As the weather begins to change and days become shorter, curling up with a book starts to feel particularly appealing. We would like to share with you what some of the members of our team are reading for comfort, exploration, growth, and knowledge in hope that this inspires you! Amanda Matousek: I’m reading “How to…
I am a co-founder of Wildflower Center for Emotional Health where I practice as a psychotherapist and oversee our business operations. Ever since I can remember, I have felt inspired and intrigued by individuals’ stories and the infinite ways that people move through the world. My personal history and my professional work continue to remind me that change and healing are possible and that we always have the opportunity for transformation. I have extensive training and interest in perinatal and reproductive mental health, trauma, sex therapy, grief and loss, and evidence-based treatment of mood and anxiety disorders. I truly believe we all “do” our best with the understanding that sometimes we may need additional support from others to “be” our best. In psychotherapy, I strive to provide a safe space for my clients to move toward their best self by exploring their past, becoming more aware of their present, and understanding what changes they can make to create hope for the future. I recognize that therapy is unique to each person and can be uncomfortable, meaningful, painful, peaceful and everything in between. I earned my Bachelor’s degree from Boston College and worked at a large non-profit in New York City before relocating to Chicago where I received my Master’s degree in clinical social work from the University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration. I believe in the unmeasurable impact of connection and authenticity in the healing process. I genuinely enjoy and regularly seek ongoing training through attending conferences, reading relevant literature, and attending clinical consultation with colleagues. I am currently in the process of obtaining certification as a sex therapist. My most fulfilling professional endeavor has been co-founding Wildflower which provides the opportunity to merge my passion for clinical work and serving others with my love of entrepreneurialism. LCSW License Number: 149014373 Type 1 NPI Number: 1750638292 Accepts: BCBS PPO and BlueChoice plans, self-pay and out of network clients Pronouns she/her/hers Selected training and affiliation Certified Perinatal Mental Health Clinician Sex Therapy Certification program, Modern Sex Therapy Institutes Post-graduate PPD training, Postpartum Stress Center Bringing Baby Home Educator Training, Gottman Institute The Institute on the Relational Treatment of Trauma training, Womencare Counseling Training Center Extensive DBT and ACT trainings Presentations and Facilitated Trainings Like a Mother: Clinical Implications of Providing Psychotherapy as a New(er) Mom Key beliefs Change is always possible. People need and deserve to feel seen and heard. We do the best we can ...and our best can get better! More about me I cherish my garden and all time spent outdoors. I enjoy bringing people together. I can’t imagine life without audiobooks.
Wildflower’s Eden Himidian, LCSW, RYT Assumes New Director of Education and Professional Development Position
We are pleased to announce that Eden Himidian, LCSW, RYT will be assuming the position of the Director of Education and Professional Development as of September 8th. In her role, Eden is responsible for the planning, oversight, and implementation of the educational and training agenda for the Wildflower team, the broader professional community, Wildflower’s client…
Preeclampsia Foundation Champions for Change 2018 Summit
Preeclampsia Foundation is a tremendously impactful nonprofit organization whose mission is to: “reduce maternal and infant illness and death due to preeclampsia, HELLP syndrome, and other hypertensive disorders of pregnancy by providing patient support and education, raising public awareness, catalyzing research and improving healthcare practices.“ The Foundation convened its community of experts, patients, and dedicated volunteers for the 2018…
Mindfulness Challenge: Day 9
LOVING-KINDNESS MEDITATION Now, perhaps more than ever, we are faced with messages of hate, rejection, fear and exclusion. I experience visceral reactions when hearing said messages spoken by our leaders, the media, people in our communities and beyond and notice the impact on both my physical and emotional wellbeing. Changing these messages must begin at…
Mindfulness Challenge: Day 7
LETTING GO OF SELF-IMAGE Our self-focused culture emphasizes the importance of self-image and constantly sends us messages of how we should look, should act, should be. This proves to be exhausting! Today’s practice is inspired by a quote from Pema Chodron which beautifully explains what we are missing when we live our lives entrenched in…
