M.A., LCPC, Naperville
630-664-7251
Therapeutic imagery, EMDR, addictions therapy, brainwave optimization, indigo children
JeffLucas6251@aol.com | www.isenbergs.com

Services

Describe your services:
I have a style of working with clients that deeply honors and values their inherent capacity to heal and improve the quality of their lives. Simply creating a space for individuals to honestly explore and reflect on their inner thoughts, feelings, and being spurs psycho-spiritual transformation.

EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing)
Transpersonal visualization healing methods
Brainwave Optimization- intensive neurofeedback that balances and restores brain function
Addiction Counseling- individual, couples, and family counseling
Indigo Children- Helping both children and their families cope better and thrive

Issues/Problems

Emotional- recovering from abusive relationships, grief/loss, anxiety/fears, impulse control disorders, anger, eating disorders/cravings, stress
Biochemical-  mood disorders (e.g. depression, bipolar disorder, etc.), brain injury/trauma
Addictions- both substance (alcohol and drugs) and process (e.g. compulsive gambling, shopping, etc.)
Lifestyle- Spirituality, Life purpose, Couple and family, communication skills, mid-life and other problems of adjustment, prosperity, sexuality, career transition
Executive Functioning- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Body- sleep disorders, chronic pain, fatigue, weight management, fibromyalgia

How does your healing modality work?
I use an integrative psychotherapy approach, utilizing techniques derived from major schools of practice in the field: psychodynamic (including dream analysis), family systems, marital therapy, cognitive-behavioral, humanstic/existential, and EMDR.  From these I use the best of what each tradition has to offer.   I further use potent archetypal visualization methods) which promote personal, transpersonal (or spiritual), family, and group/social development/growth.

Many forms of psychotherapy can be classified as ‘conscious mind’ therapies that can only go so far in their effect on the individual. They often do not give lasting results because they do not go deep enough into the subconscious mind to address the root of the problem.  Many therapeutic approaches can be compared to cutting off the weeds at the ground level, leaving the roots still intact, where they can sprout up later given the right conditions. I offer a therapeutic approach that goes quickly to the ‘source’ of the problem in the subconscious mind, pulling the problem ‘out from the roots,’ as it were. This gives lasting results.

I also utilize a powerful computer-assisted technology, brainwave optimization, that  quickly/efficiently addresses brain problems causing emotional/mental challenges, that might be resistant or slower to respond to other psychotherapeutic approaches, e.g. addictions, brain trauma,  traumatic brain injury, etc.  I am the first licensed provider of this advanced technology, developed by Brain State Technologies, LLC,   in the state of Illinois, and have seen dramatic, positive results with clients in many cases.  It offers a definite, quick-acting, non-invasive, non-harming alternative approach to brain challenges.  This approach can also be considered going to the ‘root of the problem’ in the brain, with lasting results.  With this technology, I am literally able to help people change their patterns of dysfunctional brain energy (EEG) for the better.  The technology helps to balance and harmonize brainwaves.  When this balance occurs, problematic symptoms seem to either vanish or become greatly reduced. For example, I have seen alcoholics/drug addicts lose the craving for the substance after 2-3 days of intensive ‘brain training.’

I completely tailor my therapeutic approach to each situation per the needs of the individual/family, seeing which method gives the most leverage and is most viable for the client.  I do not rely on any specific formula, but let the particular circumstances of each client evoke a therapeutic response from me in the here and now.  I believe that every individual has the ability to heal themselves, given enough understanding of their situation, and the appropriate tools to address it.

One could summarize my healing modality as holistic, addressing all levels of one’s being: physical, mental/emotional, and spiritual.

How do you see your services evolving over the next three years?

Working with the ‘new children’- indigo, crystal, and rainbow, and their families
Using brainwave optimization with clients who are eager for growth, trying to become free of the limiting brain conditions they have had to endure, sometimes for many years
Using archetypal visualization methods to help heal and liberate individuals and their families, and the communities in which they live.
Giving presentations on these unique healing modalities and what they have to offer to the local Chicagoland community and humanity as a whole.

Offering our local community, region, and nation a lot of hope for a better, more fulfilling future!

Benefits

What are the benefits/results people see?

Significant reduction or total disappearance of presenting problems, e.g. much improved sleep, much less anxiety, much less depressed, previous addictive behaviors vanish, more fulfilling  relationships in couples and in the family.  Clients feel they are in a better mood, more motivated/energized, more calm and centered, more resilient and much happier.  People also learn to cultivate tools and habits that promote wellness at all levels of being: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.  People learn to make contact with their higher consciousness/self/essence, and deepen that contact as a constant guiding source in their life.   People become more self-confident, self-satisfied, and self-realized.

Why do people come to see you and who might an ideal client be?

People come because I offer them much hope in overcoming their presenting problems.  They are often attracted to me because I offer a viable, unique holistic approach.  They are tired of the ‘same old, same old’ with therapists: they contact me because they have already tried a number of conventional therapeutic approaches that have not worked for them, and are tired of suffering.  Ironically, it is when people are suffering that they are most often ready to make a significant change in their life for the better.  I offer them several therapeutic options that can potentially allow them to make the changes they are hoping for in their lives.

An ideal client is one who collaborates well with me, is as open and honest with his/her communication as he/she can be in the therapy, and is willing to consider and be open to therapeutic recommendations that I feel will be of most benefit to him/her.

What makes you different/good at what you do?
I am the only mental health professional in the Chicago area who is integrating brainwave optimization with my clinical counseling practice. I use a variety of potent tools creatively to help bring about changes at all levels of one’s life.  I have 25 years of dedicated service and experience working with individuals, couples, and families in addressing their addictive and mental health issues.

