space, and we support you in choosing a therapist that meets your needs. 

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Suzanne Muirheid

Founder

Licensed Clinical Professional Counsellor (LCPC) 

Certified Clinical Trauma Professional Level II (CCTP-II)

Certified Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor (CADC)

Safe and Sound Protocol Certified

EMDR Certified

EMDR Institute Facilitator

EMDRIA Approved Consultant

EMDR Institute Approved Consultant

I founded Calm Mind Counseling Center with the goal of providing innovative and effective care to individuals struggling with trauma and other mental health issues. I have found that a trauma-informed approach helps link events throughout an individual's life that can help them understand that difficulties they are currently experiencing and how to best heal.

 

In my efforts to provide my clients with the best treatment possible, I have trained extensively in trauma-informed care.  As a Certified Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) clinician, I regularly integrate this technique into my work as I have seen it transform the lives of my clients. Additionally, I work with the EMDR Institute facilitating EMDR trainings and providing mentorship and consultation to EMDR therapists.

My style is holistic and strength-based.  There is nothing more powerful than helping someone realize that their pain and past trauma doesn't define them. Helping people rediscover hope and empowerment creates a sense of purpose in my own life.  

 

I spend my free time with my children, lifting weights, reading, trying new restaurants, and playing with my Boston Terriers.

 

Pronouns:  She/Her

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Abigail Slager

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

Certified in Perinatal Mental Health (PMHC)

EMDR Trained

Hi! I’m Abby, and I’m so glad you’re here. As a therapist, I’m passionate about helping people feel their best despite difficult past or present circumstances. I aim to build a partnership with you by creating a safe, warm, and nonjudgmental space for you to come as you are (knowing you are good just the way you are!). 

As a licensed clinical social worker, I have extensive experience supporting those who have experienced various types of trauma and traumatic events often leading to anxiety, depression, relationship disputes, low self-esteem, and the list goes on. I utilize a strengths-based approach and recognize the internal systems that were formed in early life when so many factors were outside of your control. Through gentle exploration, we can sort through what might be happening and together evaluate whether your current “operating system” is truly serving you anymore. We are able to work together to befriend your nervous system and learn skills to assist in self-regulation and accessing calm. 

Throughout my years in private practice, I have found Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to be highly effective intervention models for treating trauma and related symptoms. I work with you to create goals and to customize a unique treatment plan for you. I have a particular passion for working with the perinatal community, including areas such as pregnancy, postpartum mood and anxiety disorders, birth trauma, infant loss, and infertility. I specialize in coming alongside individuals eighteen years and older. 

When not at work, I can be found wrangling my two kiddos, drinking way too much iced coffee, and going for walks while listening to my favorite podcasts.

Pronouns:  She/Her

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Jessica Carufel

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC)

EMDR Trained

As a therapist, I am deeply committed to understanding the various systems—family, society, and culture—that impact mental health. I believe our environment plays a pivotal role in shaping our worldview and how we interact with those around us. Within the therapeutic space, I strive to provide a sanctuary for growth, emphasizing safety and collaboration as catalysts for meaningful change. Empowering my clients, I encourage them to find community, assert their autonomy, and learn to sit with and move through difficult emotions. I deeply respect the courage and self-compassion it takes to embark on the counseling journey, honoring each client's resilience and potential for positive transformation.


In my practice, I do not believe there is a one-size-fits-all approach when working with people. Instead, I tailor my therapeutic style to meet the diverse needs and backgrounds of my clients. Drawing from feminist, attachment-based, trauma-informed, and emotion-focused modalities, I integrate mindfulness, relaxation techniques, somatic practices, and acceptance and commitment therapy techniques.

 
Before transitioning into private practice, I was a Parent Educator and Community Outreach Liaison for an Early Childhood Education Program and an Early Intervention Specialist in a Chicago homeless shelter. I am currently a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with a Master’s Degree in School Counseling from Governors State University with years of experience at private practice. As a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), I am passionate about trauma-informed care. My clinical experience encompasses working with adults and teens grappling with complex childhood trauma, relational trauma, grief and loss, relationship issues, anxiety, depression, and individuals exploring gender identity and sexual orientation. I am especially interested in working with survivors of sexual abuse and helping those reclaim safety and sovereignty in their bodies.

