Hi there!

I’m Lauren, the founder of CARE Counseling. Nice to “meet” you!

At CARE Counseling, our mission is to provide cutting-edge, compassionate, and competent psychotherapy through research-supported strategies through a developmental (view from across the lifespan), strengths-based lens. While acknowledging your challenges, we also recognize and identify your strengths. Our goal is to increase your well-being. We guard the counseling field and provide ethical, professional, and equitable practice and training to our clients and peers while increasing competency and knowledge through our in-house data gathering and research projects.  

We are dedicated to providing a personalized approach to our surrounding communities. We offer effective counseling for individuals, couples, families, groups, and professionals. We believe in empowering you to show up, drive the process, and utilize our expertise and ethical guidance to support you every step of the way. For those of you who have been on the healing journey for a while, yes, we believe life can get better even for the most complex experiences.

Please see below for my professional experience:

CLINICAL EXPERIENCE

Assault, Abuse, Child Sexual Abuse, Neglect

CPTSD, PTSD, and Trauma

Depression, Anxiety

Dissociation and DID

Eating Disorders

Family Therapy

Numbness

Psychosis

Relational Issues

Substance Misuse and Dual Diagnosis

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

Brainspotting

Counselor Education

Counseling Leadership Models

Dissociation and DID

Internal Family Systems

Memory Reconsolidation                       

Multiculturalism 

Neuroscience in Counseling    

Neurocounseling / Neuroeducation   

Trauma

EDUCATION

  • Oregon State University (Portland campus) - Corvallis, OR               Doctor of Philosophy, Counseling                                                                                                                         Focus: Counseling Leadership Models; Internationalization of Counseling                     In progress                   

  • Northwestern University - Evanston, IL          Master of Arts, Clinical Mental Health Counseling; CACREP-accredited, with Distinction                                                                        Specializations: Evaluation and Treatment of Trauma; Child & Adolescent Counseling                                

  • T. Denny Sanford School of Social and Family Dynamics at Arizona State University - Tempe, AZ                          Bachelor of Science, Human and Family Development, with Distinction

  • Centaur University - Newport Beach, CA  2008: Professional Drug and Alcohol Counseling Certification, with Distinction                                                                        CCAPP-approved Chemical Dependency (CDC) Certification 

  • 10-time Emerging Scholar Scholarship – Research Mentor: Dr. Eric Beeson

    Dependent on re-selection each term

    Research projects: The Brainstorm Neuroscience Community, NCE passing rate data for NU counseling students, HeartMath Regulation Neuroeducation Activity, and other neuroscience tools, interventions, and clinical approaches.

  • 10-time Emerging Scholar Scholarship – Research Mentor: Dr. Russell Fulmer                                                           Dependent on re-selection each term

    Research projects: Articles and textbooks on attachment theory, Artificial Intelligence and ethics in counseling, positive psychology, motivational interviewing, psychodynamic counseling, ACA Code of Ethics and the Bill of Rights, and theory building.

    ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE & INSTRUCTION

    Adjunct Professor, Antioch University – Los Angeles, MAP Traditional & Low Residency Clinical Psychology Graduate Program, 2023 – Present

  • PSY-5360, Research for Mental Health Professionals (CORE), 3 units

    MAP Traditional, Spring 2023

    MAP Low Residency, Summer 2023

    MAP Traditional, Summer 2023

    MAP Low Residency, Fall 2023

    MAP Low Residency, Fall 2023

    MAP Traditional, Summer 2024

  • PSY-6210, Clinical Practicum (CLINICAL), 1 unit

    MAP Low Residency, Summer 2023

    MAP Low Residency, Summer 2023

    MAP Low Residency, Summer 2023

    MAP Traditional, Summer 2023

    MAP Traditional, Fall 2023

    MAP Traditional, Fall 2023

    MAP Traditional, Fall 2023

    MAP Traditional, Winter 2024

    MAP Traditional, Winter 2024

    MAP Traditional, Winter 2024

    MAP Low Residency, Fall 2023

    MAP Low Residency, Fall 2023

    MAP Low Residency, Winter 2024

    MAP Low Residency, Winter 2024

    MAP Traditional, Summer 2024

    MAP Traditional, Summer 2024

    MAP Traditional, Summer 2024

    MAP Traditional, Fall 2024

    MAP Traditional, Fall 2024

  • PSY-5000, Clinical Readiness (CLINICAL), 2 units

    MAP Low Residency, Fall 2023

    MAP Low Residency, Winter 2024

    MAP Low Residency, Summer 2024

    MAP Low Residency, Fall 2024

  • PSY-5350, Systems Theory & the Family II (CORE), 2 units

    MAP Low Residency Winter 2024

    MAP Low Residency Spring 2024

  • PSY-5120, Field Study: Psychology and Society (CORE), 2 units

    MAP Low Residency, Spring 2024

    MAP Low Residency, Summer 2024

  • PSY-5430C, Child and Adolescent Development (CORE), 3 units

    MAP Low Residency, Fall 2024

    Affiliate Faculty, Reflective Practitioner Supervisor, The Graduate School, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 2024 – Present

