606 WELLNESS
Walk and Talk and In-Office Therapy
606 Wellness, LLC is a holistic mental health practice serving adolescents, adults, and families in Bucktown/Wicker Park/Logan Square neighborhoods of Chicago. I believe that our connections to others, our environment, nutrition, exercise, and mindfulness, are often the best prescription for social, emotional, and physical well being.
We don't have to do all of it alone. We were never meant to.
Brene Brown
MARLA VENDER, LCSW
This isn't just a job for me, it's a calling. I live by the values that all humans are deserving of love, compassion, dignity, fairness, equality, respect and independence. I believe that all of us are entitled to these basic human rights and more. Social work has allowed me to put these values into action.
I received my master's degree from The University of Chicago in 1997. For more than 20 years, I've worked with adolescents, families and adults, in private practice, and in schools. My experience as a School Social Worker for CPS has brought me face to face with people from almost every continent, religion, race, and ethnicity. Diversity isn’t a buzzword I use to check all the boxes.
I think systemically and I'm keenly aware of how the intersection of economic status, race, religion, gender, sexuality, social class, and education influence our relationships with ourselves, family, friends, partners, and communities. I've worked with people of privilege, people of average means, and people marginalized by their race, religion, economic status, gender, sexuality, class, and education. Each encounter deepens my commitment to my values, and affirms my purpose.
SERVICES
ADOLESCENT THERAPY
Adolescence is not a disease, but teens face many complex issues, now more than ever. They often say they feel voiceless, misunderstood, or shamed, by the adults in their lives. Teens want someone to talk to about the changes and pressures they're experiencing, someone who won't dismiss their feelings, judge, or preach. Someone who is not their parent. I understand the many challenging dynamics of adolescence, including teens who are gifted, talented, LGBTQIA, are on the spectrum, have ADHD, or learning differences. I’m here to help your teenager effectively navigate the bumpy road of adolescence.
INDIVIDUAL THERAPY
Nobody's childhood dream is to grow up to feel anxious, depressed, stressed out, or stuck. Friends and family listen, but sometimes it feels like too much, so you’ve been keeping things to yourself more and more. My goal is to help you feel better quickly, while we work toward creating long-lasting change. You can expect me to use an approach that may include mindfulness, ACT, CBT, EMDR, Narrative, and Psychodynamic therapies. I will not ask you to do anything I wouldn’t do. I’m flexible, easy going, and I do not give up easily. I focus on strengths, and look at positives. Knowing what happened to you is important and necessary, but I don’t believe there’s something wrong with you. If you can't believe this for yourself yet, I'll believe it for you until you do.
WALK AND TALK THERAPY
Walk and Talk therapy is the same as therapy in an office, except walking side by side instead of sitting face to face. It may be right for you if you're uncomfortable sitting in an office, expressing difficult feelings, sitting still, or you prefer to be active and outdoors.
Walking and therapeutic support in the outdoors around nature can be meditative and more grounding.
It is a good choice for people going through a crisis or life transition, have anxiety, are dealing with trauma or experiencing loss or grief, as well as other challenges.
Research shows that physical activity can enhance mental and physical health, and reduce levels of depression and anxiety.
Walking helps clear the mind, and naturally improves mood
Improves blood flow to the brain
Lowers stress levels
Decreases symptoms of depression and anxiety
Improves self-esteem
increases energy, enhances creativity and problem solving
helps boost memory cognition learning, reading ability
reduces chronic pain
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Not limited to:
Anxiety
Depression
Trauma
ADHD
Executive funtioning
Stress
Life transitions
Self-Esteem
Body Image
Identity
Perfectionism
Work/life balance
Grief and loss
Self-harm
Medication tapering
Medication withdrawal
Motherless Daughters
Relationship issues
WHAT MY CLIENTS ARE SAYING
CONTACT ME
You may call, email, or book your appointment online via the client portal: https://marla-vender.clientsecure.me
606 Wellness is conveniently located, and is a short walk from The 606 trail, the Damen, and Western Blue Line stops, and the North Avenue, and Western busses. There is free parking available on Western.
773-569-0213