 
What I do in my free time greatly depends on the season. If it is nice out I will find any reason to be outside in nature hiking, kayaking or exploring while in the colder months I am hibernating in my house with my cats and books or showing my husband the perfectly curated TikTok playlist I’ve made him.


Pronouns: She/Her

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Jeana Frazier

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC)

Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP)

Certified Grief Informed Professional (CGP)

EMDR Trained

I strive to provide therapy that is tailored to each client's unique and individualized experience. As a therapist, I honor these lived experiences and assist my clients in exploring and understanding how this shapes who they are and how they navigate through the world. I believe that each aspect of an individual's identity is important and plays a crucial role in healing and growth (all parts deserve space, as you may hear me say!). I deeply value creating a trusting and collaborative therapeutic relationship with my clients to assist in healing and self-growth. Together, we can work to build strategies for overcoming challenges, facilitating change, and improving self-confidence.

I have a Masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Adler University. I have a background in social justice and am passionate in providing trauma-informed care. As a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), I have clinical experience working with individuals with complex trauma histories, relationship issues, difficult life transitions, abuse, depression, anxiety, and PTSD/CPTSD. As a Certified Grief Informed Professional (CGP), I have clinical experience in helping my clients to process and work through the difficult emotions and experiences that can arise during the grieving process. I understand that grief can be life long and can sometimes feel overwhelming, isolating, and distressing. I am inspired to provide the crucial support, validation/normalization, and evidenced-based coping strategies to assist in helping my clients through these difficult times.

My work is rooted in person-centered, trauma-informed, and mindfulness perspectives. I often incorporate strength based, emotion-focused, ego state, and solution-focused frameworks into my work as well. I am also trained in EMDR and have experience in helping clients to process and resolve presenting concerns stemming from past trauma. I lean towards an approach that is holistic, relational, and supportive overall depending on each client's needs.

Outside of work, you can often find me listening to music and attending concerts, spending time with my dog Scooby, thinking about my next tattoo, and drinking way too much coffee. Fun fact, I am an experienced barista!

Pronouns: She/Her

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Dominque Murrell

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

EMDR Trained

As a therapist, I understand that seeking out therapy may not always be the easiest decision. My goal is to provide a safe space for individuals to feel comfortable expressing themselves as well as create an environment where we can work together in order to achieve his/her/their goals by incorporating CBT and person-centered techniques in session.

 

I have a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Roosevelt University, Chicago, IL. I have experience working with teens and adults dealing with an array of concerns: anxiety, depression, grief, and cognitive disabilities.

 

In my free time, I love spending time with friends & family, going to brunch (or out to eat in general), and watching Netflix/Hulu. 

 

Pronouns: She/Her

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Nicole Sonnefeldt

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

Gottman Level I

EMDR Trained

I enjoy providing therapy for adults and couples, including LGBTQIA+ and non-monogamous couples. I am poly, sex work, and kink - allied and -informed and am passionate about advocating for and working with these populations. I specialize in working with trauma and complex trauma, including couples and polycules where one or more partners have experienced trauma. I assist my clients in freeing themselves from cultural expectations, leading them to live their most authentic and fulfilling lives. I believe genuine connection and community are keys to healing, including the relationship we create together in therapy. 

 

I have a nonjudgmental attitude that will make you feel comfortable to become your most authentic self. No topic is taboo in my office, especially those we are often told not to speak about, like religion, sex, race and politics. In fact, I encourage and enjoy these conversations. My approach is warm, yet direct, and I value humor as an important tool for healing. I identify as a pleasure-positive, feminist, trauma-informed therapist and I have a personal interest in and passion for reducing shame and stigma as it relates to sex and pleasure. My therapeutic approach is relational in nature and includes mindfulness, ego state therapy and EMDR, but I integrate many modalities depending on each client's unique personality and needs. 

