About
About Us
A practice which is inclusive, welcoming, and is determined to provide the best care to clients. We are focused on walking with you in the healing journey and we meet all clients where they are. We believe that you know you best and we help you to discover your strengths and areas of challenge to augment and strengthen them, so that you can live the life you choose to live. We are truly here to help.
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MEET THE TEAM
Amber Beal, PsyD
Owner
Dr. Amber Beal is the owner and founder of Beal Consulting and Counseling, PLLC. Dr. Beal opened her practice because she wanted to provide a space to help as many people as she can reach and she is known for going above and beyond for her clients. She holds a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (currently working on further licensure). Dr. Beal’s approach is eclectic because while she practices from a person-centered perspective, her therapeutic interventions are tailored to fit each client’s needs (CBT, DBT, talk therapy, EMDR, etc.). She has mastered establishing a strong therapeutic alliance which she believes is crucial for healing. Because she grew up overseas, she brings with her a working knowledge of diverse cultural beliefs and experiences. Dr. Beal is EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) trained and has a wide array of experience in psychological testing. She believes clients have the power to overcome adversities and traumatic experiences. Her perspective is that people just need the right match with a clinician that can walk with them, and guide and support them until they arrive at a place of acceptance, healing, and wholeness.
Helen Seretis, LPC
As a clinician, Helen intends on building a foundation of trust and safety with my clients. Every
person has a unique life path which sometimes may shift from what we thought it could be, due
to circumstances related to loss, trauma, abuse, immigration, identity formation—potentially
resulting in depression, anxiety, relationship issues, eating disorders, addictions or even self-
harm. Through the therapeutic process, she uses a trauma informed approach combined with
humor and empathy to guide her clients to lean into their vulnerabilities, transforming past pain
into self-acceptance, compassion, and motivation for change. Helen intends to partner and
guide you in your process of healing, or even to help navigate specific life transitions like
divorce, loss of a job, becoming an expat or the birth of a new child. Helen enjoys working with a
wide age range of individuals from children and students (career and college planning) to elderly
adults (retirement, illness, dementia etc.). She provides LGBTQIA+ affirming care for youth,
adults and their family. In tandem with using evidence based therapeutic techniques rooted in
family systems theory, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness and person-centered
approaches, Helen and her clients will work together to achieve their personalized therapeutic
goals.
Languages Spoken: English and Greek
Bernita Thomas-Bishop, LSW
Bernita Thomas-Bishop has dedicated over 25 years to working with children and families as a
Licensed Social Worker. Her experience spans roles in the Head Start Program, foster care,
and the educational sector, where she has supported children with disabilities. Throughout her
career, she has worked tirelessly to address family stressors and promote stability. Bernita is
deeply passionate about working with children and firmly believes in providing child-centered
services. She is committed to empowering her clients to overcome challenges and achieve their
goals. Holding a master’s degree in social work from Chicago State University and an
Educational Specialist degree in Counseling Education with a concentration in Play Therapy
from the University of Mississippi, she brings a wealth of expertise to her work. Bernita is
dedicated to making a lasting, positive impact on the lives of the children and families she
serves.
Cashina Leary MSW
Cashina Leary is a pre-licensed therapist (waiting on issuance in IL and IN) with a Master of
Social Work degree from Indiana University Northwest and 5 years of experience in the field.
Her specializations include anxiety disorders, stress, depression and relationship
counseling. Using a client-centered and integrative approach, she draws from cognitive-
behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness practices, and psychodynamic therapy to provide
personalized care tailored to each client's unique needs. Cashina became a therapist because
she believes in the transformative power of therapy and the importance of mental health. Her
goal is to offer a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their
thoughts and feelings, develop coping strategies, and achieve personal growth.
Jamar Dixon BSW
Jamar’s greatest pleasure in life is seeing black communities succeed. Second to that, his
passion is mentoring and being able to guide people in reaching their utmost potential. Through
both fatherhood and his vocational calling of uplifting others, he learned that the right support
could have a massive impact on a person’s psyche and overall well-being. He is passionate
about being an instrument and agent of change, assisting men of color through the navigation of
challenges and stigmas associated with mental health, while connecting them to the best
experience and benefits of therapy. It is his true intention to help align men with their greatness.
