BRIDGING LYFE PROMISE
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Bridging Lyfe provides individual and group therapy sessions with people from the ages of 14 and up.
We specialize in self-esteem, perinatal mood disorders, parent/child issues, family/couples therapy, depression, anxiety, grief and trauma.
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As your mental health care provider our goal is to help heal the mind and body.
We created and developed wellness programs to help educate and uplift individuals.
We believe when we work on the growth of the individual this positively affects friends, family and even the entire community.
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We provide hands-on learning resources that help our clients become aware of the thinking and behavioral patterns that may interfere with personal growth.
Here at Bridging Lyfe we utilize interventions that are evidence-based treatments, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy which addresses change in thinking patterns while effectively supporting positive change in behaviors.
Our treatments also include Mindfulness Therapy techniques which focus on awareness of thoughts, feelings, and actions that hinder your progress.
Treatments such as Mindfulness Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy are all based on both research and clinical practice.
All of our treatment strategies are personalized and proven to treat a range of behavioral disorders from anxiety, depression, drug and alcohol abuse, body positivity, marital problems and even severe mental illness.
Get started with Bridging Lyfe, today.
Our Team
THERAPY, COACHING
Iona Redmon: Founder/ Clinical Director, MSW, LCSW
You are the driver of your own life, your behaviors, your thoughts, and your growth. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and I believe that growth and change comes from within. So, let us explore any negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute to delaying your growth.
What is your story? I became a therapist due to my own personal experiences of dealing with loss, trauma, and multigenerational issues that I had to overcome. It took for me to look within myself to acknowledge and accept my weaknesses & strengths. This in turn helped with my personal growth.
Because of my story I believe as a therapist my role is to guide clients towards healing and personal growth. I founded Bridging Lyfe because I understand first-hand the power of positive thought and how we have the power to use our thought to change how we feel.
My primary passion in life is motherhood which means I always enjoy spending time with my children, watching Ginny & George, making candles and homemade pizza with the family.
FOUNDER/ DIRECTOR/COACHING
Marcea Wilderness
Marcea has been in the field of servicing family throughout their process for over 15 years. Being on the forefront of servicing individuals and families, her dedication to see families success goes above & beyond identifying clients' therapeutic needs. Marcea is looking forward to assisting Bridging Lyfe family.
“The beauty of self healing is that your story will continue to evolve and, no matter where you are now you can always excel to a higher level.”
Iona Redmon.
THERAPY, COACHING
Keerthana (Kee) Srinivasan, MA, LPC, NCC, Therapist
Hello,
Your mental health matters to me and my purpose is to support you in your experiences and help you get through tough moments. You are not alone! I believe in my client’s ability to empower themselves through therapy. I will do my best to help my clients understand their unique therapeutic process, explore who they are as a person and offer steppingstones to build resilience and self-esteem.
My therapeutic setting is Person- Centered, you will have a safe, judgement free and empathetic space with me. I like to use Trauma Focused- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy as it helps to unpack traumas, identify triggers, process thoughts & feelings and learn a variety coping skills. I also use mindfulness techniques and artful coping to creatively engage my clients. We will work together to decide the best approach for you.
Therapy can seem like a mystery, so I will give us time to explore different approaches until we decide which works best for you. My sessions will involve activities we can do together such as mindfulness, body movement and art. I will go the extra mile to give you resources and additional support. I welcome feedback and will work on being the best therapist I can be for you.
I graduated from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. I’ve been working in the counseling field for 3+ years and my passion is in trauma and crisis intervention. I will be working with adolescents, adults, seniors, couples and families. I’ve also worked with Domestic violence and sexual trauma survivors. I specialize in PTSD, depression, anxiety, relationship counseling and coping emotionally with physical illnesses.
THERAPY, COACHING
Tasha Turner, MS, MA, Therapist, RYT-200
Maya Angelou once said, “If you don’t like something change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude. If you’re always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be”. My approach to therapy is helping clients realize their own strengths and capabilities. Oftentimes, we find ourselves in difficult moments in our lives and it appears that we don’t see a way out. I believe if we choose to dig deep enough that we will find what it is that we need to help ourselves through.
