PERSONAL BALANCE COUNSELING

individual counseling

Image on a chalkboard of a person gaining a better appreciation of themselves.

Individual Counseling is a personal opportunity to improve your quality of life. Working with our trained clinician, we explore who you are, identify your unique needs and develop personalized approaches to establish a balanced and improved quality of life. We conduct the therapeutic counseling sessions in a safe, caring and confidential environment.

family / couples counseling

Image on a chalkboard of family/couples discussing life.

Family / Couples Counseling is a personalized process for families and couples to improve the quality of life. Partnering with our clinician, you explore and develop an understanding of relationships, the unique needs of the family and approaches for improving the quality of life. We conduct the counseling sessions in a safe, caring and confidential environment.

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dbt group counseling

Image on a chalkboard represeting people in a group.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Group Counseling is a cognitive-behavioral approach that emphasizes the need to find balance in everyday life. Cognitive behavior is the way we think and react to the world around us. This approach to counseling focuses on challenging and changing unhelpful mental distortions and emotional behaviors that we may have.

nutritional counseling

Nutritional Counseling by Charis Nutrtion Counseling at PBC offers an individualized approach to exploring your relationship with food and helping you find balance. Our clinicians provide a supportive, non-judgmental space to allow clients to be open and honest allowing long-term sustainable changes.

Michelle Conrad, LCPC, DBTC

Picture of Michelle Conrad, a LCPC therapist at PBC.

Michelle Conrad is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who obtained her master’s degree in counseling psychology from Northwestern University. She provides individual, family and couples counseling to adolescents, teens, and adults.

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Mary Walker, LCPC

Picture of Mary Walker, a LCPC therapist at PBC.

Mary is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who received her M.A. in Counseling from Northwestern University. She has experience in treating anxiety, depression and stress-related symptoms as well as post-traumatic stress, grief and loss, relationship issues, major life transition, addictive behavior, emerging adulthood and developmental concerns. Mary is level 3 Gottman Trained and is invested in working with couples as well.

Karissa Habel, LCPC

Picture of Karissa Habel, a LCPC therapist at PBC.

Karissa Habel is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who obtained her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lewis University. She provides individual counseling to adolescents and young adults through adulthood.

Stephanie Arambula, LCPC, CADC

Picture of Stephanie Arambula. She is a LCPC therapist at PBC.

Stephanie Arambula is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and a Certified Alcohol and Other Drugs Counselor (CADC). She has experience working individuals who are struggling with substance use disorders, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, trauma and self-injury behaviors. Stephanie thrives with teenage and adult clients alike who are interested in gaining control over their life and creating a life worth living.

Linzie Hartmann, LPC

Linzie Hartmann, LPC, is passionate about helping individuals and couples navigate life’s challenges with confidence and resilience. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, or life transitions, Linzie provides a compassionate and supportive space to explore solutions that foster growth and healing.

Megan Kirkpatrick, LCSW

Megan Kirkpatrick is a compassionate and dedicated Licensed Clinicial Social Worker, therapist, with a Master’s degree in Social Work from Lewis University with several years experience. She specializes in providing individual therapy for adolescents, young adults, and adults who are navigating the complexities of mental health challenges.

Sarah Lesniak, LCSW

Sarah Lesniak, LCSW, is a dynamic and compassionate therapist who brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her practice. She earned her Master of Social Work from the University of St. Francis and has since dedicated herself to helping individuals navigate their mental health journeys. Sarah specializes in providing individual counseling to children, adolescents, and young adults, addressing challenges such as depression, anxiety, mood disorders, eating disorders, and PTSD.

Kathy Muloski, LSW

Kathy Muloski, a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) with a master’s degree in social work, specializing in holistic and mindfulness approaches is a seasoned clinician working with adults and teens. Her practice is dedicated to offering a calm, supportive environment where clients feel safe to express their difficult moments from past trauma, current trauma, and exploration in the therapy space.

Samantha Newsome, LPC

Picture of Samantha Newsome, a LPC therapist at PBC.

Samantha Newsome is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She received her Master’s degree from Trinity Christian college in Counseling Psychology. She provides counseling to individuals, couples, adolescents, and adults of all ages and backgrounds.

Sam Pagana, LPC

Sam Pagana is a Licensed Professional Counselor who obtained her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lewis University. She is continuing her education in a doctoral program specializing in Trauma. Sam provides individual and family counseling to clients ages 4 and up.

Dawn White, RDN, CEDS

Dawn White is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) and a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist. With over twenty years as a dietitian, Dawn has seen the freedom and life that is possible in working toward a balanced, healthy relationship with food and body. Dawn’s gentle, compassionate approach helps individuals feel accepted and supported as they explore their relationship with food and body working together to establish realistic, sustainable goals for nourishment, healing, and finding freedom with food.

Why Starting Therapy Before the Holidays Is One of the Best Gifts You Can Give Yourself

December 5, 2025December 5, 2025by Michelle Conrad, LCPC, DBTC

Personal Balance Counseling – Orland Park, IL DBT-Informed • Trauma-Informed • People Helping People The weeks leading into the holidays can feel like a whirlwind—final work deadlines, family expectations, financial stress, disrupted routines, and the emotional pressure to be festive…

Why December Is a Slow Month for Therapists — and How to Stay Steady

December 4, 2025December 4, 2025by Michelle Conrad, LCPC, DBTC

December often brings a slowdown in therapy practices due to holiday routines, increased spending, and emotional challenges. To maintain caseloads, therapists should proactively check in with clients, offer flexible session formats, and reinforce billing policies. Utilizing downtime for professional development and reaching out to less engaged clients can also help sustain practice momentum.

The Importance of Routine in Mental Health

December 1, 2025December 1, 2025by Sam Pagana, LPC

by Sam Pagana, LPC, Personal Balance Counseling In our fast-paced and unpredictable world, maintaining a daily routine might seem boring or overly structured, but in reality, routines can be one of the most powerful tools for supporting mental health and…

When the Holidays Collide with Eating Disorders: Navigating Challenges for Eating Disorder Recovery

November 14, 2025November 14, 2025by Michelle Conrad, LCPC, DBTC

The holiday season can be challenging for individuals recovering from eating disorders due to food-centric gatherings, disrupted routines, and heightened body image discussions. Personal Balance Counseling offers a five-week virtual support group starting November 17 to help individuals navigate these challenges with structured support, emphasizing connection, boundaries, and mindfulness during the holidays.

How to Cope with Holiday Triggers and Emotions

November 3, 2025November 3, 2025by Sam Pagana, LPC

As the fall and winter holidays approach, many people anticipate cozy gatherings, comfort foods, and time off from routine. But for others, this season can bring increased stress, loneliness, or emotional triggers. Between family dynamics, financial strain, disrupted schedules, and shorter daylight…

The Role of Lived Experience in Recovery

September 29, 2025September 29, 2025by Dawn White RDN, CEDS

The journey of recovery from disordered eating is unique for each individual, involving personalized paths and goals. Evidence-based care, supported by a multidisciplinary team and informed by lived experience, is essential. Building trust and offering guidance tailored to each person’s needs fosters healing and demonstrates that recovery is achievable at any age or stage.