Our Team

Brandy Kenworthy

Brandy Kenworthy, MSW, LCSW is the founder and psychotherapist at Mindworthy Counseling & Psychotherapy. Brandy has nearly 20 years of experience working with adults, couples, teens, and families.

Brandy received her Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from Wayne State University, and her Bachelor’s of Science degree in Psychology at Michigan State University. Brandy is a level two trained EMDR therapist and currently completing her certification in Perinatal Mental Health.

My Approach

You are the expert of you. I’m just here as a helper…a facilitator of the change you want. As a therapist, I enjoy connecting and relating to my clients. I value the therapeutic relationship and believe it to be paramount to the success of therapy. My style is warm and interactive. I am comfortable both challenging my clients and also sharing in their emotions and experiences. I encourage my clients to connect with their feelings while valuing the importance of finding laughter and gratitude in our lives. Therapy should not just be about our struggles but also include our celebrations, successes, and strengths.

It is my hope to collaborate with you and to assist you in developing your goals for growth. I will help you increase insight and develop tools to change problematic patterns, thoughts, beliefs and behaviors to correct the discomfort you’re feeling today. Additionally, if applicable, we will address and work toward healing past traumas. In an effort to facilitate change, I utilize a variety of effective, therapeutic approaches dependent on your needs, interpersonal style and your goals for therapy. These approaches will likely include a mix of several theories including insight oriented psychotherapy, psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, EMDR, and mindfulness practices.

On a Personal Note:

In addition to being a psychotherapist, I am a wife and a mom to three amazing kids. I’d love to share with you a list of impressive hobbies, but I, like many parents, am challenged with making time for personal activities outside of caring for my family. Like you, I am a work in progress and am continually striving for healthy balance and self care! What I can say about myself is this: I cherish my family and friends. I love HGTV, naps, cooking, and rooting my kids on at their extracurricular activities. I enjoy traveling (need more please) and I look forward to adding some interesting hobbies to this list in the near future like possibly yoga, painting, and skydiving…probably not skydiving though!

Patricia (Kamal) Zaretzky

Kamal Zaretzky, MS, LCPC, NCC holds a Masters degree in Clinical Counseling and an undergraduate degree in Human Behavioral Science from National Louis University. She has worked with clients in community mental health and private practice in areas of severe and complex trauma, grief and loss, mood disorders, anxiety, parenting issues, divorce, late-life transitions, relationship issues, and substance use.

Kamal works with both adults and adolescents in individual and family therapy settings. Based on an integrative and holistic approach, Kamal uses aspects of mindfulness, CBT, DBT, Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, existential therapy, trauma-informed, and psychodynamic therapy to meet the unique needs of each client.

My Approach

A dear friend often reminds me that “Life is a Workshop”, a journey during which we may face difficulties, but at the same time learn and grow toward greater levels of self-knowledge, development and wholeness. We are all works in progress, imperfect versions of who we ideally want to become. There may be times during this journey, when having someone to work with you in a therapeutic partnership, can help to regenerate and empower the internal self-reflection and understanding you need to untangle the challenging and sometimes painful emotions, or relationships you may be faced with.

My goal as a therapist is to support you in working past the challenges and obstacles that seem to get in the way of the healing and growth you deserve. I will assist you in this by walking through part of your journey with you, and by creating a warm and safe environment. It takes courage to examine our lives and to work to understand and accept where we are and how we got here. To come to terms with not only what we have gained, but also what we have lost. I will reinforce the progress you make, as you build on your strengths, create more effective ways of coping, and move from surviving to thriving.

I am a trauma-informed therapist, working from a client-centered, psychodynamic and cognitive (CBT) framework. I often utilize mindfulness to create a calm and open space when clients are comfortable with this. My experience includes helping clients with complex trauma, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, loss, grief, life transitions, relationship issues, and substance use disorders. I work with late adolescents and their families, adults of all ages, and couples. My passion is to help my clients find resolution for past conflicts, and to create a future built on purpose, hope, and resilience.