He received his Bachelor of Social Work from Philander Smith University and his license in
Social Work on 03/2022.
Tiana Shear, MS Ed., QMHP, CWS and EMDR Trained
Tiana is a dedicated therapist with a master’s degree in Marital, Couples, and Family Therapy
and she is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). With a strong
passion for helping children, adolescents, and families, she brings a holistic and trauma-
informed approach to her work, focusing on emotional healing and resilience-building. Tiana’s
experience includes working with children in the care of the Department of Children and Family
Services (DCFS), where she provides therapeutic support tailored to each child’s unique
emotional and behavioral challenges. Tiana uses a blend of evidence-based techniques, play
therapy, and creative interventions to encourage healthy self-expression and emotional
regulation. Her EMDR training allows her to further assist clients who have experienced trauma
by helping them process distressing memories in a safe and structured way. In individual,
couples, family and group settings, Tiana strives to create a space where people feel heard,
supported, and empowered. Her goal is to help clients develop the coping skills and emotional
strength they need to overcome obstacles and thrive in their lives.
Katherine Crockett
Katherine is a Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student at Northwestern University working
under the supervision of Dr. Amber Beal. She believes in the power of the mind-body
connection and seeks to help clients understand how their experiences affect their whole
system. Katherine draws from an eclectic framework of theories and methods including
mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, Adlerian theory, and a person-centered perspective to pull
in elements based on your unique needs. She currently works with adult individuals and
couples. Katherine provides a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their
experiences, process their emotions, and develop effective coping strategies. Her areas of
interest include trauma, PTSD, sexual trauma and abuse, relationship issues, nonviolent
communication, grief, suicide bereavement, eating disorders, and mindfulness through talk and
movement.
Juliana Ferrusquia
Juliana is an intern completing her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She
enjoys working with children and adolescents, adults, couples, and families. Her goal is to walk
with her clients through their experiences of trauma, depression, anxiety, stress, behavioral
concerns, emotional balancing and much more. She loves helping people meet their goals and
working with them collaboratively is the approach she embodies. She utilizes an eclectic
therapeutic approach; meaning she utilizes various therapeutic interventions tailored to the
needs of her clients individually. She believes that she and her clients are a team, and she is
here to support her clients on their journey.
Abby Lenhoff
Abby is a second-year graduate student at Northwestern University, where she is pursuing her
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She is under the supervision of Dr. Amber
Beal. Abby helps clients work through challenging thought patterns and behaviors. Her passion
lies in supporting individuals through life transitions and challenges. She has gained extensive
experience working with justice-involved individuals, having spent the past five years helping
people navigate the complexities of incarceration and community reintegration. Abby practices
utilizing a combination of approaches, with her theoretical orientation rooted in existential
psychoanalysis. Based on her clients’ presenting concerns and preferences, Abby and her
clients work together tailoring the best approach to fit the goals and needs. She is committed to
creating a warm, non-judgmental space where clients can explore challenges and achieve
goals. She looks forward to the possibility of working together and supporting you on your path
to growth and healing.
Shoshana Lipson
Shoshana Lipson is currently a student at Northwestern University pursuing a Master of Arts in
Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She is working under the supervision of Dr. Amber Beal. She
majored in Psychology at Touro University, where she developed a strong foundation in
understanding human behavior and mental processes. She believes in the strength and
resilience inherent in every individual. Shoshanah’s approach emphasizes building a supportive
and collaborative therapeutic relationship where clients feel validated and empowered.
Integrating evidence-based practices with a person-centered perspective, her goal is to assist
clients in identifying and achieving their therapy objectives. She offers a safe and affirming
space for clients to navigate life transitions, manage stress, and process past traumas as they
work toward self-discovery and healing. Shoshanah is eager to support you on your unique path
to wellness and personal growth.
