Michelle Kanis is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor practicing in the State of Illinois. She is also certified by the National Board of Certified Counselors.
Professional Affiliations
American Counseling Association (ACA)
Illinois Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA)
Illinois Counseling Association (ICA)
National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC)
"If equal affection cannot be, let the more loving one be me."
Education
Master of Arts in Counselor Education, Northeastern Illinois University (1996)
Bachelor Of Science in Elementary Education, Northern Illinois University
Clinical internship: crisis intervention with adolescents, children & parents at The Bridge Youth and Family Services
Intensive Therapeutic Services (ITS) therapist, providing twice weekly in-home therapy to DCFS wards and their foster families in Cook County
Individual and group therapist to children and adolescents placed in a group home (most were DCFS wards)
Individual and family therapy to community youth attending a therapeutic day school
Screening, Assessment, and Support Services (SASS) therapist, providing crisis intervention, facilitation of hospitalization when necessary, deflection from hospitalization when appropriate, and 90 day intensive follow-up, including individual and family therapy
Supervisor and clinical therapist providing in-home family therapy to adjudicated youth on probation (currently)
Self-employed in part-time private practice (currently)
My Personal Philosophy:
I believe that people are basically good and generally doing the best they can under their current circumstances. I also believe that people are capable of amazing change, can grow, become healthier and happier, and improve their relationships with others and themselves. I believe that therapy is a collaborative process involving two or more people working together to facilitate personal growth & exploration, find solutions to life’s challenges, enhance personal relationships, and improve coping skills. I believe that the therapist-client relationship is key to successful outcomes for the client. Respect, the assurance of confidentiality, and non-judgmentalism are essential components that a client should expect from the therapist. The highest ethical standards of the profession are your right as a client. I hold myself to those standards. I genuinely enjoy working with people!