  • 481-6 Reflective Practitioner Supervision 1                                        

  • 481-7 Reflective Practitioner Supervision 2                                  

  • 481-8 Reflective Practitioner Supervision 3

    Group Clinical Supervisor, Group Dynamics Immersion, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL  

  • 412-6 Group Counseling Theory and Practice Immersion Experience

    Counseling Program Advisory Committee, The Family Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL

    Brdecka, L. E. (2021, February 26). Lecture 1.1: Social justice and advocacy efforts from counselors [Lecture recording]. Counseling Methods III: Outreach, Prevention, and Advocacy. https://2nu.counseling.northwestern.edu/ 480-8 Methods 3: Skills for Social Justice Advocacy, Outreach, and Prevention

    Brdecka, L. E. (2021, February 26). Lecture 2.4: Social justice and advocacy, outreach, and prevention [Lecture recording]. https://2nu.counseling.northwestern.edu/ 480-8 Methods 3: Skills for Social Justice Advocacy, Outreach, and Prevention

    Brdecka, L. E. (2021, February 26). Lecture 10.3: Future advocacy and social justice efforts [Lecture recording].   https://2nu.counseling.northwestern.edu/ 480-8 Methods 3: Skills for Social Justice Advocacy, Outreach, and Prevention

    Graduate Course Assistant, Northwestern University, In service of Dr. Donna Baptiste, Program Chair  422-6 Family, Marital, and Couples Counseling

    Counseling Microskills Facilitator, Counseling Methods Course Lead Dr. Cori Costello, Northwestern University                                       480-6: Methods I: Introductory Counseling Skills

    Teaching Assistantship, Arizona State University                                                              

  • FAS 370: Ethnic and Cultural Diversity       

    Advanced Marriage and Family Dynamics undergraduate course

  • FAS 435: Advanced Topics in Modern Family Relationships

    RESEARCH

    Co-Founder & Researcher, Neuroscience Integration Lab, The Family Institute, Northwestern University

    Research Coordinator, Neuroscience Integration Lab, The Family Institute, Northwestern University

    Data Management for the Teaching Excellence Committee, The Graduate School, Northwestern University       

    Co-Investigator of Examining the Impact of a Resilience Building Mobile Application on Counselors                      Principal Investigators: Drs. Eric Beeson & Russell Fulmer

    Coordinator, Diagnosis in Counseling Task Force: Supplemental Tools to the DSM, ICD, & PDM                          

    Creator and Coordinator of Brainstorm Neuroscience Network Research Library Powered by Northwestern University at The Family Institute   

    CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS & PUBLICATIONS

    Brdecka, L. E. (2024, November 9). Working with Trauma: Neuroscience & Dissociation. Illinois Counseling Association, Lisle, IL. https://www.ilcounseling.org/page/annual_conference_homepage

    Brdecka, L. E. (2024). Neuroscience of Trauma [Webinar]. Illinois Counseling Association. https://www.ilcounseling.org/store/viewproduct.aspx?id=23769321

    Horton, L. M., Schwartzberg, C., Goldberg, C. D., Grieve, F. G., & Brdecka, L. E. (2024). Brainspotting: A Treatment for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. International Body Psychotherapy Journal, 22(2). ISBN 2169-4745

    Brdecka, L. E. (2023, November 11). Trauma, Neuroscience, and the Body: Bottom-Up Concepts in Counseling. Illinois Counseling Association, Lisle, IL. https://www.ilcounseling.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1769707&group=

    Brdecka, L. E. (2023, September 29). Skills and Neuroscience of Trauma for Supporting Injured Workers. International Association of Rehabilitation Professionals, Lake Geneva, WI. https://rehabpro.org/event/midwest-fall-seminar-2023

    Atkins, K., Tollerud, T., Brdecka, L. E., & Chrones, D. (2023). Embedding Military Culture in Multicultural Frameworks: A Phenomenological Study. The Qualitative Report. Accepted on March 19, 2023.

