Samantha is a highly trained and devoted therapist who specializes in working with clients who are struggling with trauma, depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. She is passionate about helping clients heal and live rich, full, meaningful lives. She has over nine years of experience working in the eating disorder and mental health field.

Therapy is a collaborative approach and Samantha utilizes a myriad of techniques and tools in her work with clients. These include Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Gottman Method for couples, and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing). She believes in the power of empathy and provides clients with a safe, validating non-judgmental space. Samantha helps clients to move closer to their chosen values and very often challenges them to take action steps toward their goals.

She has also served as an Adjunct Professor of Psychology at Trinity Christian College.

While away from work, Samantha finds joy in running, baking all kinds of sweets, attending church, and spending time with her husband, three children, and golden retriever.

Emily’s kindhearted spirit and strong commitment to health and wellness serve as the foundation of her work as a Registered Dietitian. Emily has worked at Inpatient, Residential, Partial Hospitalization, Intensive Outpatient, and Outpatient levels of care in Eating Disorder treatment and is a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor. Emily guides clients in nurturing a healthy relationship with food and their body. She helps clients redefine health and discover their own path to wellness, while also assisting clients as they reconnect with their physical, mental, and emotional self. Emily is enthusiastic about challenging diet culture and guiding clients in honoring their body’s true needs.

As a “non diet dietitian” Emily acknowledges that every person’s journey is unique and focuses on each person as a whole. Emily treats each client as an individual, providing the nutritional care that is most supportive for that person. Emily takes a client-centered approach and believes that the client is an integral component of the treatment team. She creates a safe space for each client to delve into their relationship and behaviors with food.

When Emily is not combating diet culture, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family and finds passion in dance and yoga. As Emily’s client, you will learn to nourish your body, so that you can discover a life that brings you passion and joy. She is excited to support you in reclaiming the power of your health.

Chrissy is a compassionate and energetic therapist who has a strong passion for personal growth and helping clients improve their quality of life. Chrissy received her master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a certification in School Social Work. Chrissy has worked with adolescents and teens in a school setting for over 15 years. She specializes in the treatment of adolescent anxiety, depression, and school refusal. Chrissy uses dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), and exposure therapy when working with her clients. She believes that life is full of opportunities for growth, and she has a passion to help clients achieve the life they desire.  Chrissy helps clients discover how to go from surviving to thriving.  

Chrissy’s zest for life is evident in her practice. Her approach is safe, non-judgmental, and empathetic. You may also find yourself sharing a laugh or two with her in a session. She is excited to start your journey with you and help you thrive!

When Chrissy is not working with clients, she enjoys spending time with her husband, 3 kids, and dog. Chrissy finds enjoyment in socializing with friends, attending church, trying new restaurants, and relaxing anywhere there is sun and water!

Alyssa is a person-centered therapist who works diligently to provide compassionate, transparent care. Alyssa works with clients struggling with eating disorders, anxiety and life stressors. She works to ensure safety within the therapy space, while also incorporating humor and validation. Alyssa works to encourage her clients to find their true authentic selves.

Alyssa earned her Master’s degree at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and implements a blend of Person-Centered Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Motivational Interviewing. She believes in meeting the individual where they are at, and seeks to instill encouragement and hope. Apart from outpatient therapy, Alyssa also has experience in inpatient, partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient settings. This has allowed her to recognize the varying presentations of a diagnosis, as well as become versed in her ability to assist with implementing change.

When not providing therapy, Alyssa enjoys spending time with her children, family and house full of pets. She loves reading, writing, dancing, listening to podcasts and making art with her kids.

Meet Frank! Frank is a 2 year old Pekingese and your local emotional support pup! Frank thoroughly enjoys sleeping, snacking, sleeping & snuggling! Did we say sleeping? He has about one to two short bursts of energy per day, where you may see him hop with excitement, ‘dance’ for treats or roll over and beg for belly rubs. He loves car rides and snores very loudly due to his adorable smushed nose. He also has very endearing snaggle teeth and fluff for days. He has many nicknames, some given by the clients themselves, including Franklin, Frankenstein, Francis, Frank the tank, Frank Sinatra, potato, Frankie, & the Floof. His absolute favorite thing is to come to work at Lotus with his mama, therapist Sarah Hart! Spending the day greeting clients and providing comfort during some of their toughest times is his specialty! Frank can’t wait to greet you during your next visit!

