Annie_DinwoodieHello, my name is Annie Dolan and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and specialize in Couples and Family Counseling here at LifeWork Counseling. I began my clinical career here as a clinical intern in 2009 while I was pursuing my Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Counseling from Governors State University in University Park, IL. Prior to that I worked in the  corporate sector in sales and marketing before finding my true calling as a counselor. For some individuals, choosing to seek counseling can be overwhelming. One of my main goals is to create an environment that is safe and comforting.  I want my clients to feel relaxed, as if they are having a conversation with an old friend. Although my approach is relaxed, I do not sit there quietly.  I engage my clients to make positive decisions that are needed to create the outcome that is best for their life journey. Many of the people I work with are highly motivated, intelligent, and caring individuals who happen to struggle in one or more areas of their lives. Theses challenges often come from loss of a loved one, couple issues, parenting, family or work-life imbalances.  I take a holistic view with my clients, looking at all areas of their lives and tailor my counseling approach to accommodate their needs. As a couples and family systems counselor I believe real change occurs when we work with those closest to us.  I have a passion for helping couples and families resolve conflicts that interfere in their relationships.  I enjoy working with people from all backgrounds. While I work with a number of life’s concerns I specialize in: Couples/Marital concerns Adjustment disorders (things just not going as we wish they would) Grief/Bereavement Loss of a child and other complex losses Anxiety Depression I believe that when we are the best person we can be, we can be better for those around us! When not practicing, I enjoy an active life in the Chicagoland area with my family and friends.  I am married and have four children; a daughter who passed in early infancy, along with two sons and another daughter who continue to renew life’s hope and promise. Read my latest article on moving forward after a loss by clicking DINWOODIE-DOLAN ARTICLE 2012-1. Contact me: annie@lifeworkcounseling.net

When Your Kids Become Adults

The little feet seem to grow so fast.  Before you know it, they step into adulthood. I finished a difficult counseling session that left me feeling completely drained.  Seconds later, my phone rings.  “Oh please, not now” I thought to myself.  The caller ID reads “Jordan”.  No, not MJ.  Even...

Beautiful In Its Time

Father’s Day wasn’t supposed to end this way.  It just didn’t seem right.  In fact, just about every person I talked to echoed this sentiment, “It’s not fair!”   So what happened? The unexpected happened.  A beautiful day ended in tragedy. For my sister Pam and future brother-in-law Al, it...

Coping With Grief, One Year Later

Last April, I lost my mom to cancer. She was too young to die at 60. She was funny and sassy and my mom through and through. So much has happened in the last year, grandchildren got older, one started high school, one kindergarten, holidays passed, I had a milestone...

The Value of Human Validation

  Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have something of great value and not recognize it?  Suppose for example, you owned a valuable picture, book, or rare coin and sold it in a garage sale only to discover the person who bought it became wealthy. A...

Resentment – Causes, Consequences, & Cures

As a relationship, communication specialist I spend a vast majority of my day working with couples and/or families who face challenges in sustaining healthy relationships.  They often seek my services to help them learn how to communicate, find respect, resolve conflicts, and form meaningful connections.  I enjoy working in this...

How To Fix Her Problem In 5 Easy Steps

If you are a guy, do yourself a favor, read and save this article.  In fact, you may want to send to some of your buddies.  If you are a wife or girlfriend, forward this to your man. Guys, we have this dilemma when it comes to helping the women...

How to Fix His Problem In 5 Easy Steps

Recently I wrote an article for men, “How to Fix Her Problem in 5 Easy Steps”.  The response was positive.  While it didn’t go viral, I think it got the point across to some guys.  It did not occur to me to write a follow-up article for women, because it...

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Location

LifeWork Counseling

911 N. Elm St. Suite 316
Hinsdale, IL 60521
Phone: 630-655-0404
Fax: 630-655-0101
Email: info@lifeworkcounseling.net