BEAR PALLASCH, MAAT, QMHP

AREAS OF FOCUS

• Addiction, Alcohol Use & Substance Use
• ADHD, Autism & Neurodivergence
• Chronic Illness, Pain & HIV / AIDS
• Domestic Abuse & Violence
• Eating Disorders & Body Image
• Family, Peer & Relationship Conflict
• Gender Exploration, Expression & Identity Affirmation
• Grief & Loss
• Kink, Sex Positivity & Sex Work
• Mood & Personality Disorders
• Self-Harm & Suicidal Ideation
• Sexual Abuse & Violence
• Social & Restorative Justice
• Stress & Coping
• Transgender & Transitioning
• Trauma & PTSD
• Veterans Issues

PHILOSOPHY

I believe we are always in a process of “becoming.” Therapy is about continually learning to forge connections, release borders, and reaffirm that life is transformation. There is no single perfect, all-encompassing recipe for understanding the complexity of people’s experiences and identities. I know how important it is to approach therapeutic practice through an intersectional lens, allowing for this complexity to breathe and flourish.

THERAPY WITH ME

Healing is a powerful practice, and therapy is a unique space of healing we create together – for you, and with you. I believe in using a holistic, integrative approach to support your goals, identify and build on your strengths, and challenge you to live as your best self. I use a wide variety of counseling techniques to help you reach your goals and to address your unique needs. Additionally, I am an art therapist, so if you’re game, I love to incorporate creative elements into our work. While I know this approach isn’t for everyone, if you’re open to it, art can be a wonderful way to express yourself when finding words isn’t easy.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

License:

• Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate
  Practicing under the supervision of Dr. Kristin Kazyaka, PhD-L (License No. 071010178)

Degrees:

• MA in Art Therapy & Counseling, School of the Art Institute of Chicago
• Bachelor of Fine Arts, School of the Art Institute of Chicago

TYPES OF THERAPY

Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Art Therapy, Attachment-Based Family Therapy (ABFT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Culturally Sensitive Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Existential Therapy, Feminist Therapy, Group Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Mindfulness-Based Interventions, Multicultural Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy (Rogerian Therapy), Process Oriented Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Strengths Based Therapy (SBT), Trauma Informed Therapy.

CLIENTS I WORK WITH

• Individuals (Children, Adolescents, Adults, Seniors)
• Families (Chosen, Family of Origin, Single Parents)
• Relationships (Couples, Open, Polyamorous/Polycule, Premarital, Separation/Divorce)