    Brdecka, L. E. (2022, November 12). Applying and Defining Neuroeducation in Counseling Practice. Illinois Counseling Association Annual Conference, Lisle, IL. https://www.ilcounseling.org/page/ICA_73_Conference

    Brdecka, L. E. (2022, June 24). Neuroeducation [Virtual]. BrainstormLIVE Neuroscience Network, Evanston, IL. https://sites.google.com/view/brainstorm-network/home/

    Brdecka, L. E. (2022, March 18). Neuroscience-Supported Multicultural Counseling Competencies and Skills [Virtual]. Illinois Counseling Association Southern Conference, Collinsville, IL. https://www.ilcounseling.org/page/2022_So_Conf_Proposa

    Brdecka, L. E. & Susik, K. (2021, October 28). Neuroscience-Supported Counseling Skills and Competencies [Virtual]. Illinois Counseling Association Annual Conference, Lisle, IL. https://www.ilcounseling.org/page/ICA_73_Conference

    Beeson, E. T., Brdecka, L. E., & Susik, K. (2021, April 8). Practical Translations of Neuroscience in Practice [Virtual]. West Virginia Licensed Professional Counselors Association, Charleston, WV. http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07ehmr3ist1fc2524a&llr=dfolxc5ab

    Atkins, K. & Brdecka, L. E. (2019, November 8). The Powerful Dynamic of Shared Experiences in Counseling Military Populations [In-person]. Illinois Counseling Association Annual Conference, Skokie, IL. https://www.ilcounseling.org/page/2019_Conference_info#

    CLINICAL EXPERIENCE & PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

    Owner & Therapist, CARE Counseling, Naperville, IL

    Psychotherapist, Fash Counseling Private Practice, Bolingbrook, IL

    Coordinator, Motivent Total Health (business closure due to Coronavirus pandemic), Westmont, IL           

    Private Practice Therapist Intern, Motivent Total Health at Thresholds, Westmont, IL 

    Counseling Intern, Thresholds, Youth & Young Adult Services (YAYAS), Chicago, IL 

    Research and Innovation Specialist at Thresholds, Youth & Young Adult Services (YAYAS), Chicago, IL                   

    Counselor I, Gateway Foundation Inc., Aurora, IL               

    Program Manager, Corporate Education at Strayer University, Rolling Meadows, IL 

    Women’s Program Director, Northbound Treatment Services and CAADAC-Certified Counselor at Northbound Treatment Services, Newport Beach, CA       

    Alumni Program Creator and Manager, Northbound Treatment Services, Newport Beach, CA  

    Legal Representative, Northbound Treatment Services, Newport Beach, CA

    Admissions Coordinator, Northbound Treatment Services, Newport Beach, CA  

    CURRENT PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

    ACA, American Counseling Association   

    ACES, Association of Counselor Education & Supervision

    ICA, Illinois Counseling Association

    ISSTD, International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation

    mindGAINS, Global Association for Interpersonal Neurobiology Studies

    OTHER RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

    Think Tank Panel, “Out in Recovery” LGBTQ+ Advisory Board at Gateway Foundation, Aurora, IL         

    Advisor, Psychodynamic Foundations Committee, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 

    Task Force Chair, Risk Management, Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) Accreditation at Northbound Treatment Services, Newport Beach, CA

    Task Force Chair, Quality Assurance, Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF)     

    PROFESSIONAL TRAINING & CERTIFICATIONS

    Program Assistant, Internal Family Systems, Endless Walk Cohort

    Internal Family Systems, Level 1, Buffalo Peak Cohort                                             

    Brainspotting, Level 2                    

    Brainspotting, Level 1                                  

    International Society of the Study of Trauma & Dissociation Individual Consultation, Supervision provided by Meredith Glick                                

    Advanced Trauma Consultation Training Program, Womencare Counseling & Training Center       

    Trauma Consultation Training Program, Womencare Counseling & Training Center             

    Illinois Medicaid Comprehensive Assessment of Needs and Strengths (IM+CANS)

    Structured Interview for Prodromal Syndromes (SIPS)

    Mini-Structured Interview for Prodromal Syndromes (mini-SIPS)

    Psychological First-Aid Training, The National Child Traumatic Stress Network

    SERVICE

    Mutual Ground, Domestic Abuse Treatment Center

    Visioning Task Force, DuPage Unitarian Universalist Church, Naperville, IL

    Conference Proposal Selection Committee, Illinois Counseling Association 

    Treasurer, Illinois Counseling Association

    Graduate Student Representative, Northwestern University                             

    Graduate Student Ambassador, Northwestern University

    Public Health Review Editorial Board Member, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University 

    Human Rights Campaign

    Linden Oaks, Naperville, IL

    Big Brothers Big Sisters, Joliet, IL                                

    Lynn House Women’s Homeless Shelter, Santa Ana, CA                

    Orange County Women’s Jail System, Santa Ana, CA                           

    Safe Harbor Treatment Center for Women, Newport Beach, CA