Jacqueline A. Zagrans, LMFT
- Founder -
jackie@bcmft.com
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist I enjoy working with young children, adults, couples and families. I received my Master of Science in Marital and Family Therapy from The Family Institute at Northwestern University along with extensive clinical training at The Family Institute's Bette D. Harris Family and Child Clinic. I am a clinical member of The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation, International Society of Traumatic Stress, and the American Psychological Association. I am also a Perinatal Mental Health Clinician for the Perinatal Depression Program as part of Northshore University Health Systems. I maintain a Child Welfare License for the state of IL as well as Early Intervention credentialing.
When working with clients, I use both strengths-based and family systems approaches. My style tends to be warm, directive, and empathic. I believe that the path to healing begins with the client-therapist relationship, and I strive to create a compassionate space where my clients can feel safe and be heard. I know that therapy can be hard work, and that the decision to open up to healing is a powerful one. I work to unlock the potential for growth in my clients' strengths and resiliencies to allow them to have healthier, more satisfying, experiences and relationships.
My specialties include: the treatment of trauma, couples therapy, women's issues including post-partum depression, parent-child relationship problems, and the treatment of life transition difficulties.
Nancy D'Agostino, MS, LCPC
nancy@bcmft.com
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Certified Mediator. I received my Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Capella University and my Bachelor of Arts in Communication with an emphasis on mediation and arbitration from Loyola University Chicago. I completed clinical training that focused on trauma-informed care and crisis intervention at Turning Point in Woodstock, Illinois. In this position, I provided therapy to diverse populations experiencing a wide range of emotional and relational issues.
My counseling style is to work along-side the individual, couple, or family compassionately. Together, we clearly define therapeutic goals and explore paths to resolution while staying true to the unique needs and values of the client. As a counselor, I believe there are two integral roles. The first is a professional responsibility to apply holistic, evidence-based approaches selected for healing, growth, increased strength and insight, and instilling a sense that difficulties can be overcome. The other equally important side is having a personal presence that hears, connects, and understands clients. I have great respect for both roles and my client’s worldview.
Finally, there is a relationship between how we feel, think, and behave. This cycle can be negatively disrupted, causing depression, anxiety, stress, and relational difficulties. I assist clients in creating a healthy cycle to help move them forward independently from therapy. Healing from trauma, building positive relationships, and increasing empowerment are areas of particular interest. In essence, our work together is to establish tools and awareness not only to navigate current issues but be well-prepared for the future.
Nicole M. Heller, LMFT
nicole@bcmft.com
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and received my Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Northwestern University. I obtained comprehensive clinical training at The Family Institute's Bette D. Harris Family and Child Clinic working with children, adolescents, individuals, couples, and families. I am also a Pre-Clinical Fellow member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.
I use an integrative approach when working with my clients collaboratively. This approach allows me to use a variety of interventions from evidence-based treatment models to tailor to the needs of each individual client and client system. I find that this approach is most useful at reducing my clients' constraints, and allows them to heal and grow during the therapeutic process. I have clinical expertise in working with couple and family communication and conflict issues, including parents and children.
I provide a nonjudgmental and safe therapeutic environment for my clients. My sense of humor and genuine personality has helped many reduce their anxiety, and allow for their vulnerability to enter the room during our sessions. I understand how important the client-therapist relationship is to the therapeutic process and to achieving my clients' goals for therapy. I have a particular clinical interest in working with: LGBTQ and gender identity, communication and conflict, anxiety, panic, depression, substance abuse, family of origin, emotional regulation, trauma, grief and loss, nutritional/health issues, and work/school/life balance issues.
China R. Oughton, LMFT
china@bcmft.com
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I completed my Masters of Science in Martial and Family Therapy at The Family Institute at Northwestern University. I acquired a diverse range of clinical experience through my training in The Family Institute's Bette D. Harris Family and Child Clinic and the Parents In Charge (PIC) Clinic located in Chicago, IL. I have previous training and experience working in crisis intervention from a therapeutic day school focusing on children and adolescents with a wide range of behavioral and emotional constraints. I am a Pre-Clinical Fellow member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.
Clinically, I enjoy working in a relational context with couples, co-parents and individuals looking to de-escalate conflicts, build connection, emotionally regulate and progress through life-transitions. I eagerly welcome clients from a diverse range of ethnic and religious backgrounds and identify as a LGBTQ affirmative and informed therapist. I believe in using the strengths and values each individual carries to create a platform for change and accomplish co-created goals.
I work with clients collaboratively, use an empirically informed treatment model and prioritize the client-therapist alliance. I have a nonjudgmental, validating and directive style and focus on creating safety and transparency. Theoretically, I use an integrative, systemic model and gravitate towards cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and experiential techniques, as well as, mindfulness strategies. Problem sequence identification, exploration and reformation are also key pieces of my work.
Areas of clinical interest: couples therapy, co-parenting, child and adolescent behavioral therapy, and treatment of trauma.