The treatment modalities that I typically utilize during therapy services is Cognitive behavioral therapy that is used to help treat common mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, and substance use. I also utilize Dialectical behavioral therapy to help address mood disorders such as major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder. I utilize Solution-focused brief therapy that helps clients focus on solutions rather than the current problem. Lastly, I utilize yoga therapy to help improve clients overall mental health, physical health, and emotional health.
I am a person who thrives on knowledge and is always open to be a resource to others. As a clinician, I understand how important it is to help clients understand what they are going through and identifying resources available that can further support them and their needs.
I have been practicing in the mental health field for over six years. I graduated from Aurora University with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and a Master of Science in Criminal & Social Justice. I graduated Lewis University with a Master of Arts in Clinical & Mental Health Counseling. I have a certification as a Registered Yoga Teacher. I have practiced in outpatient settings, residential settings, and correctional settings. I have experience working with clients who are considered high risk, co- occurring disorders, developmental disabilities, adolescents 12-17, adults, couples, families, and the incarcerated population.
I believe that you connect with others through your experiences in life. I can help clients navigate through their most difficult moments in their life and help them realize their full potential through past experiences that have overcome. As someone who struggles with anxiety and depression, I continue to learn new ways to navigate through my life stressors. I had to overcome many difficult moments in my life to ensure that I am truly living the life that I see for myself. I find that I am truly myself when I am at peace mentally, physically, and emotionally. I enjoy traveling and outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and being near the water. I spend my time engaging in my yoga practice, meditation, reading and learning. I love animals and embracing my eight chihuahuas and their loving personalities.
THERAPY, COACHING
Cartina Anderson, Therapist
Having worked with a variety of individuals from children to adolescents and adults, I have been able to assist others in their growth through deep psychological distress and pain. Wherever you are in your journey, I would be honored to be a part of it and to offer a safe space for you to feel fully seen, heard, supported, and empowered.
THERAPY, COACHING
Autumn Butler: Therapist, MSW, LSW
Feeling mentally lost, confused, or stressed? Allow me to help you navigate through your thoughts and feeling because therapy is a journey, not a destination.
My focus is to offer the best help to clients. Utilizing a holistic approach with key elements of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), I hope to make clients self aware and provide techniques to alter the mind’s way of processing and coping. I offer both in-person and virtual services.
Utilizing a holistic approach with key elements of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), I hope to make clients self-aware and provide techniques to alter the mind's way of processing and coping. Various techniques I use include: goal setting, identifying triggers, anger management, mindfulness, stress management, effective communication, cognitive restructuring, etc. These techniques are used at an individual level and in group settings.
I am honest and only want what's best for clients. With an open and bubbly personality, I am very flexible. I am more than willing to do whatever it takes to heal the mind and body of the client. While some sessions may consist of verbal dialogue between therapist and client, others may include dancing, crying, listening to music, meditating, deep breathing, etc.
I graduated with my BS in Psychology and my Masters in Social Work. I have been working in various realms of education for 12 years.
I've held multiple sessions regarding trauma, grief, depression, academic struggles, parenting, relationship issues, etc.
Laughter is food for the soul. I will use humor, at times, to encourage clients to open up and feel comfortable being themselves. Through therapeutic conversation, I hope to make the therapy experience as stress-free as possible while guiding clients to a solution.
Email — LinkedIn — Facebook
THERAPY, COACHING
Yolanda Ratliff, MS, LPC, Therapist
My role in the counseling relationship is to meet you where you are on your individual journey. A therapeutic relationship to foster trust and respect as well as to offer a safe environment for you to be fully supported and empowered.
I use a humanistic/person centered approach where you can express yourself without judgement and to support you in achieving an enjoyable life while reaching your full potential.
I have 25+ years of experience working with teens and adults from various backgrounds struggling with life issues.
Together we can work towards the change that fits with your values and beliefs. Open awareness of self and make steps toward self-discovery on your journey of life.
THERAPY, COACHING
Courtney Hirsch, MA, Therapist
Hello,
My name is Courtney Hirsch; My approach to therapy is strengths-based and tailored to the individualized needs of my clients. My approach is interactive as I work collectively with each client to identify and determine their goals for therapy. I approach clients from a framework that prioritizes harm reduction and ensures wellness, strength and resilience. By carefully drawing on my relationships and personal experiences, I bring a thoughtful and unique perspective to my clients. I have experience in a variety of settings including courts, correctional facilities, hospitals, day treatment programs, schools, therapeutic foster care, residential treatment facilities, and home-based services.