Being a certified group psychotherapist, I have extensive training in group dynamics: I am able to see client problems from this ‘wide angle’ view, in addition to their individual problems, that helps explain their circumstances from a broader psychosocial perspective.  I take each client on a case by case basis, make a sensitive and thorough assessment of their circumstances, and offer an array of holistic therapeutic options for their condition.  I do not pretend to have ‘all the answers.’  I consult senior and other professionals with much experience who complement what I am already doing.  I am always learning, and am always looking for new and better ways to best serve my clients!
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Philosophy/Approach

Describe your healing philosophy:
Holistic: addressing the physical/brainwave energy, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs of the client

Describe your style or approach:

Integrative, client-centered psychotherapy/counseling

Why do you do what you do?
I feel deeply that I have been ‘called’ by a higher consciousness to serve others through the profession of counseling and psychotherapy.  It is personally and professionally fulfilling to do this work.  As the late, great spiritual teacher Sai Baba once said, “There is no joy greater than service.” Of course, the joy arises most spontaneously, especially as I see individuals, couples, and families lead more fulfilling lives themselves.
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Education/Background

Education/Training:
B.S.-  Psychology, University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana 1982

M.A.- Counseling Psychology, University of Oregon, 1986

Extensive Training and Experience- Certified Addictions Counselor, Illinois

Extensive Training and Experience Group Psychotherapy- Graduate of American Group Psychotherapy Training Program (Chicago, IL);

Certified Group Psychotherapist- CGP (National Registry of CGP’s)

Extensive Training and Experience- Treatment provider for dual-diagnosis (mental health and substance abuse issues), Chicago,IL

Certified Brainwave Technologist- Master Level 1- Brain State Technologies, Scottsdale, AZ 2010

Phyllis Krystal Training Program- Certificate of Completion 2011

I have just completed a 2 year training program in Germany personally with Phyllis Krystal in this method, which has been in existence since the late 1950’s, and has helped many, many people over the years.

Years Professionally Practicing:
25 years

Contributions/Publications:
Two articles published in the past year on brainwave optimization (Naperville Sun, 2/2011) and on parenting in the Chicago Sun Times (9/2011).  In the process of publishing a third article on brainwave optimization and addictions treatment.
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What to expect

Describe a typical session:
When we meet, I generally ask ‘how may I help?’ or ‘where would you like to begin?’  The client can prepare for the first session by being aware of his or her dreams from the time he or she makes the first contact with me.   Often the subconscious will provide a dream in anticipation of the first session that gives a good clue as to what needs to be addressed in the therapy.  The client may keep track of their dreams by writing them down after calling for the first appointment.

The client’s concerns drive the content of their session. He/She can reflect ahead of time on what problems are utmost and most pressing currently in their lives so that there is a focus/direction for the session.  The client expresses in the therapy session what they are thinking about and feeling in the present in their life.  I strive to understand the origins of their problems, and make inquiries about childhood or current interpersonal relationships, in addition to understanding their emotional reactions to these relationships.  I promote a safe, empathic, non-judgmental atmosphere where the client is able to express all kinds of personally and socially unacceptable thoughts and feelings about themselves and their relationships, things they may not express anywhere else in their lives.  The expression of a wide range of feelings is itself quite freeing for the client, and leads to greater self-acceptance.

When clients are able to openly express themselves about their problems, I can, via empathic attunement and inquiry, form a deeper understanding of the origins of the problems, reflect this back to them, as if I were a ‘mirror’, and eventually make the appropriate treatment recommendations based on that for the client.

If the client is open to it, we often do some archetypal visualizations during the session which facilitates the client experiencing greater security as well as relaxing, healing, cleansing, re-energizing/strengthening, and universal loving energies.  Deeper into the therapy, I facilitate the client in ‘cutting the ties’ to any external, limiting conditions- old, useless relationship and behavioral patterns which interfere with their making and maintaining contact with their higher consciousness/higher self/essence.

How long is a typical session?
50 minutes for the usual ‘talk therapy’ session. When I do EMDR, it is 75-80 minutes long.  Each brainwave optimization session is 90-120 minutes.

Describe your office or treatment room:
There are two different offices that I use for psychotherapy and brainwave optimization. Both have the same waiting room area.  The client can come and read/relax in the waiting room before starting their session.

Two offices: psychotherapy office about 11 x 13 ft., painted in light, peaceful blue, with comfortable seating.  Brainwave Optimization office: about 8 x 10 ft. with very comfortable anti-gravity chair and computer equipment. Wall is painted in warm earth tone. Both offices have pictures of nature art that promote relaxation.

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Logistics

Office hours/days of the week:
I work Monday through Saturday, with variable hours mornings, afternoons, or evenings, depending on whether I am doing counseling/therapy or brainwave optimization.

Fee Range
Psychotherapy-$135/hour

Brainwave Optimization- One intensive (generally recommended): 1 assessment and 10 two hour sessions: $1,995.

24 hour cancellation policy for all services, otherwise there is a charge.

Take Insurance?
Yes, I accept insurance.  Insurance usually covers psychotherapy/counseling, and sometimes brainwave optimization (under insurance it is covered as ‘biofeedback’ or ‘EEG biofeedback’).

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Closing Comments

What else might someone want to know about you?
I have extensive experience and abiding interest in the arts, mainly as a musician- singer and instrumentalist (classical and jazz).  I actively continue to participate in this and facilitate my clients participation in their own creative, artistic endeavors as a path towards liberation.

I also have extensive experience with spirituality and meditation.  I have taken several trips to  India since 1985 to explore spirituality at the most universal level  I see my role ‘in the world’ as a facilitator of personal and spiritual healing and transformation to help usher in a better, more fulfilling world for everyone.

I am married for the last 17 years and have a 16 y.o. ‘indigo’ son.
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