Brigid Zarbock, PsyD, HSP, BCBC
“Dr. Z”
Owner of HPC, LLC
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Health Service Psychologist Credential
Board Certified Bariatric Counselor
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Dr. Z attended Roosevelt University, Chicago, where she received her Master’s and Doctoral degrees in clinical psychology. She has trained in community mental health, university counseling, and a forensic setting. She completed her pre-doctoral internship at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Counseling Center, and completed her post-doctoral fellowship at the Illinois Institute of Technology, Student Health and Wellness Center.
Dr. Z started HPC, LLC with a vision to provide specialized services to the community, focusing on community outreach and working to reach underserved populations. As the practice grew, Dr. Z connected with trusted colleagues who shared the same vision, and wished to provide highly specialized services.
Dr. Z believes in transparency, advocacy, and takes a “servant-leader” approach to running the practice-Emphasizing the needs and values of the group first, and creating a working environment in which people feel valued, and, in turn, bring that energy to the clients they work with.
Dr. Z has specialty board certification in bariatric counseling, is a member of the Obesity Society and Obesity Coalition, in addition to being an integrated health member and committee member of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.
Dr. Z started HPC, LLC with a vision to provide specialized services to the community, focusing on community outreach and working to reach underserved populations. As the practice grew, Dr. Z connected with trusted colleagues who shared the same vision, and wished to provide highly specialized services.
Dr. Z believes in transparency, advocacy, and takes a “servant-leader” approach to running the practice-Emphasizing the needs and values of the group first, and creating a working environment in which people feel valued, and, in turn, bring that energy to the clients they work with.
Dr. Z has specialty board certification in bariatric counseling, is a member of the Obesity Society and Obesity Coalition, in addition to being an integrated health member and committee member of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.
Dr. Z’s Specialties and Approaches
I work to provide an open space where you can explore, discover, and heal; a space where you feel safe and understood in order to begin to facilitate the growth you wish for. I aid you in understanding yourself, your choices, and the origins of your interpersonal and behavioral patterns.I approach my work with a warm, down-to-earth, attitude. I appreciate humor and hope to make you feel comfortable as we begin our work together.
I use a variety of therapeutic approaches to my work with clients, emphasizing the best fit for clients. This can include psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, dialectical-behavioral, and acceptance and commitment approaches. I am also well-versed in 12 step work.
I specialize in health concerns/body image, overeating, bariatric topics, trauma, depression, anxiety, family conflict, addiction and recovery, and women's issues. I offer information/treatment/assessments to individuals undergoing or considering bariatric surgery, medical procedures, chronic medical conditions. I work closely with many local hospitals, providing education for bariatric patients and healthcare providers.
I use a variety of therapeutic approaches to my work with clients, emphasizing the best fit for clients. This can include psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, dialectical-behavioral, and acceptance and commitment approaches. I am also well-versed in 12 step work.
I specialize in health concerns/body image, overeating, bariatric topics, trauma, depression, anxiety, family conflict, addiction and recovery, and women's issues. I offer information/treatment/assessments to individuals undergoing or considering bariatric surgery, medical procedures, chronic medical conditions. I work closely with many local hospitals, providing education for bariatric patients and healthcare providers.
Dr. Z has obtained an Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT) from the PSYPACT Commission
This means that Dr. Z can practice telepsychology with patients residing in the following locations:
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Shannon Merkin, LCSW, PMH-C
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Description of image: picture of Shannon Merkin, LCSW, PMH-C
Shannon attended Loyola University Chicago and received her Master’s degree in clinical social work. She has trained in community mental health and has worked in a forensic setting and private practice settings. Shannon is a certified perinatal mental health provider and also holds specialties in clients struggling with trauma, anxiety, parenthood, relationships, and mood concerns.
Shannon Merkin's Specialties and Approaches
I believe that change begins with a strong therapeutic relationship in a safe and supportive environment. It is important to me to provide individuals with a warm and non-judgmental space where they can identify and explore areas of life in which they are struggling. My approach to therapy is client-centered and I strive to help individuals increase life fulfillment and work toward making meaningful life changes. My style is compassionate and engaging and I work to empower individuals during the therapeutic process. My therapeutic style of treatment is eclectic and includes Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). I focus a great deal of my practice on women’s issues, specifically perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. I have extensive training in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders through Postpartum Support International. I have also done training in perinatal loss through Seleni Institute. I am a certified perinatal mental health counselor (PMH-C). I am passionate about working with this population and helping new parents and parents-to-be in navigating the journey through pregnancy and parenthood.
Lauren Dalicandro, LCPC
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Contract Provider
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Lauren is a licensed clinical professional counselor. She attended Ball State University where she received a Master’s in clinical mental health counseling and a Master’s in sport and exercise psychology. She has trained in community mental health and university counseling centers.