 

I am a Gottman Level 1 Certified Couple's Therapist, additionally incorporating emotion focused therapy and ego state therapy into my work with couples. I am continuing my education on emotionally focused couples and individual therapy, an attachment-based and trauma-informed approach that creates lasting healing and change. I often incorporate what I learn while working with couples to help individuals experiencing relational issues. My experience includes working with people with anxiety disorders, PTSD, workplace issues and discrimination, spiritual concerns, intimacy and relationship issues. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor working towards my EMDR certification and received my Master’s in Counseling Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2023. 

 

In my free time I enjoy staying active, collecting records, and traveling to new places. I formerly studied dance and spent a decade working in bars and restaurants. 

 

Pronouns: she/her

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Elizabeth Einig

Licensed Social Worker (LSW)

Certified Trauma Professional (CTP)

EMDR Trained

I believe we all have the capacity to grow into our best selves through the power of therapy. As a Licensed Social Worker, I am passionate about creating a warm space that will allow you to feel seen and valued for your whole self. My goal is to help you feel a greater sense of peace, connection, and confidence. My approach is collaborative, gentle, and strengths-based. 

 

I especially love working with children, teens, and adults facing a variety of concerns, including trauma, abuse, attachment wounds, grief, anxiety, self-esteem concerns, and more. I received both my Master of Social Work (MSW) and undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. 

 

I'd be honored to walk alongside your healing journey to help build confidence, emotion regulation skills, and lifelong practices to enhance well-being. 

 

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my cat, Pebbles, and exploring cafes and restaurants.

Pronouns: She/Her

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Samantha Fox

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP)
Clinical Advanced Grief Counseling Specialist (CAGCS)
Professional Educator License (PEL)
EMDR Training In Progress

Throughout life, we sometimes find ourselves stuck and frustrated with persistent challenges. My goal in therapy is to help support and guide you through these challenges to become more self-aware, gain insight into patterns and initiate growth and learning. I view therapy as a collaborative process in which we work together to develop a safe therapeutic relationship through which we can create positive change (or shifts, as you’ll learn I like to call them). I most enjoy helping clients work through relational challenges and the impact relationships have in our lives.
 

I lean into providing an empathic environment that is tailored to you through an eclectic approach. My most frequently used therapeutic approaches include Person-Centered, Strengths-Based, CBT, DBT, Solutions-Focused and Family Systems. My hope is to help you
discover the most effective coping strategies to fit your individual needs. I believe in the importance of trauma-informed therapy and am confident in my ability to help you process, navigate and heal from past experiences. I aim to provide you with a validating and
compassionate space for you to feel seen and heard.

 

I have a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from National Louis University. As a former educator of eight years, I also continue to actively hold my educator’s license. I have previously taught English Language Arts at the middle and high school levels. I have experience and find enjoyment in guiding parents and teachers in relation to mental health and can relate to those enduring such challenges relating to the education world.
 

When I am not busy disturbing my cat’s peace, I enjoy reading mystery and thriller novels and accepting my dog’s kind offers to take me on walks. I also enjoy exercising, baking, decorating
for holidays and spending time with family, including my nephew and many nieces.

 

Pronouns: She/Her

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Phil Doherty

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

Gottman Level I

EMDR Trained

I am a dedicated mental health provider specializing in clinical mental health counseling with a focus on children, adolescents, individual adults, couples, and families. Recently graduating from the Family Institute at Northwestern University, I bring to the field a fresh and vigorous passion for advocating and supporting individuals through therapy. 

My journey began with a strong foundation in community mental health, where I developed my skills working with diverse clients facing various complex challenges. 

 

For youth, I utilize play therapy techniques, therapeutic art, behavioral therapy interventions and more to create strong attachments and emotional tethers, providing a safe and secure space to process, explore, and grow. For adults, I prioritize my client as the expert through a client-centered approach. With this, I find myself most commonly using components of behavioral therapy, as well as aspects of psychodynamic and narrative. Incorporating different approaches to mold an optimal treatment plan is my priority. For couples I incorporate an emotion focused and relational/systems-based philosophy to recognize that we are always interacting with and influenced by the systems we exist in. For families, I prioritize present concerns, and utilize a solution-focused, strength-based approach to target growth and positive change. With all clients I utilize a trauma-focused lens that recognizes the impact significant experiences can have on our bodies and minds. 

