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

Author Archives: Don Olund

How to Make the Best of Now

If Only I Had a DeLorean! On several occasions this past week while I was seeing clients in counseling, I kept thinking, “If only they had a DeLorean!”  You remember the famed car from the “Back to the Future” trilogy?  Marty McFly had the power to go backward or forward...

5 Ways To Disarm an Argument

Arguments are inevitable.  Can’t avoid them 100% of the time.  Under certain circumstances the probability increases a fight is coming.  Things like– a bad mood– rough day–or, “oops, I forgot”.  Then there are conflicts that blindside you.  Everything seems to be going well–good mood–smooth day– and “got it done”.  All...

Failing In The Right Direction

I surprised my wife Marian this weekend with an overnight at the Herrington Inn, a lovely hotel on the Fox River in Geneva, Illinois.  It was a nice break after feeling cooped-up during the arctic freeze that forced us into hibernation.  A cozy getaway was a perfect remedy. We had...

Winning the Resistance War

How could something so small give me so much trouble? Every other one was cooperating.  But no, not this one.  It fought hard not to budge.  It dared me to try harder.  But to no avail.  It was not coming out.  What was it?  It was the dreaded resistant screw....

Keeping The Holidays Happy

Another holiday season is upon us and the “hustle and bustle” is more like a “mad” rush!  Thanksgiving Thursday is overshadowed  by Black Friday, enticing holiday shoppers from the dinner table to the waiting line in order to get the best bargains stores have to offer.   For some, the...

Family on the Run or Family Having Fun?

In 1990, the blockbuster movie, “Home Alone” was released in theaters and took America by storm.  Who could forget 8 year-old Kevin McCallister, the adorable blond-haired boy who was left behind by his family in their haste to catch a flight to Paris during the Christmas holiday rush.  I am...

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...

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...

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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