About Our Team
Help is near
We are a team of clinicians that specialize in the treatment of sex and love addiction,
including the use of compulsive pornography, partners affected by this behavior, codependency
as well as post-traumatic stress disorder.
We appreciate what it takes to receive treatment and are collaborative, directive, compassionate,
and empathic with our clients.
We appreciate what it takes to receive treatment and are collaborative, directive, compassionate,
and empathic with our clients.
Cynthia Reetz
MA, LCPC, CSAT-Supervisor
Cynthia is a licensed clinical professional counselor that believes her purpose
is to guide individuals and couples toward relief and recovery. She is trained and
skilled in the treatment of sex and love addiction, healthy sexuality, family of origin issues, other
process addictions, codependency, depression, anxiety, traumas, relational and parenting challenges.
Cynthia specializes in working with partners of those experiencing sexual addiction.
To promote healing, Cynthia utilizes an integrative method that begins with a
fundamental appreciation of attachment theory, deep empathy and compassion,
experiential work, a task centered approach, Eye Movement Desensitization
and Recovery (EMDR), and healing within the mind/body connection. In working with many
individuals and couples that have been impacted by sexual addiction, she has come to
appreciate the deeper level of intimacy and healthy sexuality the couple can experience.
She has worked with many couples through the process of Sexual Reintegration Therapy (SRT),
and has witnessed the healing that occurs within each person at a fundamental level. She has
developed and facilitates intensive outpatient programs as well as experiential and task focused
therapy groups. These programs provide a safe space to challenge old patterns providing each person
with the opportunity to create real change in their lives and relationships. Cynthia received
her Master of Arts in Counseling from the Adler School of Professional Psychology in 2008 and has
been practicing throughout the Chicagoland area since then. She completed her Bachelor’s Degree in
Psychology from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2005.
Cynthia provides services in the Wheaton office and can be contacted via her email: cynthia@willowclinical.com
Gary Dec
Psy.D., CSAT, CMAT
Dr. Dec has been in the practice of Clinical Psychology in the Chicago
western suburbs since 1976. He received his Bachelor’s Degree from Western
Illinois University in 1974, his Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from
Indiana State University in 1976, his Psy.D. from Indiana State University in
1984, and is an active member of the Chicagoland Psychological Treatment community.
In addition to treating general psychological and relationship concerns, he has
specific expertise in the behavioral and cognitive-behavioral treatment of anxiety
disorders, and maintains expertise and certification in the treatment of addictions
and in particular, sexual addiction. Dr. Dec is a licensed Clinical Psychologist
in Illinois and a member of the American Psychological Association. He is a Certified
Multiple Addictions Therapist (CMAT) and a Certified Sexual Addiction Therapist (CSAT)
through the International Institute of Trauma and Addictions Professionals (IITAP). He
received his training and certification in the treatment of sexual addiction directly
from Dr. Patrick Carnes.
Dr. Dec provides services in the Wheaton office and can be contacted via his email: gary.dec@garydecpsyd.com
Laura Lucas-Silvis
MS, LPCC, CSAT
With experience spanning over 35 years, Laura offers a dynamic treatment approach which integrates a variety of
methods addressing the unique needs of each client. These include Sensorimotor
Psychotherapy Trauma Treatment, Hakomi, Internal Family Systems, Satir Family
Therapy, Gestalt, and Dr. Patrick Carnes' Task-Centered Model for sex addiction
treatment. The heart of her work focuses on mindfulness as a way to attune to oneself
and others in order to cultivate emotional, physiological, and relational well-being.
Laura works in partnership with clients as she guides specific activities which may
include psycho-education, safe emotional discharge, inner dialogue, movement, meditation,
or guided relaxation. Significant family members may be invited to participate in couple
or family counseling, including those in nontraditional relationships. Laura specialtizes in sex and love addiction
and trauma resolution, including childhood and adult attachment injuries. Her Somatic Trauma
Treatment for Partners is a unique model which
supports healing the physiological as well as psychological impact of discovering the betrayal
of sexual acting out. Laura is also a Professional Clinical Counselor in MN, CO,
and OH. She is a member of the American Counseling Association, the National Board of Certified
Counselors, the Minnesota Counseling Association, and the Society for the Advancement of
Sexual Health.
Laura provides services in the Wheaton office and can be contacted via her email: laura@willowclinical.com
Sanya Syrstad
MA, LCPC, CSAT
Sanya is a compassionate, and seasoned licensed clinical professional counselor with experience
helping individuals and couples who struggle with sexual and love addiction. Neuroscience tells us
that trauma and addiction impact the brain in negative ways creating difficulty in our lives. Sanya
uses a treatment modality that was created by Dr. Patrick Carnes to address these issues in a way
that makes lives more positive and functional. Through the skills learned in this model, people gain
more fulfilling relationships and increased life satisfaction, as well as better decision making. Sanya
believes in creating a safe, respectful and empathic environment in order for clients to create a
better life vision that leads to a newly found peace and sense of connectedness. That is a
fundamental privilege of every person.