I enjoy working with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. My clinical interests and expertise include: stress management and self-care; depression and anxiety; major life transitions; relationship issues; trauma and PTSD; grief and loss; behavior modification and self-esteem. I offer a wide range of clinical and work experiences that enhance my skills as a therapist who aims to empower others.
My education and training: B.A. Sociology with a concentration in Criminal Justice; M.A. Psychology with a certificate in Psychological Assessment & Ed.S. Applied Behavior Analysis.
THERAPY, COACHING
Zhane' Hedgman, MSW, Therapist
Why therapy? As individuals, the safe space that therapy provides is essential to our growth and development, as it provides us with the space to focus on prioritizing our mental health. I have successfully assisted youth, teens, and adults in navigating the therapeutic process to better identify and manage their substance misuse and mental health concerns. My goal is to provide my clients with a safe space to identify and utilize their strengths to address their presenting concerns or achieve their identified goals.
THERAPY, COACHING
Marcus Hawkins, MSW, LSW, Therapist
My name is Marcus J. Hawkins; I was born on the south side of Chicago, Chatham to be exact, and I am the oldest of four children. I enjoy researching history, and current events, reading the Wall Street journal and rap magazines, and most of all, reading articles on improving my skills and techniques in the social work field. In addition, I enjoy walking downtown, driving, playing basketball, cooking, and playing video games. Also, I am passionate about helping everyone succeed from all ethnic backgrounds in their daily lives, particularly African American males. I bring my expertise and experiences in assisting individuals who may want to make a change in their daily lives.
Peace Marcus J.
THERAPY, COACHING
Tamas Biro, MSW, LSW, M.Div, Therapist
I am a master-level licensed social worker (LSW) with ministerial experience. I served in the U.S. Army as a battalion chaplain and as a mental health therapist in a mobile crisis team and have tremendous experience with individual and couple counseling. In addition, I am a trained social worker who integrates faith-based interventions into psychotherapy, utilizing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Problem-Solving Therapy. I am qualified in moral and spiritual injury and committed to working with a diverse population, including Veterans. My specialty includes mental health essentials in mood disorders, substance abuse, suicide prevention, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and moral-spiritual injury. Through my training and education, I focused on resilience, trauma-informed care, and suffering through the fundamentals of faith-based interventions.
I perform specialized treatment based on the needs of the client. I incorporate complex multiple causations in differential diagnosis and treatment and synchronize it in the interdisciplinary health care team consultation. I hold a Master of Social Work degree from Aurora University, a Master of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from American Military University, and a Master of Arts degree in Divinity from Hungary. Also, I hold a Mental Health Integration in Chaplaincy certificate from Vanderbilt University/Department of Veterans Affairs. In addition, I have been working on my Ph.D. in social psychology at Liberty University. I am an easy-going, down-to-earth person who likes running, watching movies, cooking, and preaching. I speak fluent Hungarian.
THERAPY
Sajida Bandali, MSW
Feeling lost or overwhelmed? We all struggle... I’m Sajida, and in therapy, I will provide a safe and compassionate space for you to explore challenges, learn and develop healthy coping skills, and embark on a journey towards creating a fulfilling life. My aim is to empower you to build on your strengths and discover your own solutions. Everyone is unique, and we can all learn how to increase our capacity to encounter and overcome challenges to create fulfilling lives. As your therapist, I’ll guide you through this process by providing insights, coaching, and a safe space for exploration. You are the expert on your life, and I’ll be honored to support you in reaching your goals. I take a collaborative approach to therapy, working alongside you to identify your goals and develop personalized strategies for success. Whether you’re seeking support for anxiety, depression, or relationship issues, I’m here to listen and guide you on your journey towards emotional wellness.
Having engaged with children, adolescents, and their caregivers, I bring experience and empathy to my work. As a mother of three boys (21, 15, and 3), I’m deeply committed to helping parents cultivate meaningful relationships with their children through conscious parenting practices. I aspire to become a “villager”, offering guidance and encouragement along this shared journey. While every parent desires the best for their children, navigating parenthood can sometimes be overwhelming. I hope you will allow me to assist you to foster enriching connections with your children while ensuring you receive the support you deserve. Parenting can undeniably be challenging; together, we can make it more manageable!
