Individuals, Couples, Groups, and Families
At Claret Center, mental health and personal growth go hand in hand. That’s why we offer psychotherapy, workshops, and professional development that support wholeness in mind, body, and spirit.
Our psychotherapists are highly skilled and compassionate individuals trained in a variety of approaches, including the following:
They are respectful of personal needs and goals and are comfortable addressing a variety of issues, including the following:
• Addiction
• Anxiety
• Counseling for Artists
• Change Management
• Conflict Management
• Depression
• Grief and Loss
• Negative thoughts
• Poor self-image
• Relationship difficulties
• Self-defeating behavior
• Transformational Growth
• Trauma
• Unemployment stresses
Diagnostic and Assessment Services
Our diagnostic and assessment services include interviews, questions, and tests designed to identify an individual’s strengths and areas of challenge. They are tailored to the particular interests and needs of children, adolescents, or adults, and can be oriented toward requirements for ministerial candidates.
Who might benefit from assessments
1. Individuals considering entering or adapting to ministerial callings
2. Couples who wish to evaluate prospective surrogates
3. Students from pre-school through graduate school who are experiencing learning challenges
4. People struggling with memory, attention, or concentration concerns
5. Individuals experiencing troubling emotions, such as anger, sadness, or anxiety
6. Job-seekers hoping to gain better insight to talents, interests, and career direction
7. Anyone who wishes to better understand life interests, resources, and areas in need of growth
Psychotherapy Practicum
We welcome applicants from Masters or Doctoral programs from an accredited program in counseling or psychology.
Interns: counselors on the path to a post graduate degree in a credentialed school.
Residents: counselors who have graduated, and are obtaining supervision toward licensing.
Our year-long psychotherapy training has a communal approach in which supervisors and students form a treatment team, optimizing available resources to support healing and personal growth on the part of our trainees and their clients. Trainees see clients, maintain clinical files, collect fees, market their services, and offer psycho-educational programs.
To ensure personal as well as professional growth over the course of the year, the training program includes an ongoing weekly learning community that includes both individual and group supervision. Supervisors and peers support each other in finding an approach to counseling that maximizes their unique personal style and gifts.
Applications (email only) will be accepted beginning January 28,2022. Please send a cover letter, CV, transcript, and three letters of reference to Mary Worden, PsyD at wordenm@claretcenter.org.
If there are questions about the training program, please forward emails to wordenm@claretcenter.org.
Billing
Our fees for services are set in accordance with our not-for-profit structure. In some cases, we offer a sliding scale for individuals with a demonstrated financial need. Payment is expected at time of service unless you arrange in advance to bill insurance or set up a billing plan.
Insurance
Please contact our office to help you determine how your insurance coverage may apply. We are in network for Medicare and some Blue Cross/Blue Shield plans, and bill out-of-network for others. You are responsible for all fees not covered by Insurance or Medicare including co-payments.
First Visit
Please arrive early and check in at the front office to complete the intake documents and be shown to your appointment.
Psychotherapists
Michael Bland, Psy.D., D. Min., L.C.P.C. holds a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.), a Doctorate in Ministry (D. Min.) in Pastoral Counseling, and is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. Michael is the Co-Supervisor for the Psychotherapy Training Program at Claret Center, and an Adjunct Associate Professor at Loyola University Chicago, Institute of Pastoral Studies since 2009. More about Michael
Jonathan Foiles, M.Div, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker and a staff psychotherapist at Claret Center. Prior to receiving his training in social work he completed a master’s of divinity degree. He is a graduate of the University of Chicago, School of Social Service Administration and has also completed a fellowship at the Chicago Center for Psychoanalysis. More about Jonathan
Angela Paviglianiti, MDiv, LCSW, is committed to journeying with clients through whatever confronts them to a place of greater freedom. Within the therapeutic relationship, she partners with clients to identify the strengths and resources found within self, relationships, and community, so that they may cultivate lives of abundance. More about Angela
Allan Schnarr, MDiv, PhD, is a practicing psychotherapist and retreat facilitator and was the director of Claret Center’s psychotherapy practicum from 1985 – 2019. More about Allan
Mary Worden, PsyD, is a licensed clinical psychologist and became the new Director for the Psychotherapy Training Program at Claret Center. Mary earned her Doctorate of Psychology at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology and holds a Bachelors of Arts in Social Work from Ball State University in Indiana. More about Mary
Psychotherapy Residents
*graduate work completed; supervised hours for licensing
Damaris Colón Soto, M.A, is a pre-licensed clinical mental health counselor. Damaris have acquired her master ’s degree from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Currently she provides counseling services at Claret Center and at St. Paul VI Church in Riverside, IL. More about Damaris
Nancy Kennedy, RN, BSN, MAPC, LPC, is a graduate of the Master of Arts Pastoral Counseling program at Loyola University Chicago, Institute of Pastoral Studies. She is continuing on at Claret Center as a counseling resident. More about Nancy
Patrice Nerone, MDiv, MAPC, RN, ACHT, earned a dual master’s degree in Divinity and Pastoral Counseling from Loyola University Chicago and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Cleveland State University. She holds certification in clinical hypnotherapy and received advanced clinical training in grief and trauma counseling. Her approach to care is holistic, integrative, and culturally sensitive. Additionally, she offers a variety of mind-body interventions rooted in traditional healing practices. More about Patrice
Rachel Schripsema, MAPC, LPC, is a graduate of Loyola University Chicago’s Institute of Pastoral Studies, where she earned her Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling. She sees clients at Claret Center as a counseling resident and serves as parish counselor at Old St. Mary’s Parish in Chicago’s South Loop neighborhood. More about Rachel
Psychotherapy Interns
Clare Dolan, BFA, brings experiences from a diverse background to her counseling. Having earned a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts degree in Musical Theatre from the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University, Clare is now pursuing a Master’s degree in Community Counseling at Loyola University Chicago. For the past few years, she has served as an Admission Counselor working to aid students and families with the college process. Clare enjoys spending time volunteering with Make-A- Wish at local Chicago events. More about Clare.
Jenni Dressler currently is completing her final year in the master’s program in pastoral counseling at Loyola University Chicago. She provides counseling services at Saint Mary of the Lake Parish in Buena Park and via telehealth. Jenni works with you to create a compassionate, warm, and safe relationship in which the blocks to healing and peace can be examined and addressed. She offers kind and intelligent care to support you in your personal, emotional, and spiritual growth. More about Jenni.
Georgina Lopez, BA, is pursuing a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology, Counseling Practice at Roosevelt University. She serves as a Parish Counselor, Intern at St. Francis Xavier Church. She has gained clinical, volunteer, and work experiences that have prepared her to work with a diverse population. Gina has volunteered in different parishes, as well as worked with adolescents, adults, and youth groups. As a result of a previous internship, she has developed some experience working with individuals who exhibit symptoms of anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. More about Georgina.
Norma Pocasangre, BBA, native of El Salvador, provides Counseling Services at St. Jerome Parish in Rogers Park, Chicago. Norma earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, in 1998 in El Salvador, and is now pursuing a Master of Art Degree in Pastoral Counseling. Norma has been a Religious Missionary Sister for 18 years and has ministered as a spiritual companion for youth, young adults and the elderly in Hong Kong and the West Coast of the United States. Norma is bilingual in both English and Spanish. More about Norma.