Peak Mental Health Counseling
The journey to self-discovery can feel like a mountain that’s impossible to climb. Wouldn’t having a guide to help you navigate that terrain be nice? Well, consider the clinicians at Peak to be your sherpa. We hope to create a relaxed environment where clients can safely process their feelings and emotions without judgment or bias. Our therapists specialize in family building, infertility, grief, and loss and are LGBTQIAA++ friendly.
Services
Intended Parent Psychoeducational Consultations
ASRM (https://www.asrm.org/) recommends psychoeducational consultations for intended parent(s) participating in collaborative reproduction. Our therapists are uniquely qualified to support individuals and couples considering or who have built their families through advanced reproductive technologies (ART), egg donation, sperm donation, embryo donation, gestational surrogacy, and adoption.
Mindfulness and CBT
Incorporating mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with traditional talk therapy allows clients to create more adaptive coping strategies for managing stress and anxiety. We believe that, through yoga, breath work, and contemplative practice, clients are able to uncover the tools they likely already possess to achieve stability and peace.
Michelle Duchin, LCSW
She/Her
Michelle's career began at one of New York City's top-rated infertility clinics, where she screened egg donor candidates and provided psychoeducational support to intended parents. She later developed and implemented their Embryo Donation and Fertility Preservation (Egg Freezing) programs. Michelle's expertise is working with individuals and couples building their families using third-party technology. But she is also interested in working with donor-conceived individuals and supporting parents on their journey of disclosing of gamete conception to their child(ren). Additionally, Michelle managed the onsite counseling program for Boston Consulting Group and is a certified trauma-informed yoga therapist. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and Hebrew from Indiana University and a Master's Degree in Social Work from New York University.
Alicia Denefe, LCPC
She/Her
Alicia’s interest in counseling stemmed from her own personal experience with infertility and adoption. Before working in private practice, Alicia provided counseling and support to individuals and couples using third-party reproductive technology or adoption to build their families. She has also worked with individuals coping with perinatal mood disorders such as postpartum depression and anxiety. Additionally, Alicia has a strong interest in helping folks with navigating life transitions, parenting, aging, chronic illness, and loss. Alicia received her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Notre Dame and Master’s Degree in Human Services Counseling from National Louis University. She also has an MBA from Loyola University.
Jennifer Wolf, LCSW
She/Her
Personal experiences with grief and loss led to Jennifer's interest in the social services field. Her career began providing case management for adults with developmental disabilities and their families before shifting into behavioral health, where she worked with adults with chronic mental illness. In her early twenties, Jennifer learned of a friend's struggle with infertility, which inspired her to learn more about egg donation. She completed two cycles as an egg donor and then began working in the field of third-party reproduction. Her clinical experience has included case management, conducting psychosocial assessments, and facilitating support groups for gestational carriers. Jennifer received her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from DePaul University and a Master's Degree in Social Work from UIC, Jane Addams College of Social Work.