I graduated from Rutgers University with a Masters degree in Social Work along with a certificate in promoting child and adolescent well-being. Like many people, I once struggled to find the support I needed. Taking that first step and seeing a therapist was a turning point for me. The positive impact it had on my own life fueled my passion to help others experience the same benefits. That’s one reason I pursued my degree and became a therapist.
I love being in nature. Some outdoor activities I enjoy include camping, canoeing, hiking, or just walking in my neighborhood! I love traveling with my family, trying out new cuisines, and baking. I also love learning new things, especially as they relate to spirituality. I love listening to podcasts!
COACHING, RELATIONSHIP COACHING
Tore' Castagnier, MBA, MCC
Hello, my name is Tore' Castagnier. I am a Love Coach specializing in monogamous relationships and Ethical Non-monogamy (ENM), a relationship style that allows for multiple partners with the knowledge and consent of everyone involved. With over ten years of experience, I've assisted couples of various dynamics—couples, triads, quads, and tribes. I aim to guide singles in realizing and discovering their ideal relationships based on individual life goals.
My approach is not just about me as a Love Coach, but about us as a team. It's not solely about keeping couples together, but about helping them determine if their relationship aligns with their true selves. Exploring Ethical Non-monogamy (ENM) can be challenging and shouldn't be undertaken alone. That's why I advocate for collaboration with therapists and coaches, offering a holistic approach to achieving love goals.
The traditional perspective of love from previous generations no longer fits our modern world. Self-love is not just important, it's the compass that guides us in our search for love. In my twenties, I embarked on a seven-year journey of self-discovery, strengthening my relationship with myself. This personal journey allowed me to clarify my life goals and envision the kind of relationship I desired. Subsequently, I found that navigating the dating scene and finding my partner became more straightforward.
Recognizing the efficacy of my process, I established my coaching business to assist others in their love journeys. My mission is straightforward: together, we uncover your love goals and develop strategies to hold yourself accountable. Love comes in various forms; not all relationships must adhere to monogamous norms. Whether your love goals involve triads, quads, or tribes, we focus on establishing clear boundaries and achieving shared objectives. By working with me, you can expect to gain a deeper understanding of yourself, improve your communication skills, and develop a more fulfilling love life.
Let's embark on this journey together – speak with me today, and work towards accomplishing your love goals.
CREATIVE MARKETING DIRECTOR
Loriel Merritt, Marketing and Communications
My name is Loriel Merritt, I am the Creative Marketing Director here at Bridging Lyfe! Growing up in the south suburbs of Chicago I have always been passionate about art and different avenues of creativity. Since graduating with my B.A. in Communications, I have worked in several sectors of marketing and digital media including social media and email marketing, user interface design, event coordination, and video production. When I’m not creating my own content I enjoy traveling, cooking and eating, spending time with friends and family.
THERAPY, COACHING
Sonya Hoard, Intern,B.S. Social Work
Hi, I’m Sonya I can’t wait to meet you!” 🙂
There is some relief! Mental health is no longer taboo. You did not stumble across my profile by mistake because I am here to help you along your journey.
My approach is personalized: I believe each individual is unique, and should be heard and I am here to listen. I offer in-person and virtual services.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy: I will incorporate mindfulness practices to help clients develop awareness and acceptance of their thoughts and feelings. I will offer mindful techniques like breathing exercises where you will focus on your breath to anchor yourself in the present. Journaling, mindful observation, and daily mindfulness practice.
I am an active listener. I like to effectively listen to my client in order to understand. I enjoy helping others to find the right path. You are the dictator of your journey. I am here to help along the way.
I recently graduated from GSU with a bachelor’s in social work. I am an intern who has worked with youth aged 8-12 at a True Believers Community Connections center for a short period of time. I interned at Little City foundation with foster care children.
I have my bachelor’s degree in Social Work. I am currently the treasurer for the Social Work Student Organization. We organized a trip for advocacy day in Springfield, IL to advocate for new bills.
I will create a safe environment to ensure that the therapy space feels welcoming and comfortable. This includes both physical space and emotional safety, where clients feel free to express themselves without judgment.
I struggled with low self-esteem throughout my childhood and into my adulthood. I eventually overcame the feeling by surrounding myself with people that loved and cared about me. They encouraged me to look within myself and find my true identity. A trauma class I took as an undergraduate helped me to better understand why I was experiencing low self esteem.