Chicago Counseling Associates: Company Profile

Background

Mission and Vision

Chicago Counseling Associates (CCA) is dedicated to providing client-centered therapy rooted in the tradition established by Carl Rogers. The organization emphasizes the dignity and autonomy of each individual and family, aiming to strengthen clients' inner voices, deepen self-understanding, enhance communication skills, and foster meaningful, lasting change.

Primary Area of Focus

CCA specializes in offering high-quality, affordable counseling services to individuals, intimate partners, and families. The organization also supports the development of the person-centered approach through graduate student internships, post-graduate fellowships, and continuing education and consultation programs.

Industry Significance

As a mental health care provider, CCA plays a crucial role in the Chicago community by offering therapeutic services that promote personal growth and emotional well-being. The organization's commitment to the client-centered tradition contributes to the broader field of psychotherapy by training new therapists and advancing person-centered practices.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Client-Centered Therapy: Delivering therapy that prioritizes the client's perspective and fosters a collaborative therapeutic relationship.

Professional Development: Providing training and supervision to developing therapists through internships and fellowships.

Community Engagement: Offering continuing education and consultation programs to promote person-centered practices within the community.

Specific Areas of Specialization

Individual Counseling: Addressing a wide range of personal issues and emotional challenges.

Couples and Family Therapy: Focusing on improving communication and resolving conflicts within relationships.

Trauma-Informed Care: Providing support for individuals dealing with trauma and its effects.

Key Technologies Utilized

While specific technological platforms are not detailed, CCA employs secure communication methods for client interactions, including telehealth services, to ensure confidentiality and accessibility.

Primary Markets or Conditions Targeted

CCA serves individuals, couples, and families in the Chicago area, focusing on those seeking client-centered therapeutic approaches for personal growth, relationship enhancement, and emotional healing.

Financials and Funding

Specific financial details, including total funds raised, recent funding rounds, and notable investors, are not publicly disclosed. As a private practice, CCA's funding primarily supports its counseling services, professional development programs, and community engagement initiatives.

Pipeline Development

As a counseling service provider, CCA does not have a product development pipeline. Instead, the organization focuses on the continuous development of its therapeutic programs and training initiatives to meet the evolving needs of the community.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

CCA utilizes secure communication platforms for telehealth services, ensuring confidentiality and accessibility for clients.

Significant Scientific Methods

The organization employs the person-centered approach, emphasizing unconditional positive regard, empathic understanding, and congruence in the therapeutic relationship. This method is grounded in the theories of Carl Rogers and is central to CCA's practice.

Leadership Team

Carolyn Schneider, M.A., LCPC, Founder

Carolyn has over 30 years of experience in client-centered counseling, consultation, and training. She received her undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Chicago and has served as the director at the Chicago Counseling and Psychotherapy Center. Carolyn is committed to providing services that honor the exceptional education and support she received from her mentors.

Peggy Cook, M.A., LPC, Fellow

Peggy completed her master’s degree in Counseling Psychology at Pacifica Graduate Institute. She specializes in therapeutic writing and its role in trauma recovery. Peggy's clinical interests include anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, life transitions, relationships, boundaries, pregnancy and childbirth, and mindfulness.

Dragon Ding, Ed.S., LPC, Fellow

Dragon earned his Ed.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Loyola University Chicago and his B.A. in psychology from Boston University. He is passionate about working with individuals exploring cultural identity, the experience of being a digital native, and the life transitions of young adulthood. Dragon helps clients navigate internal conflicts, loneliness, relationship challenges, and adapting to change.

Grace Gautier, A.M., LSW, Fellow

Grace earned her master's degree in clinical social work and bachelor's degree in psychology and linguistics from the University of Chicago. She specializes in working with LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC individuals, focusing on complex trauma, identity exploration, and neurodivergence. Grace provides compassionate care and fosters a space for clients' exploration and liberation.

Carrie Lydon, A.M., LCSW, Fellow

Carrie completed her master’s degree at the University of Chicago’s Crown School of Social Work, Policy and Practice. She also holds a master’s in learning and organizational change from Northwestern University. Carrie has worked in the non-profit and higher education sectors, most recently directing wellness initiatives for graduate students. Her clinical interests include depression, anxiety, mindfulness, trauma-informed practices, career and life transitions, and LGBTQIA+ issues and identity development.

Todd Odell, LCPC, LMFT, Senior Supervisor and Therapist

Todd has provided client-centered counseling to individuals, couples, and families since 1998. He received his M.A. in clinical psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University, Chicago. Todd's clinical interests include life and family transitions, trauma work, management of depression, anxiety, grief and loss, relationship issues, and LGBTQ+ issues.

Matthew Parsons, A.M., LCSW, Supervisory Fellow

Matthew received his master’s in clinical social work with a focus on trauma from the University of Chicago’s School of Social Service Administration. His clinical interests include complex and acute trauma, queer and trans identity exploration, neurodivergence, the felt impacts of systemic oppression, and relationship challenges. Matthew strives to cultivate a warm, collaborative, and authentic relationship with his clients.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The mental health counseling market in Chicago is characterized by a diverse range of providers offering various therapeutic services. The demand for counseling services is influenced by factors such as population demographics, societal attitudes toward mental health, and economic conditions. The market is competitive, with numerous private practices, clinics, and community organizations providing similar services.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors in the Chicago area include:

Chicago Clinical Associates: A private psychotherapy practice founded in 2014, offering services to individuals, couples, and groups.

Counseling Associates, LLC: A state-licensed agency providing DUI evaluations, classes, treatment, and continuing care since 1994.

Chicago Counseling: A private practice focusing on individual counseling, mental health telehealth, couples counseling, and family counseling.

These competitors offer a range of services that overlap with CCA's offerings, contributing to a competitive landscape in the Chicago area.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

CCA collaborates with the Chicago Women's Health Center to provide and share expertise in its internship programs. This partnership enhances the training and development opportunities for emerging therapists and strengthens CCA's community engagement.

Operational Insights

In comparison to major competitors, CCA differentiates itself through its deep roots in the client-centered tradition and its commitment to professional development via internships and fellowships. The organization's focus on providing affordable counseling services and its emphasis on community engagement further distinguish it in the market.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

CCA has opportunities to expand its reach by enhancing telehealth services, thereby increasing accessibility for clients across the Chicago area. Additionally, the organization can further develop its training programs to attract a diverse group of emerging therapists, contributing to the growth and evolution of the person-centered approach.