 

Outside of my practice, I am committed to ongoing professional development to ensure that I am offering the most effective and up to-date treatments available. In my free time, I cook, play soccer, explore the city, and read thriller novels. "

Pronouns: He/Him

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Angelica Chrzascik

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

Gottman Level I

EMDR Trained

As a therapist, my goal is to provide my clients with trauma-informed care to guide treatment and walk with them through the process of healing. My passion for mental health stems from the belief that every person is capable of changing their life for the better and understanding themselves more. I work with teens, adults, and couples with a range of concerns such as trauma, anxiety, depression, self-esteem struggles, and more. As we work together, I aim to build your toolbox of skills to reach for and increase your sense of peace as I provide a space to comfortably discuss any topic. It would be an honor to work with you and join you on your journey. 

 

In my work, I use a strength-based perspective to ensure each client’s abilities are considered during treatment. I use client centered therapy, cognitive-behavioral theory (CBT), EMDR, attachment theory, and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). While working with couples, I also lean into emotionally focused theory and Gottmam techniques(Level 1 training). 

 

I received my Master’s in Counseling Psychology from The Chicago School. I have experience with working as a group therapy assistant in a mental health nursing home setting and volunteering for NAMI and advocating for mental health.

 

In my free time, I enjoy reading, time with friends/family, staying active, and exploring new hobbies. 

Pronouns: She/Her

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Meeae King

Master's Level Counselor

EMDR Trained

I have a passion for helping others and being a therapist allows me to connect on a deep level in order to motivate and guide.  I feel that it is important to develop a meaningful therapeutic relationship rooted in understanding and seeing you, the client, as unique.  I will help to identify your strengths and explore your challenges in a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space.  I believe that you have the power to change your life and I will be there to guide you.  

 

I approach therapy from a person-centered perspective and incorporate what I feel will be most effective for you.  I have experience with CBT, ACT, mindfulness techniques, and motivational interviewing.  I obtained my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from National Louis University.  My experience has been in private practice working with adolescents and adults and as a crisis counselor working with youth and adolescents.  Prior to being a therapist, I have worked as an educator for many years and have valued my experience in helping professions.  

 

I have two children, a dog, and a leopard gecko.  I enjoy meditating, yoga, hiking in nature, and spending time with my family.   

 

Pronouns: She/Her

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Melissa Bell

Counseling Intern

EMDR Trained

Registered Yoga Teacher RYT-200

Seeking help is hard. I understand this am committed to creating an environment where you feel supported and understood. I focus on treating the whole person, body, mind, and spirit (whatever that looks like to you.) I will work with you to help you reach your own personal idea of wellness. I use CBT to help you uncover and change negative thought patterns that affect your well-being. I incorporate CBT with somatic (body) techniques like breathing and mindfulness. 

I am retired law enforcement, and have spent the last several years working with women to navigate the challenges of midlife. I am a certified Yoga Teacher, a breathwork facilitator and a meditation teacher. I am currently working towards my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

 

I enjoy spending time with my family and getting outside as much as possible.

Pronouns She/Her

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Kaylee Pavlik

Counseling Intern

As a dedicated counseling student, I approach therapy with a focus on strength based perspective, meeting my clients where they are at, and creating a safe environment for them to show up as their authentic selves. I believe in building an empowering relationship with my clients in order to help them navigate through their challenges and achieve their goals.

I am currently pursuing my M.A. in counseling psychology from The Chicago School. With experience in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), distress tolerance, mindfulness, and grounding techniques, I am able to tailor my approach to best meet the needs of each individual I work with. I have also worked extensively with children on social and life skills, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), adult and children's group therapy, as well as safety assessments.

My primary focus lies in trauma and crisis intervention, utilizing evidence-based techniques to help clients process and overcome difficult experiences. Outside of my practice, I am committed to ongoing professional development to ensure I am bringing my best self into the therapeutic space.

In my free time, I enjoy playing volleyball, teaching my dog new tricks, exploring the Chicagoland area, and reading various books for my book club. These activities help me recharge and bring a sense of balance to my life, enabling me to better serve my clients with empathy, compassion, and understanding.

 

Pronouns She/Her

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Join Us!

Calm Mind Counseling Center is always looking for talented therapists to join our growing practice. 

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