Lauren's Specialties and Approaches
My approach to therapy is focused on creating a safe and open environment for you to build awareness and make connections between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It is important for me to build a trusting relationship with my clients in order to create a space for vulnerability. I approach my work as my genuine self which includes kindness, honesty, and an appreciation for humor. I hope you feel my genuineness in our work together. My aim is to create a collaborative relationship where we can focus on achieving your goals. I utilize a variety of therapeutic techniques including, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Solution Focused Therapy. I also use techniques from my sport psychology background in order to help you achieve your goals. I specialize in transitional issues, anxiety, depression, performance issues, and trauma.
Kaitlynn Murguia, LCPC, BCBC
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Board Certified Bariatric Counselor
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Kaitlynn Murguia is a dedicated Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), Board-Certified Bariatric Counselor (BCBC), and nutrition expert with a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition & Dietetics.
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Kaitlynn's Specialties and Approaches
With a passion for empowering individuals and couples on their journey towards mental and physical well-being, Kaitlynn specializes in individual and couples counseling. Having completed the Level 1 and Level 2 curriculum of the Gottman Method, a highly effective form of marriage counseling, Kaitlynn brings evidence-based strategies to her practice to help couples build stronger connections, improve communication, and navigate challenges with resilience.
Drawing on her expertise in bariatrics, eating disorders, and healthy relationships with body image, exercise, and food, Kaitlynn provides compassionate support to clients seeking transformation and growth. She understands the complexities of these issues and offers personalized guidance to help individuals cultivate positive self-image, develop healthy eating habits, and foster balanced lifestyles.
Kaitlynn's approach is rooted in empathy, understanding, and a genuine desire to see her clients thrive. By creating a safe and non-judgmental space, she helps clients explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, empowering them to make positive changes and live more fulfilling lives.
As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Board-Certified Bariatric Counselor, and nutrition expert, Kaitlynn Murguia is dedicated to helping individuals and couples overcome challenges, strengthen relationships, and achieve their goals. With her compassionate guidance and expertise, she is committed to supporting clients on their journey towards holistic well-being.
Drawing on her expertise in bariatrics, eating disorders, and healthy relationships with body image, exercise, and food, Kaitlynn provides compassionate support to clients seeking transformation and growth. She understands the complexities of these issues and offers personalized guidance to help individuals cultivate positive self-image, develop healthy eating habits, and foster balanced lifestyles.
Kaitlynn's approach is rooted in empathy, understanding, and a genuine desire to see her clients thrive. By creating a safe and non-judgmental space, she helps clients explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, empowering them to make positive changes and live more fulfilling lives.
As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Board-Certified Bariatric Counselor, and nutrition expert, Kaitlynn Murguia is dedicated to helping individuals and couples overcome challenges, strengthen relationships, and achieve their goals. With her compassionate guidance and expertise, she is committed to supporting clients on their journey towards holistic well-being.
Carrie Vine, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
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Carrie is a licensed clinical social worker with a graduate degree in social work from Southern Illinois University. Carrie remains dedicated to community work and brings with her years of experience.
Carrie's Specialties and ApproachesI am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with approximately 10 years of experience in the field. At HPC, I specialize in bariatric counseling and and counseling for folks struggling with overeating, eating concerns, body image, and medical conditions.
My additional professional specialties include LGBTQ services, support for people living with HIV, harm reduction, and veterinary medicine. I have personal experience with bariatric surgery, cancer, child loss, Parkinson’s disease, and the challenges faced by military families. I hold a degree in music and am currently completing my master’s in public health, focusing on the aging population living with HIV. As a mother and grandmother, I am also passionate about maternal health, birth inequities, and reproductive justice. Currently, I am enrolled in a maternal mental health course with Postpartum Support International (PSI). In my counseling and therapy practice, I employ a non-judgmental approach, addressing each aspect of a person with compassion and empathy. I am trauma-informed, integrating this perspective into all forms of treatment. I help my clients focus on small, actionable steps toward progress. I primarily utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), as I find these methods to be the most versatile and practical for my clients. My goal is to share my expertise and assist individuals in forming meaningful connections and leading fulfilling, authentic lives. |
Molly Sarmas, BA
Practice Manager
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Molly is the first contact our clients have. Her kind and client-centered approach to administration and practice management makes the first contact a welcoming one. Molly has a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts and she comes to Healing Path Counseling with extensive experience in account management, billing, and business administration. Molly assists patients with the registration process, provides help navigating insurance benefits, and ensures clients are informed and prepared for their appointments. Additionally, Molly is involved in all aspects of running our practice!
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