meet Ilana Faust

ilana’s credentials and philosophy

licensed professional counselor (lpc) - clinical license 178.019760 - pronouns (she/her/hers) English & Spanish - individuals & couples

We live in times of incredible stress and unbelievably high expectations. Needing support–or a break–doesn’t mean you are weak. I am glad you are looking for help. Going to therapy is like going to the gym–but for your mind. At the gym, you work your muscles to make them limber and stronger; in therapy, you will discover a different way to relate to your feelings, thoughts, and beliefs in a more ‘flexible’ way. This way helps you move in the direction of the life you want. 

As an ex-dancer and actor, I work well with creative types. The populations I work with range from young adults overwhelmed with school to adults figuring out work-life balance. I also find meaning in working with couples (monogamous and non-monogamous) struggling with communication issues. By becoming aware of negative patterns and exploring underlying feelings, couples tend to find a way to reconnect and get unstuck.

Working with me, you can expect us to use evidence-based approaches as well as incorporation of mind and body practices as research shows that there is a strong correlation between those. I will encourage and challenge you to explore yourself and your experience through my warm, engaging, and dynamic style. 

Some of my intersecting identities are:

cisgender queer Latine - Argentinean (moved to the US when I was 24) - lgbtqia+ ally & advocate - ex-dancer and actor - pilates instructor - proud mom of a teenage boy and two cats

specialization

ilana ’s areas of focus:

Anxiety - Trauma - Couples - polyamory - ethical non-monogamy - chronic pain - self-compassion and self-confidence building - high achievers- inner child work - creatives

ilana’s approach:

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) - Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) - Internal Family Systems (IFS) - Polyvagal informed - Trauma informed - Somatic

education

Northeastern Illinois University

master of arts in Counseling - specialization in clinical mental health

The International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT) 2023

EFT externship in emotionally focused therapy

contact

ilana@balancepsychotherapy.com