Mary Miller, MSW, LCSW

Education

Mary is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and co-founder

of Touchstone Counseling Services with 18 years experience in

ministry and counseling.

She has her Master's in Social Work from George Williams College at Aurora University and her Bachelor's in Family Social Services from Northern Illinois University. Her passion for counseling grew out of her work with women dealing with life transitions, teens and their families. Her therapeutic focus is dedicated to the needs of individuals, couples, adolescents and families dealing with the stress of daily life, relationship issues, depression, loss, divorce, anger, and anxiety.

Experience

Mary has been employed as Director of Youth Ministry at St. Petronille Church in Glen Ellyn, Illinois since 1995. She has worked as a therapist for the YWCA of DuPage, primarily with women and adolescent girls. As part of her work at the YWCA, she provided group therapy for adolescent girls that offered a safe environment for the teens to express themselves. In addition to processing thoughts and feelings, they were taught to use relaxation techniques, such as Chi Gong, Tai Chi or Yoga in their healing process.

Mary has worked with individuals and families struggling with the effects of divorce. Even though the papers are filed and the agreements are made, family members, especially the children, remain confused, angry and grieving the family they used to have. Working through the emotions is an important aspect of putting lives back on track and leads to more successful outcomes for the children.

Mary incorporporates communication and relaxation skills into therapy, and encourages the use of mindfulness meditation in dealing with stress that often leads to both physical and emotional issues. She believes that an individual's spirituality can offer balance and meaning in their life.

Mary is a speaker for Women at the Well, an affiliate of Alexian Brothers Hospital. Her talks include Mindfulness and Everyday Life, How to Talk to Your Children About Sex, and Raising Children of Faith.

Additional Certifications