Penny McGrath, MA, LCPC

About

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Chicago, IL. Works with Anxiety, Grief and Life Transitions. Sees clients in person and online. Takes Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna and other plans. Accepting new clients.

Areas of expertise

• Anxiety
• Grief
• Life Transitions
• Bisexual
• Coping Skills
• Depression
• Lesbian
• Parenting
• Self Esteem
• Stress Management

Types of therapy

• Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)Helps people make room for difficult thoughts and feelings instead of fighting them, and commit to actions that fit what matters to them.
• Attachment-basedLooks at early bonds with caregivers and how they shape relationships and emotions now, and works toward a greater sense of safety and connection.
• Clinical Supervision and Licensed SupervisorsNot a therapy for clients: this therapist supervises other clinicians, for example those working toward their license.
• Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)A structured, practical therapy that looks at how thoughts, feelings and actions affect each other, and teaches skills for changing unhelpful thinking and habits.
• Compassion FocusedHelps people who are hard on themselves to build warmth and compassion toward themselves, as a counterweight to shame and self-criticism.
• Culturally SensitiveTakes a person's culture, identity, background and values into account, and shapes the work so it fits their life.
• Dialectical Behavior (DBT)A skills-based therapy grown out of CBT. Teaches ways to manage intense emotions, get through crises, stay present and handle relationships.
• Emotionally FocusedTreats emotions as a guide to change. Often used with couples, to understand patterns of conflict and rebuild a secure bond.
• Exposure Response Prevention (ERP)The main behavioral therapy for OCD: gradually facing feared situations or thoughts while resisting the urge to carry out compulsions.
• HumanisticA family of approaches, including person-centered and Gestalt therapy, that emphasize growth, self-awareness and a person's capacity to choose.
• Mindfulness-Based (MBCT)Combines mindfulness practice, paying attention to the present moment without judgment, with ideas from cognitive therapy.
• Motivational InterviewingA collaborative style of conversation that helps people explore mixed feelings about a change and find their own reasons to make it.
• Person-CenteredA warm, non-directive approach: the therapist listens with empathy and without judgment, and trusts the person to find their own direction.
• RelationalSees relationships as central to well-being. The relationship with the therapist is used to understand and change patterns in other relationships.
• Strength-BasedFocuses on the strengths, skills and resources a person already has, and builds on them to meet challenges.

More details

Sessions

Both in-person and online

Accepting new clients

Yes

Specialties

Anxiety, Grief, Life Transitions, ADHD, Behavioral Issues, Bisexual, Codependency, Coping Skills, Depression, Lesbian, LGBTQ+, Mood Disorders, Narcolepsy, Parenting, Self Esteem, Sensory Processing Disorder, Sleep or Insomnia, Stress, Women's Issues

Insurance

Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO, Cigna and Evernorth, Lyra, Optum, United Medical Resources (UMR), UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH, Out of Network

Fees

Individual sessions $200

Payment methods

Cash, Check, Health Savings Account, Mastercard, Visa

Ages

Teen, Adults, Elders (65+)

Works with

Individuals

Religion

Buddhist

Languages

English

Gender

Female

Years in practice

27

Education & qualifications