Don Mitckess, LCPC, CRADC from Relief Mental Health discusses TMS Therapy. Don Mitckess brings decades of experience in the mental health field, specializing in substance use disorders, eating disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). As a recognized veteran in the industry, Don leads the business development team at Relief Mental Health and delivers internal and external clinical trainings on crisis management, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and other critical topics. He also works closely with Relief’s clinical team, offering case consultations and developing referral pathways for patients in need of other levels of care or specialized services.

Tracy Teichman, LSW and trauma therapist of Creating Space Therapy, delves into the transformative techniques of Polyvagal Informed Therapy and the Safe and Sound Protocol. With her extensive background in trauma therapy and her certification in the Safe and Sound Protocol, Tracy offers a deep dive into how these modalities can support profound healing and recovery. Tracy is a trauma therapist dedicated to helping adults reclaim their lives from the shadows of trauma. With a blend of personal experience and professional training, she guides individuals toward finding peace, safety, and connection. Through tailored approaches like EMDR and the Safe and Sound Protocol, Tracy supports clients in healing deeply and moving forward with renewed strength and resilience.

Lauren is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and graduated from UIC’s Jane Addams School of Social Work with a concentration in mental health. She’s passionate about working with adults and adolescents wanting to explore anxiety, gender identity, body image and self-esteem, racial and ethnic identity, and multicultural experiences. As a bicultural Latinx therapist, she’s attuned to the unique challenges and strengths that come with navigating the intersections of multiple identities. Understanding the impact of systems of oppression on well-being, her work centers around unlearning shame and promoting radical healing.

Mindfulness based techniques are also integral to her approach. She believes strengthening body awareness is an essential step towards a deeper self connection, managing stress, and cultivating inner peace. In line with this belief, she completed yoga teacher training at Room to Breathe Psychotherapy and Yoga, further enriching her ability to integrate somatic practices into therapy.

Her clinical experience includes working with adults, adolescents, and children both in non-profit agencies and school settings. She’s provided support to survivors of intimate partner violence and sexual assault and approached this work with empathy and sensitivity to address the unique needs of survivors.