I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Illinois and recently launched a private practice in which my area of specialty is supporting people of all ages dealing with a cancer diagnosis or other chronic illness. I also hope to support healthcare professionals in my practice as well.
I just returned from an almost 3 year experience of living and working as a social worker in the Middle East (Doha, Qatar)! I bring even more of a multicultural lens having lived and worked in a Muslim country.
I am a LCSW with over 16 years of experience within both pediatric and adult health care settings. I was a pediatric neuro-oncology social worker and later a radiation oncology social worker and I worked with both children and adults. Throughout my career, I have had the great privilege of working with children and adults and their families coping with cancer and other chronic illness. I have supported clients of all ages from newborn babies to geriatrics and every age in between struggling with anxiety, dealing with challenging medical treatments, navigating hospital systems and adjusting to a new normal. I have seen illness from both sides of the coin, as both a clinician helping patients and as a family member helping a relative. I also particpated in a group private practice working with adults managing anxiety and life transitions.
In December 2017, I made an international move from Chicago to Doha. While abroad, I worked in a newly opened women and children’s hospital. I spent much of my time providing emotional and resource support to parents whose babies were admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Many families shared that they had never worked with a social worker and having extra support during such an incredibly stressful time was so valuable. Being able to explore life and community in a different country was a most profound experience! I lived and worked with people from all over the world and gained valuable insight into multicultural practices and beliefs.
In August 2020, I relocated back to Illinois and, after getting settled and sorted, decided to begin my private practice. My experiences over the last several years have truly led me to become the therapist I am today.
I have a genuine interest in helping others. Learning about and listening to someone’s story is truly a privilege. Throughout my career, I have had countless children and their parents and adults and their families share their stories. Through an experienced and thoughtful lens, I bring a sense of calm and clarity to my sessions with clients. Perhaps, most importantly, is that I understand that life continues to move forward even when someone is faced with crisis. And, often, amidst trying times, there are wonderful and joyous moments too.
My approach is both collaborative and supportive with a bit of humor thrown in for good measure. I draw primarily from cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, family systems, and strengths-based practices. I also utilize mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques.
ACCEPTS VIRTUAL CLIENTS
[email protected]
ginabaldacci.com
847 450 7770
Chicago, Illinois
Illinois License Number 149012354
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