Ilicia Balaban, LCSW

We all begin the therapeutic journey with our own set of personal strengths and needs. Sometimes our uniqueness promotes creativity, the ability to see things from different perspectives, and drives collaboration. Other times our uniqueness can be terminal- leading to a sense of disconnection, feeling alone in the world, and beliefs that mental health treatment may work for other people but it won’t work for you. If any of this sounds familiar, you are in the right place and YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Therapy is not about “getting over” events and issues; it’s about understanding your triggers and learning how to manage your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors so that you can move forward and continue to build a fulfilling life. My clients often struggle with feelings of emptiness or disconnection from themselves and others. Many feel stuck in one or more areas of life: relationships, career, and identity to name a few. They turn to substance use, negative self-talk, avoidance, and impulsivity to deal with these feelings which may lead to feelings of emptiness, shame, and further isolation. If you’re struggling with regulating your emotions, tolerating distress, and communicating effectively with your environment, then Snowflakes Counseling is here for you. I specialize in working with adults (and some teens) struggling with substance abuse, personality disorders, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, emotional dysregulation, anger outbursts, and other cognitive or behavioral issues. I use a variety of methods including: DBT, CBT, IFS, ACT, and Motivational Interviewing. I excel in meeting my clients where they are and working at their pace. My approach is strengths-based, person-centered, and structured around helping my clients develop insight, get out of “analysis paralysis” and take action. Learn to trust your inner wisdom as we work towards achieving your personal goals. Call or email me today to schedule a free 15 minute consultation.