Sarah is a strong and compassionate therapist who received her Master’s degree in Clinical Counseling from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Sarah specializes in the treatment of Depression, Anxiety, Eating Disorders, and Addictions and she uses an integrative approach to therapy, which often includes her specialized training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT-C) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She is also well versed in treating individuals struggling with self-injury and Personality Disorders.

Since 2012, she has worked in a variety of treatment settings, including residential, partial hospitalization, and outpatient. She provides individual, family, and couples counseling to all age ranges. Sarah is well known for her ability to validate a client’s emotions and struggles while also firmly challenging and pushing them towards their goals and she is dedicated to treating each client as an individual, rather than a diagnosis.

When Sarah is not spending time with her clients, she is usually off on adventures with her husband, two children, and pets. Sarah finds enjoyment in reading, exercise, nature, and catching up on every Netflix show possible. She looks forward to meeting you and getting started on your recovery journey together!

Briea is an enthusiastic and compassionate therapist whose values are rooted in holistic wellness.  She received her Master’s degree in Social Work from Aurora University and now practices as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor and has training in trauma-informed yoga.  

Briea has over seven years of experience working in multiple levels of care.  Her areas of expertise include anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and addictions.  She also has a special interest in collaborating with people struggling with their body image and trauma-related attachment issues.  Through extensive training, she has developed an approach which consists of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (C-DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing).  

Briea has passion for the work she does with her clients and believes it is a privilege to witness the journey of others.  By nature, Briea is assertive and validating which plays an active role in her therapy work. She is mindful that not every story is the same, so she approaches each relationship with curiosity, empathy, humor, and warmth.  Briea prioritizes the goals she sets with clients and believes the client is the expert in their own lives. 

Aside from her passions in mental health, Briea enjoys taking long walks with her dog while listening to a book or podcast, trying fun new restaurants with friends, cooking tasty meals, and decorating her home.  Briea is excited to work with you to build your meaningful life!

Lauren is a validating and transparent therapist who is committed to navigating the true needs of her clients. Lauren treats individuals struggling with trauma, eating disorders, anxiety, and life stressors. Lauren is known for being empowering and helping her clients achieve a life they value. She provides a sense of safety and consistency where you can feel free to be yourself while working through your struggles and leaning into your strengths. A session with Lauren is a space to be both seen and heard.

Lauren earned her Master’s degree at The Adler School of Professional Psychology and uses an integrative approach to therapy, which often includes a balance of Person-Centered Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Narrative Therapy, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), and parts work. In addition to outpatient treatment, Lauren’s comprehensive knowledge has been applied to her thorough work experience in multiple therapeutic levels of care and school settings. This has provided Lauren with a foundation of empathy and insight for the full spectrum of healing and recovery.

Outside of the session space, Lauren dedicates quality time to her family, children, friends, and many pets. She is rejuvenated by being in nature and connecting to our environment in a helpful and sustainable way. She cannot wait to begin your work together!

Alexis is a compassionate and energetic dietitian who is passionate about helping people heal their relationships with food and their bodies. Alexis has worked in the Residential level of care in eating disorder treatment and is currently working towards her Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS) certification through the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (IAEDP). Alexis aligns with a non-diet, all foods fit, and HAES® (health at every size) approach to nutrition. She is passionate about empowering individuals to learn how to nourish both their bodies and minds while providing easy-to-digest nutrition information to help client’s re-create a positive relationship with food.

Alexis implements a patient-centered approach to treatment and strives to create an empathetic, non-judgmental space for her clients. She values transparency, validation, and of course a little bit of humor in her sessions. Alexis deeply cares about helping others find food freedom and educating about the harmful effects of diet culture on our society.

When Alexis is not spending time with her clients, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, as well as her two cats. Alexis finds enjoyment in reading, trying new restaurants and coffee shops, practicing yoga, swimming, and being outside. She is excited to be a part of your recovery journey!