Our Team
Sara Whalen, LCSW
Founder & CEO
*Sara is currently only accepting EMDR and PRT intensive clients*
I have experienced feeling unheard within my team of medical doctors, feeling as though I had no control over choices or decisions. I don’t want others to feel this way. I want to partner with my clients and listen to what you want, YOU know your experience and overall goals.
Together, we will create a new awareness and understanding of the impact your illness has had on your quality of life and how this has created your current internal narrative. We will work on soothing, accepting, and healing the nervous system to enable you to feel a sense of control and safety within your body. We can incorporate a simple tool-set to support lasting change and increase your quality of life while minimizing pain.
I believe in working with every client as holistically as possible (mind and body). I use and promote evidence-based treatment approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MSBR), along with somatic based techniques.
Sara is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional, Registered Yoga Instructor, Certified in Pain Reprocessing Therapy, and an EMDR clinician with additional training in Integrated Treatment of Chronic Pain and Chronic Health Conditions.
*Sara is currently only accepting EMDR and PRT intensive clients*
Sara accepts the following insurance:
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Blue Cross / Blue Shield
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Cigna
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Health Alliance Medical Plans
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Immergrun
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Christie Clinic Employee Health Plan
Self-pay:
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Psychotherapy- 60-minute session $160
Lola Pittenger, MSW Intern
Driven by a passion for holistic healing, Lola's journey has led her to specialize in supporting individuals grappling with depression and anxiety caused by chronic illness and/or chronic pain. She is on a mission to bridge the gap between mind and body, empowering others to thrive in their holistic well-being. She believes in the power of integrating somatic techniques to foster deep mind, body awareness.
With fluency in Spanish as her second language, she brings cultural sensitivity and inclusivity to her practice. Through breathwork, EFT Tapping, mindfulness cues, and somatic tracking, she guides individuals towards a deeper understanding and harmony between their physical and mental states.
Lola currently holds a Masters Degree in Education and has been immersed in Spanish language education within vibrant communities in Chicago and Urbana, Illinois, since 2005. Additionally, her extensive experience as a wellness coach and yoga teacher since 2013 has equipped her with invaluable insights into the human experience.
Excited to embark on the next chapter of her journey, she is eagerly stepping into her internship role with Mind Body Integrated Therapy poised to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those she serves.
* Lola will begin seeing clients in June, if you are interested in working with her, please reach out to lola@mindbodyit.com
Lola accepts the following insurance:
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Blue Cross / Blue Shield
Self-pay:
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Psychotherapy- 60-minute session $100
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Sliding scale 40-80 per session