On a Personal Note …

Please feel free to call me Kamal! This is a nickname that I’ve had most of my life.

During my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I focus on maintaining balance in my life with a personal practice of mindfulness meditation and enjoy quiet walks in nature. Of course there is music (all types), and art! I also enjoy traveling to explore new places in this wonderful world we share.

Jordan Lorenz

Jordan Lorenz, MA, LPC, holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and an undergraduate degree in Psychology from DePaul University. She has worked with adult and adolescent clients in private practice and community mental health settings. Jordan is experienced working with clients with a wide variety of concerns, including mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, and self-esteem.

Jordan provides an eclectic approach to counseling to best service the individual needs and treatment goals of each client. She utilizes evidenced based practices including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Internal Family Systems (IFS). Jordan is also Level 1 trained in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy to further assist clients in their journey towards healing from trauma.

My Approach

I tailor my therapeutic services to meet the individual goals and needs of each client. I love to incorporate my personality, smiles, and laughter into sessions to promote genuine and honest relationships. During our time together, you can expect a laidback and supportive environment that helps provide a safe, comfortable, and trusting space to share your concerns. I truly care for each person I work with and want to create an open atmosphere in which you will be validated and empowered.

My approach is directive and will help provide you with skills to create actionable change within your life. Not only do I focus on exploring the impact a person’s past has on their current lives, but I also help provide clients with tools to cope with their present concerns. I utilize interventions and techniques from ACT, CBT, DBT, IFS, Interpersonal Psychotherapy, and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy. I love learning and as such, I am always continuing my education and training to assist my clients in meeting their therapeutic goals.

On a Personal Note …

Along with being dedicated to my career, I am also very family-oriented and love spending time with those I love, especially my partner and my dog. In my spare time I enjoy reading, playing Nancy Drew games, watching television, having movie nights, going on walks with the pup, and exercising. My happy place is either at a music festival or cuddled up on the couch reading a psychological thriller book. Quite different happy places, I know! One of my favorite things to do is smile, so you can expect that quite often when you meet me.

Sonja Sundstrom

Sonja Sundstrom, MA, holds a Masters degree in Counseling & Psychological Services with an Addiction Studies Certificate from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota and an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Winona State University. She has worked in a variety of settings in the field of mental health and addiction including intensive outpatient programming, community mental health, and group home settings. Sonja works with adolescent and adult clients struggling with issues related to addiction, substance abuse and mental health including mood disorders, trauma, anxiety disorders, and self esteem.

Rooted in a person centered approach, Sonja draws from evidence based interventions which include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Motivational Interviewing to support her clients in their healing journey.

My Approach

My number one goal in therapy is to help you feel comfortable being your authentic self, weaknesses and all. I believe that in order to foster an atmosphere of authenticity one must show up authentically themselves, therefore I bring my honesty, compassion, wit and sense of humor into the therapy room. I work hard to provide a safe, supportive and encouraging environment that allows you to explore your goals, strengths and any barriers you may face in your journey toward healing. Exploring vulnerability and acting in tandem with the authentic self can be anxiety provoking yet liberating. I hope to empower you while facilitating trauma informed approaches that allow you a “soft landing” as you come home to yourself.

I believe each individual is the expert in their life, therefore I take a supportive stance in therapy to help you find your own voice and power in your healing. I draw on tools from CBT, DBT, ACT and MI and also enjoy incorporating aspects of mindfulness and meditation practices into my sessions. Furthermore, I enjoy educating on topics related to mental health and substance abuse and come with a myriad of resources from worksheets, to Ted Talks and videos that may supplement your experience in the therapy room. I work with adolescents and adults of all ages struggling with issues related to mental health and/or substance use. My passion is helping individuals find a life that is honest, authentic, and of value to them.

On a Personal Note …

Aside from therapy and mental health, I love spending time with my wiener dog Lucille (who I wish I could bring into the therapy room…but she’d probably steal the show!). I just recently moved into the Chicago-land area, so I love exploring my new home and all the activities the city has to offer. In my spare time, I enjoy cooking, reading, listening to music, and attending concerts and festivals. Humor is my muse and I find laughing to be the best therapy, so I enjoy all the memes and funny videos you’re willing to share!

