Lisa Catania, LCSW

You are stronger than you realize. Like a magnificent tree, born from a tiny seed, you are moving from a state of unconscious possibility to unfolding greatness.

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world.

There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

– Marianne Williamson

Like roots that anchor deep, no matter what the soil, you have undeniable strengths to survive and succeed.

The tree’s trunk, beautifully weathered by its past, provides solid yet flexible stability no matter the season or the storm.

The more a tree is nurtured, the easier it will grow and the more profuse it will blossom.

And the tree’s branches reach out towards the sun and to touch the stars. Tender buds open confidently in full expression to simply become what it was meant to be…

I have been in the social service field for over 25 years, and a psychotherapist for almost 20 years. I earned my Master´s in Social Work in 1993, graduating cum laude from the University of Illinois. I am licensed in the State of Illinois as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, which qualifies me to practice independently and to be recognized and reimbursed by insurance companies.  I am a consummate learner, and have sought (and continue to seek) additional education in hypnosis, ego-states therapy, Jungian theory, and spirituality.

I have been fortunate in my professional life, as I have followed my passions and interests. Before becoming a psychotherapist, I advanced through a series of positions at a therapeutic school for emotionally and developmentally delayed children. I learned about attunement, development, family systems and the inherent possibilities for change and growth no matter what.

As a therapist, I have also worked as part of a community mental health agency. This was an invaluable experience in diversity, in understanding a wide range of mental health concerns and in honoring the vast and deep impact of our life’s experiences.  I am forever humbled and grateful for the ongoing experience of trust, collaboration, and inspiration of souls who are driven and open to heal and grow.

Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.
– Anais Nin

In private practice since 1997, I currently focus on working with adults in individual and family therapy who desire inner and outer manifestations of realizing deep authentic change.  I enjoy joining my clients in their journeys of exploring their shadows and fears; and their light, aspirations and unique gifts.  I enjoy the process of supporting my clients in unlocking their whole selves and unleashing their full potential.

Times of crisis are also opportunities for change.

Right now, something inside you – some feeling, some concern – is acting like a wake up call. Paying attention to this feeling and searching for options to understand it and to change are healthy, positive responses to care for yourself and others around you.

Whether you are feeling depressed, stressed or anxious, or caught up in an unresolved complicated dilemma, psychotherapy can help.

Acknowledging a problem and pursuing help, although humbling and often scary, is an important first step. I encourage you to search for a therapist with whom you feel comfortable, that you can trust, and that you feel has the expertise to help you. Remember that you are the expert on you. Be patient and selective in finding the right match for you. Based on establishing a good therapist-client match, you then start a process of honest exploration, self-understanding, and a deepening self-confidence. In this context, you and your therapist together analyze and understand the dynamics impacting you, allowing you choices and personal empowerment.

I use an individualized strength-based, nurturing approach in therapy. I believe we all have strengths and successes, and that each of us holds within us the answers and resources we seek. I am analytical and listen carefully for the unconscious reasons that my client is struggling in a certain area. I borrow from many different theory bases in psychology, aiming to understand and meet the individual needs of each client. Understanding gives us choices. An ongoing supportive therapeutic relationship strengthens our resolve and nurtures our patience and courage.

Few men during their lifetime come anywhere near exhausting the resources dwelling within them. There are deep wells of strength that are never used.
– Richard E. Byrd

I believe that though we cannot always control what happens in life, we have power within us to heal, to persevere, to grow, and to feel more content and in control.

I invite you to give me a call for a confidential, free consultation to discuss your concerns and to get a beginning sense of what I offer as a therapist.

Within each person there are infinite possibilities for change.

Each of us has the potential to change our health, our behavior patterns, the way we think about challenges, how we respond in relationships, and how we care for our inner selves.

Hypnosis is a complement to the regular therapeutic process. Hypnosis utilizes relaxation, focus, imagery, belief and our resolve to change.

Sometimes people hold a mistaken conception of hypnosis as “a robot–like state” and fear “a loss of control” or being put “under a spell”. Instead, hypnosis is experienced pleasurably as people learn how to relax, simplify their focus, feel more control and are able to tap inner resources.

For those unfamiliar with hypnosis, The American Society for Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH), describes it in this way:

Hypnosis is a state of inner absorption, concentration and focused attention. It is like using a magnifying glass to focus the rays of the sun and make them more powerful. Similarly, when our minds are concentrated and focused, we are able to use our minds more powerfully. Because hypnosis allows people to use more of their potential, learning self-hypnosis is the ultimate act of self-control.

Change your thoughts and you change the world.
– Norman Vincent Peale

Hypnosis, or hypnotherapy, should always be based in a trusting, therapeutic relationship with a professional trained in either health or mental health and hypnosis. After a comprehensive assessment, hypnosis is used in conjunction with other health-based strategies to help an individual achieve meaningful change.

 To inquire about my services or to make an appointment, you can reach me as follows:

Lisa M. Catania, LCSW, MSW

773 / 719 – 1751

10725 South Western Avenue
2nd Floor
Chicago, IL 60643

lisacatanialcsw@comcast.net