Lauren Bauer, LCSW, Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Lauren Bauer is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with teenagers, adults, and couples.  Lauren earned an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Lehigh University in Pennsylvania.  In addition, Lauren has two Master’s degrees: one in Social Work from Loyola University Chicago and one in Special Education from Northeastern Illinois University.

Lauren has experience in a variety of settings such as: outpatient counseling centers, private practices, hospice facilities, and schools.  Lauren has considerable experience working with adolescents, young adults, and adults addressing issues such as: depression, anxiety, family dysfunction, suicidal ideation, self-injury, bullying, and self-exploration, grief, and relationship issues.  Lauren also has counseled couples dealing with issues including infidelity, parenting, and communication.

Lauren has expertise in treating the following issues:

• Anxiety
• Social Anxiety
• Depression
• Grief/Loss
• Relationship/Family Issues
• Divorce
• Self-Growth
• Couples Issues

Lauren is an in-network provider with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois PPO.

Personal Statement

I take an active approach to therapy by partnering with my clients to help them achieve their goals. I consider myself a skills based therapist and like to both give my client’s resources and teach coping skills. I enjoy helping clients make sense of their past and present to help them gain more understanding of themselves and what they want in the future.  Want homework? I’m your therapist! If not, that’s okay too! I like to take an individualized approach to each client.  

Above all else I believe the relationship between therapist and client is paramount.  I achieve that by creating a warm, safe, and non-judgmental environment.  It’s an honor and privilege to be able to go on a journey of self-growth with my clients.  Coming from a psychodynamic and relational perspective, I like to utilize pieces from many different therapies with my clients including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).