Julie Blackman, LCSW, Director
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
The therapeutic relationship is a vehicle for growth and balance with support. Discovering how you operate in the world leads to better relationships and decisions about your future. In a safe and nurturing, therapeutic relationship, you can have the freedom to explore who you are and to repair what is keeping you stuck.  Collaboration is a key component to successful treatment, which is why I recognize the necessity to respect your pace and needs during this process. Once you have a better sense of who you are, you will be able to express yourself more genuinely as well as exercise better judgment about relationships and about choices that life presents.

I received my Master of Social Work degree from Loyola University in 1993.  For over two decades, I have worked in a variety of settings including community mental health, hospital and private practice.  At Self Design, I pride myself on finding quality staff for clients that seek our help.  I have been a Clinical Supervisor at Highland Park Hospital Eating Disorder Unit and at Insight Psychological Centers treating those with eating disorders, mood disorders and relationship issues.  My specialties include anxiety, depression, eating disorders, relationship concerns, divorce contemplation/adaption and support in the pursuit of self-discovery and self-awareness.

Rebecca Graham, LCPC, CADC, Clinical Director
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
I believe change and growth occur through a collaborative, supportive therapeutic relationship. The therapeutic relationship and alliance can be a catalyst for increased self-awareness, gained insight, and positive change. By providing a safe and non-judgmental environment, I will work with you to gain a better understanding of yourself and explore change. We will work together to address and process unresolved issues, as well as learn healthier, more effective ways to cope.

I received my Masters in Clinical Counseling from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2009. Since graduating, I have worked in the Community Mental Health field where I gained a broad and diverse range of experience with Group, Individual, and Couples Psychotherapy. I have experience as a Clinical Supervisor as well as training other clinicians on the implementation of DBT and Trauma-Informed practice. My specialties include Trauma and Recovery, Anxiety Management, Stress Management, Mood disorders, Relationship dynamics, Times of Transition, and facilitating Self-Discovery and Acceptance. I also have experience with Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Substance Abuse, Eating disorders, Pain disorders, and issues related to Health and Wellness.

Mackie Berman, LCSW, Staff Therapist
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
While we all have our own unique experiences on life’s journey, we don’t have to go at it alone. I seek to foster an open and supportive therapeutic relationship in order to create a protective space for you to show up just as you are and embark on a deeper level of the healing process. As trust builds, and we tap into our own internal guidance, we can show up radically for life, one day at a time.

I received my Master of Social Work degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago-Jane Addams College of Social Work in 2007, specializing in school social work. Following graduation, I provided comprehensive services to students, families and teachers in the school setting. My experiences in this challenging environment broadened my skillset as a practitioner. Over time, I learned the value of therapy through my own personal healing journey and I realized I wanted to provide therapy for adolescents and adults in the private setting. My specialties include: anxiety, trauma and recovery, eating disorders and relational issues.  My approach includes practicing mindfulness, the principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and play therapy.

Johanna Fierke, LCSW, Staff Therapist
Licensed Clinical Social Worker

I believe that my clients know themselves better than anyone else, so my role is to provide resources and support to help them meet their goals. I invite my clients to feel curious about their internal world and to challenge the internal and external messages that keep them from being who they want to be.

I received my Master of Social Work degree from Loyola University Chicago in 2019. I have worked with teens and young adults for over a decade and have practiced therapy in schools, community mental health, and in higher education.  I also completed extensive training to understand more about the impact of trauma on human development.

My specialties include trauma and PTSD, mood disorders, life transitions, creative industry issues, chronic illness and disability, and working with college students.  In addition, I have experience treating eating disorders, late-diagnosed ADHD and Autism. I integrate many types of therapy in my work with clients, including ACT, DBT, IFT, feminist, narrative, and psychodynamic therapies. I aim to be queer-affirming, anti-oppressive, and neurodivergent-affirming in all of my work, including therapy.