Frankfort Counseling Associates Celebrates Ten Years of Care

Frankfort Counseling Associates is marking ten years this July as a group of state-licensed, independent counseling professionals that offers caring and compassionate counseling services to children, adolescents, and adults. The group sees individuals, couples and families in the southwest suburbs.

Sharon Burge, RN, LCPC, RDDP, owner of Frankfort Counseling Associates, established the practice first in Orland Park and then moved to Frankfort at a time when there were few counselors in the area. “We’ve been able to do is help our clients, including career families and working individuals, who need to talk through the struggles they face, in a caring and supportive environment “ says Burge. “Our clients mention they like the relaxing and home-like environment of our office.

"Early in the practice, many people were affected by the economic downturn, losing their home and jobs, which caused financial and emotional stress." says Burge. "Despite economic improvements, clients and their families continue to seek assistance with mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. They also have needs related to their relationships, major life changes and general family struggles."

"Our therapists work to identify goals and strategies that are specific to the client as no one faces the same problems in the same way. Our counseling approach is not about advice giving" says Burge. "We help people to explore issues and discover paths to change. That’s something you can’t get from an online search.” While there is no life alarm that says it’s time to to seek counseling, Burge says there are several indicators such as changes in health, sleeping or eating habits, work stress or relationships. “When it starts to affect your daily life, or just as important, the lives of others in your life, then it’s time to talk to a professional.”

Frankfort Counseling Associates is a group of experienced professionals available to meet the complex needs of individuals, couples, families and groups all in one location. Their goal is to match the best therapist to a client, creating the optimum opportunity for therapeutic success in the treatment of a variety of mental health issues such as: Depression and Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Couple/ Marriage Therapy, Parenting Skills, Obsessive Compulsive Disorders, Stress Management, Anger Issues, Trauma, Divorce Adjustment, Substance Abuse, Gambling Issues, Behavior Problems, School Problems/Refusal, and ADHD/Learning Disabilities.

The seven counselors represent areas of work in a variety of settings including private practice, community mental health agencies, domestic violence agencies, churches, elementary and high schools, universities and community colleges, and addiction treatment facilities.

As the group is looking at the future, they understand the range of changes in the area’s population. “Not only are more young families trying to prepare for the changes their children are dealing with and keeping the family unit healthy, but we also see a need to provide support for our seniors as they continue to meet the challenges of staying more active at an older age” says Burge.

In recognition of their Tenth Anniversary, Frankfort Counseling Associates is sponsoring a Food Drive for the Frankfort Township Pantry with drop boxes at the Frankfort Counseling Associates office and at Walt’s Foods Center at 20825 S. LaGrange Road, Frankfort.

The independent practitioners at Frankfort Counseling Associates offer convenient day, evening and weekend hours. Their offices are located in the Prairie Building, 33 E. Colorado Avenue in Frankfort. For general information or an appointment, call 815-469-6480 or go to www.frankfortcounselingassociates.com.