Heart of Gold Chicago | Counseling and Wellness
The Practice
i am a safe landing for others
i embody
presence
clear of judgement
connection
over competition
support
without expectation
when I hold this space for someone
i send them the message that they matter
just as they are
my heart serves as an invitation
for others to show up +share
their brightest, most authentic light
what a gift I give to this world
when I choose to remain open
- Danielle Doby
Margie Ewald
LCSW, CADC
Both as a provider and human practicing mental health, I believe most of us could benefit from making time to check in on goals, manage struggles, and work to self-improve. Good therapy provides a predictable, safe, and honest space to process life’s events, as well as identify and act on broader goals, increase healthy habits, and improve ability to meet one’s own needs. Media misrepresents therapy in that good therapists do not offer advice or provide immediate solutions to all of life’s problems. It’s my work to empower individuals to discover their innermost desires and to begin making moves to actualize those goals and dreams. Active work on one’s life is then needed, moving toward wholeness instead of happiness as an end goal. Practicing the buddhist ideas of mindfulness and radical acceptance can help with identification and acceptance of unchangeable parts of life in order to direct energy toward actionable steps.
Experience &
Areas of Expertise
I have over 15 years social work experience including community mental health and as an outpatient therapist for adults. Following an assessment and education, we’ll use an eclectic trauma informed approach using skills from cognitive behavior therapy, motivational interviewing, and brief solutions focused therapy to cater interventions to each individual’s unique set of symptoms, goals, and readiness for change. I specialize in treating adults with anxiety and depressive disorders, traumatic experiences and PTSD, mood disorders, psychotic disorders, and substance abuse and addiction. I’m experienced in supporting to address topics including: life stressors and changes, grief and loss, goal setting, interpersonal/relationship issues, self-esteem, family dynamics, suicidality and self-harm, and trauma processing.
Heart of Gold
At Heart of Gold, we’ll meet in a cozy office setting where all people, all bodies, all perspectives are safe to be present without judgement. Bessel Van Der Kolk tells us “Being able to feel safe with other people is probably the single most important aspect of mental health; safe connections are fundamental to meaningful and satisfying lives.” Through purposeful connection and with encouragement and support, we’ll work together to bring forth your innermost light.
I’m so excited to welcome to you to my office located at 1945 S Halsted Street in Pilsen.
to be nobody-but-yourself
in a world which is
doing its best,
night and day,
to make you everybody
but yourself -
means to fight
the hardest battle
any human being can fight
and never stop fighting
- e.e. Cummings
