About:

Farrah R. Walker, MS, LMFT

I am a graduate of the Marriage and Family Therapy Masters Program at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. In addition to owning and operating Enriched Living Counseling, I am a Community Program Supervisor at The Family Institute at Northwestern and an Elected Member of the Board of Directors for the Illinois Affiliation of Marriage & Family Therapists.

After gaining clinical experience with the Betty D. Harris Family Clinic located at the Family Institute, I joined the group at Spring Tree Counseling. I practiced at Spring Tree Counseling for four years before opening Enriched Living Counseling. I work with individuals and couples with an emphasis on infidelity, couples in high conflict, interfaith, interracial, and multicultural couples. In addition, I work with couples and individuals who are navigating transitions such as retirement, grief, fertility challenges, dating, and divorce.

Prior to returning to graduate school in 2014, I spent my first career working in Criminal Justice, Juvenile Justice, and Social Services. After almost ten years of working in that field, I intentionally decided to pursue Marriage and Family therapy to strengthen families and improve the quality of life for couples and individuals in mental and emotional distress. I believe the quality of our relationships greatly impacts our quality of life. Therefore, I work through a systemic lens to find ways to improve the overall quality of relationships including work, family, romantic relationships and child/parent dynamics.

I enjoy working collaboratively with clients to help identify and address presenting concerns. I seek to provide a safe place in my counseling office for clients to engage in and develop new strategies for improving daily life. I value working with client feedback and integrating various theoretical approaches and techniques that uniquely fit each client.

Team:

Jakkia Small, MA, LPC

I graduated from Spelman College with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. Upon graduation, I decided to move back to my hometown, Chicago, to attend the Adler School of Professional Psychology where I graduated with a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology with a specialization in Clinical Mental Health. Shortly after graduating, I received my license as a Licensed Professional Counselor. My professional background includes working with children and adults, treating attachment and behavioral issues due to trauma or adjustment, stress, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, divorce, postpartum, and more.

I am very passionate about building relationships with clients to help identify specific needs, break unhealthy patterns, and address both past and present challenges. I enjoy providing a safe space where individuals can authentically show up as themselves while opening up about the battles within. I like to use meaningful and relatable techniques to help promote a healthy sense of well-being and healing. Overall, I value empowering clients to laugh, cry, explore, and process their emotions while challenging them to shift their mindset and become the author of their own story.

"Together we can identify, acknowledge, be accountable and heal".

Vannae Napolez

I am a clinical graduate intern pursuing a Master of Arts in Pastoral Care and Clinical Counseling at Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary, where I am deepening my understanding of mental health and therapeutic practices. For over 10 years I have worked as a pastor. Within the church, I was able to help those in times of crisis, grief, and uncertainty. From there I decided to be even more focused on counseling and began to work for a national crisis hotline. My professional background includes working with teens and adults as they navigate through complex emotional landscapes including those experiencing trauma, anxiety, stress, crisis, grief, and depression. I have guided individuals through their most vulnerable moments with compassion and empathy.

I am particularly passionate about working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges. I adapt evidence-based therapeutic models and interventions,tailoring them to meet each individual's unique needs. My holistic approach to therapy considers the whole person, not just the symptoms. With a down-to-earth style, I create a safe and supportive environment for my clients. Through a straightforward relatable method, I prioritize building a genuine connection with the client, often incorporating humor and personal insights when appropriate. By prioritizing empathy, validation, and a non-judgmental attitude, together we will work to develop coping strategies, improve emotional regulation, and foster resilience.