About Marcia
Marcia Hanlon, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Marcia Hanlon, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
I approach problems from a "strengths" and "systems" perspective, not a pathological and diagnostic perspective.
I approach problems from a "strengths" and "systems" perspective, not a pathological and diagnostic perspective.
"Strengths" means that I view you as a capable adult, not "mentally ill," and that you have the abilities to manage life under normal circumstances. Unusual circumstances are what bring people into counseling for assistance.
"Strengths" means that I view you as a capable adult, not "mentally ill," and that you have the abilities to manage life under normal circumstances. Unusual circumstances are what bring people into counseling for assistance.
"Systems" refers to the various influences that surround our day-to-day functioning, for example, our relationships, work, culture, and routines, that have an impact on our moods and behaviors. Sometimes, other mental health professionals don't recognize the impact the systems have on our functioning, placing too much emphasis on what is "wrong" with you.
"Systems" refers to the various influences that surround our day-to-day functioning, for example, our relationships, work, culture, and routines, that have an impact on our moods and behaviors. Sometimes, other mental health professionals don't recognize the impact the systems have on our functioning, placing too much emphasis on what is "wrong" with you.
Changes in our systems -- a relationship change, job change, or a crises of some sort -- can stress or overwhelm our ability to function in the ways we normally would. Through talk therapy, and/or writing, we can uncover what is causing problems, then explore better ways to manage or eliminate those problems.
Changes in our systems -- a relationship change, job change, or a crises of some sort -- can stress or overwhelm our ability to function in the ways we normally would. Through talk therapy, and/or writing, we can uncover what is causing problems, then explore better ways to manage or eliminate those problems.
We work together to define your goals and your course of counseling.
We work together to define your goals and your course of counseling.
Clients who seek out my services may be experiencing a variety of difficulties, including things like:
Clients who seek out my services may be experiencing a variety of difficulties, including things like:
- feeling lost or lacking direction in college
- feeling lost or lacking direction in college
- experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression
- experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression
- adjusting to the loss of an important relationship
- adjusting to the loss of an important relationship
- coming to terms with family dysfunction
- coming to terms with family dysfunction
- trying to establish a strong sense of identity and self-esteem
- trying to establish a strong sense of identity and self-esteem
- exploring their sexuality
- exploring their sexuality
- building skills for "adulting"
- building skills for "adulting"
I've been "in college" for more than 30 years, as an undergrad and graduate student, then as an on-campus counselor for three colleges in Illinois -- North Central College, Aurora University (as director), and Northern Illinois University. I was the Director of College Readiness & Success at the Associated Colleges of Illinois (ACI) as well, specializing in first-generation college student success. College is a time of constant changes and transitions, which can be overwhelming. Counseling can provide an opportunity to learn lifelong coping skills and to define a sense of direction for your future.
I've been "in college" for more than 30 years, as an undergrad and graduate student, then as an on-campus counselor for three colleges in Illinois -- North Central College, Aurora University (as director), and Northern Illinois University. I was the Director of College Readiness & Success at the Associated Colleges of Illinois (ACI) as well, specializing in first-generation college student success. College is a time of constant changes and transitions, which can be overwhelming. Counseling can provide an opportunity to learn lifelong coping skills and to define a sense of direction for your future.
My training has included a B.A. from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, and a Master's in Social Work from Loyola University-Chicago. I've actively pursued continuing education to maintain my license, as well as teaching courses in Social Work and in Human Sexuality at the college level. Most importantly, I've learned from the hundreds of clients I've been honored to work with for many years.
My training has included a B.A. from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, and a Master's in Social Work from Loyola University-Chicago. I've actively pursued continuing education to maintain my license, as well as teaching courses in Social Work and in Human Sexuality at the college level. Most importantly, I've learned from the hundreds of clients I've been honored to work with for many years.