Our Team

Nicole Tyrpak, LCPC, NCC, CCTP- Owner

Hi! I’m Nicole 

My journey into mental health first began in an unconventional way. I was a special education teacher working with students with Social-Emotional Behavioral Disabilities in Title 1 schools. While teaching was my occupation, safety became my first goal and priority. The longer I stayed in this role, the more I began to truly understand the importance of creating safety as a way of healing. Safety is the crux of all growth, development and self-discovery.

 I took this deep understanding of safety with me into the field of mental health. I have had experiences working in residential care for adults with severe mental illnesses, residential care for eating disorders, community mental health, substance use, domestic violence private practice, as well as the foster care system before starting Emerald Mental Health. Through these experiences, I have developed a passion for treating the whole person, not just symptoms or experiences.

 I  passionately believe that healing starts from within the body. Without honoring our bodies and nervous systems we cannot truly get to the root of healing. Developing true safety within our bodies allows us to authentically feel and acknowledge the emotions that have been buried, neglected, or avoided; hindering us from discovering our true selves.

My approach is to create and foster a safe, warm and honest relationship with clients in order to help them  achieve a deep understanding of themselves and their power. I work from a somatic, nervous system, and trauma informed approach to bring the whole person to light.

 As a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) it is my honor to walk with clients through their personal journeys of self-discovery, and to hold space for the depths of the human experience. I specialize in working with clients with Complex Trauma/PTSD, eating disorders, substance use, perfectionism, mood and personality disorders, high achievers, anxiety and depression. Let’s walk together and get back to you.

 

Credentials

 Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC)

National Board for Certified Counselors (NCC)

Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP)

Lauren Ewart, LPC, NCC- Therapist

Hi, I’m Lauren!

I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Chicago, Illinois.

I am a passionate advocate for mental health care and am dedicated to supporting individuals on their journey to well-being. I specialize in working with adults (20+). I use a person-centered, trauma-focused approach, pulling from DBT, psychoanalytic and somatic based theories. My goal is to empower you through tailored approaches that honor your individuality and foster meaningful growth. I believe that healing your past can transform your present. Trauma is stored in both the mind and the body and I'm here to help you transform your trauma into a story. Let's prioritize your mental health and well-being!

Background

I received my B.A. in Psychology from McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland. During my senior year, I worked in a residential home providing facilitative care for 8 residents. I then accepted an opportunity to work as a vocational supportive specialist, before taking the leap to Chicago, Illinois. I received my M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The Chicago School and actively hold credentials as a National Certified Counselor (NCC) through the National Board for Certified Counselors. As a part of my Master’s program, I completed my internship experience at a 230-bed residential facility in Chicago, providing trauma-focused care to residents managing schizophrenia & psychotic disorders, personality disorders, mood & anxiety disorders, and complex trauma.

Specialties

  • Trauma including PTSD, Acute Stress Disorder, Adjustment Disorder and complex trauma

  • Psychotic Disorders including Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder, Delusional Disorder, Brief Psychotic Disorder

  • Mood disorders including Major Depressive Disorder and Bipolar I & II

  • Personality disorders including Borderline Personality Disorder, Avoidant Personality Disorder, Dependent Personality Disorder, and Paranoid Personality Disorder

  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder

  • LGBTQIA+ individuals

  • BIPOC and other marginalized communities