Julie Blackman, LCSW, Director
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
The therapeutic relationship is a vehicle for growth and balance with support. Discovering how you operate in the world leads to better relationships and decisions about your future. In a safe and nurturing, therapeutic relationship, you can have the freedom to explore who you are and to repair what is keeping you stuck.  Collaboration is a key component to successful treatment, which is why I recognize the necessity to respect your pace and needs during this process. Once you have a better sense of who you are, you will be able to express yourself more genuinely as well as exercise better judgment about relationships and about choices that life presents.

I received my Master of Social Work degree from Loyola University in 1993.  For over two decades, I have worked in a variety of settings including community mental health, hospital and private practice.  At Self Design, I pride myself on finding quality staff for clients that seek our help.  I have been a Clinical Supervisor at Highland Park Hospital Eating Disorder Unit and at Insight Psychological Centers treating those with eating disorders, mood disorders and relationship issues.  My specialties include anxiety, depression, eating disorders, relationship concerns, divorce contemplation/adaption and support in the pursuit of self-discovery and self-awareness.

Rebecca Graham, LCPC, CADC, Clinical Director
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
I believe change and growth occur through a collaborative, supportive therapeutic relationship. The therapeutic relationship and alliance can be a catalyst for increased self-awareness, gained insight, and positive change. By providing a safe and non-judgmental environment, I will work with you to gain a better understanding of yourself and explore change. We will work together to address and process unresolved issues, as well as learn healthier, more effective ways to cope.

I received my Masters in Clinical Counseling from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2009. Since graduating, I have worked in the Community Mental Health field where I gained a broad and diverse range of experience with Group, Individual, and Couples Psychotherapy. I have experience as a Clinical Supervisor as well as training other clinicians on the implementation of DBT and Trauma-Informed practice. My specialties include Trauma and Recovery, Anxiety Management, Stress Management, Mood disorders, Relationship dynamics, Times of Transition, and facilitating Self-Discovery and Acceptance. I also have experience with Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Substance Abuse, Eating disorders, Pain disorders, and issues related to Health and Wellness.

Mackie Berman, LCSW, Staff Therapist
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
While we all have our own unique experiences on life’s journey, we don’t have to go at it alone. I seek to foster an open and supportive therapeutic relationship in order to create a protective space for you to show up just as you are and embark on a deeper level of the healing process. As trust builds, and we tap into our own internal guidance, we can show up radically for life, one day at a time.

I received my Master of Social Work degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago-Jane Addams College of Social Work in 2007, specializing in school social work. Following graduation, I provided comprehensive services to students, families and teachers in the school setting. My experiences in this challenging environment broadened my skillset as a practitioner. Over time, I learned the value of therapy through my own personal healing journey and I realized I wanted to provide therapy for adolescents and adults in the private setting. My specialties include: anxiety, trauma and recovery, eating disorders and relational issues.  My approach includes practicing mindfulness, the principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and play therapy.

Angie Cleary, LCPC, Staff Therapist
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
The therapeutic space is sacred, unique and primed for fostering authenticity in all realms of life. It is a privilege to help you identify your strengths and utilize them when expressing and living your truths and personal values. I believe in creating and maintaining safe, supportive surroundings where you can find your voice, articulate emotional needs and work toward getting those needs met. Life is full of options; through a strengths-based approach we can identify which options work best for you.

I received my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from National Louis University in 2016. I have worked with adolescents and adults in residential, outpatient and hospital settings, providing individual, group and family therapy.  My specialties include depression, anxiety, mood disorders, eating disorders, trauma and recovery, identity exploration and expression, anger management, postpartum depression and relationship issues.  I use a variety of approaches including but not limited to: Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). It is paramount to me to create a safe and accepting environment so you can feel free to explore what makes you You.