Max Alvizu

Max Alvizu, MA, holds a masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Roosevelt University along with an undergraduate degree in Psychology and Anthropology from Loyola University. He has worked with adolescent and adult clients primarily in the community mental health field including being a camp counselor at a children and teen summer camp program for several years.

Max has experience working with a wide range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, complex traumas, oppositional defiant disorder, ADHD, and relational issues. He has experience working with clients and families from diverse backgrounds, and is committed to provide culturally responsive care that is tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual client. While Max’s practice is rooted in a Person Centered approach, he also incorporates Psychodynamic Theory, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and the Parts Model from Family Systems Theory.

My Approach

In life, things are going to happen. Thankfully, lots of it will be really good, but there’s no denying there are also challenging times. In those trying times, while difficult to endure, they can also provide us a tremendous opportunity for growth as we learn to overcome adversity and develop resiliency. As your therapist, it is my goal to be there for you through your struggles and triumphs and provide unwavering support and guidance as you navigate this crazy thing we call life.

The therapist-client relationship is unique and powerful, and I consider it an absolute privilege to build relationships with my clients. At its core, I want our time together to be a collaborative and productive process. I hope to serve as a guide that allows you the space to explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in a warm and non-judgemental environment. You are the expert of your own life and I am committed to helping you unlock and tap into your own inner resources to help you achieve your goals and relieve the discomfort you’re feeling.

In our time together you can expect that I will bring a genuine and positive attitude and sense of humor to our sessions. With a theoretical orientation rooted in person-centered, psychodynamic, CBT and the parts model, I will utilize interventions that provide you with actionable change. I look forward to joining you on your journey of healing and growth.

On a Personal Note …

Outside of my career, I think of myself as a fun-loving individual who enjoys spending time with friends and family and is passionate about all things related to movies, television shows, and video games. One of my favorite things to do is laugh, but most of all, make others laugh! So expect some jokes that may or may not land well. Aside from that, my most controversial opinion may be that Star Wars is far superior to Harry Potter… This is something that needs no further explanation!

Marina Bottiglieri

Marina Bottiglieri, MA, LPC, holds a Master’s degree in Professional Counseling and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Texas State University. She is currently working on her PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision at Adler University. She has worked with child, adolescent, and adult clients in private practice, nonprofit, and residential mental health settings.

Marina specializes in childhood grief/bereavement, but also treats a wide variety of mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, life adjustments/transitions, sibling rivalry, social anxiety, and ADHD and anger management in children. She has extensive experience in working with children ages 3+. Marina utilizes an eclectic approach to treating her clients which includes CBT, Solution-Focused Play Therapy, Child Centered Play Therapy, Expressive Arts Techniques, and Sand Tray. Marina is also trained in Tier 1 Clinical Hypnosis.

My Approach

I consider myself to be an integrative therapist. This means that I do not believe there is “one size fits all” so I adjust my techniques and approaches depending on the needs of the individual client. When working with children, I find myself utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy, child-centered play therapy, and solution-focused play therapy. I also use countless expressive arts techniques and other creative interventions. I am trained in sand tray as well.

When working with teens and adults, I find myself utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and psychodynamic interventions. I love bringing playfulness into the session (yes, even with adults!) so I may use sand tray or other creative techniques to get my clients thinking.

I am also trained in Tier 1 Clinical Hypnosis, which I have utilized with clients experiencing stress, anxiety, and chronic pain.

On a Personal Note …

Aside from my career, my life revolves around my little family. I love spending good quality time with my husband and our border collie, Archie. We just moved to Chicagoland from Texas, so our weekends consist of trying new restaurants and checking out our new state! I am a reading enthusiast, so I spend a lot of time cuddled up with a good thriller/mystery and a too-big cup of coffee.

Reality television is my guilty pleasure, so if we need to spend the first few minutes of session catching up on the latest episode of Real Housewives of New Jersey, I will not protest!