Sanya also facilitates group therapy sessions on a weekly basis. Group therapy is a powerful way to
practice connections and life skills that are necessary to heal the addiction. When working through
issues, Sanya takes a look at different aspects of Self as well as the person’s environment. That
includes examining lifestyle habits, values, beliefs, motivations, physical habits, attachment styles,
and personal history. Sanya believes that personal change is an internal as well as external
experience and we are always moving toward some things and away from others. In addition to Dr
Patrick Carnes’s Task oriented model, Sanya is also trained in mindfulness, emotionally focused
therapy, radical acceptance and Neurolinguistic programming (NLP). Sanya adheres to the
philosophy that there is a close correlation between the mind and the body which is often overlooked
in therapy. Physiology plays a prominent role in how it impacts our state of mind more than many
people would consider. Keeping this in mind, in conjunction, with emotional challenges is important.
This is how we become more peaceful and tend to restore our natural tendency towards health and
well-being.
Sanya is fluent in Spanish, Italian, Serbian and Croatian. She is a top ranked nationally age-group
triathlete and has qualified to represent Team USA four times in World Championships. She is a
current member of Team USA and recently placed 2nd in the world for her age group. Last year she
represented Team USA in Switzerland. In addition Sanya enjoys reading, helping animals and
practicing Reiki.
Sanya provides services in the Wheaton office and can be contacted via her email: sanya@willowclinical.com
Aaron Subich
MA, LPC, ASOP, CMAT, CSAT
Aaron is a compassionate therapist with advanced training in multiple
therapy modalities that address a wide range of sexual behavior and its
challenges including overcoming compulsive behaviors, resolving trauma,
repairing relationships, and dealing with legal ramifications. Aaron is
committed to the use of evidenced-based treatments and naturally weaves
together neuroscience, creativity, and approachable media to facilitate
better communication, help clients gain insight, and make changes that
lead to desired growth. In therapy, Aaron utilizes a cognitive behavioral
approach that is also person centered, mindful, trauma informed, and
considers polyvagal, attachment, family systems, and developmental theory.
He has a master’s of science in communication from Northwestern University
and a master’s of arts in clinical mental health counseling from the University
of the Cumberlands. In addition to being a Licensed Professional Counselor
and Associate Sex Offender Provider, Aaron is a Nationally Certified Counselor,
a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT) and a Certified Sex Offender Treatment Provider (CSOTP).
Aaron firmly believes in the dignity, worth, and value of all people and prioritizes
relationship with his clients. He understands that all people have made choices that are
inconsistent with their values but also knows that it is possible to grow from these experiences
and become who we most want to be. Aaron considers it a great honor and privilege to walk alongside
people who undertake that heroic journey as he also unashamedly describes himself as a person in
long-term recovery from addiction. He is available to speak or write about his own experiences in
both recovery and the treatment of addiction.
Aaron provides services in the Wheaton office and can be contacted via his email: aaron@willowclinical.com
Yakov Danishefsky
MA, LSW, CSAT
Yakov believes that everything we do is our internal system’s best attempt at self-care. Through this lens, Yakov relates to his client’s with curiosity, compassion, and deep sensitivity. His focus on working with Sex Addiction and intensive training as a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist Candidate emerges from exactly this perspective. That addictions, most often, emerge as a sort of coping mechanism, albeit damaging in the long term. Along with empathy, Yakov believes that therapy entails honest observation and he does not shy away from uncomfortable conversations. His clinical style is warm, personable, and integrative. He utilizes DBT, ACT, Somatic Experiencing, trauma-informed parts-therapy, EMDR, and Dr. Carnes' Task Model. He has experience working with sexual addictions, trauma and betrayal trauma, relationship/marital struggles, obsessive thinking, and life-adjustment issues. Yakov lives in Chicago with his wife and children.
Yakov provides services in the Lincolnwood office and can be contacted via his email: yakov@willowclinical.com
Eli Brand
MS, MSW, Associate Sex
Addiction Therapist - Candidate
Addiction Therapist - Candidate
Eli utilizes his warm and compassionate nature to provide a sacred space in which one can experience deep healing of the mind, body, and soul. Eli strongly believes in the capacity of all human beings to live their lives from a place of wholeness, joy, and peace. Eli has a deep appreciation for the importance of emotional awareness, self-honesty, and healthy sexuality and intimacy, and recognizes the unique difficulties and challenges for men in today’s culture to achieve these. Thus, Eli is passionate about creating a space in which one can do this profound work. In conjunction with Dr. Carnes's Task Model for the treatment of sex and love addiction, Eli integrates experiential approaches such as Somatic Experiencing, psychodrama, mindfulness, meditation, and parts-reintegration work. Additionally, Eli adopts techniques and tools from modalities such as Motivational Interviewing, CBT, and DBT. Eli has had the opportunity to work with children, adolescents, and adults in both individual and group settings. Eli is grateful and honored to join individuals in their journey toward healing and hope.
Eli provides services in the Lincolnwood office and can be contacted via his email: eli@willowclinical.com
Office Support
Cheryl
Office Manager
cheryl@willowclinical.com
Michelle
Project Manager
michelle@willowclinical.com
Office Locations
2150 Manchester Road, Suite 110
Wheaton, IL 60187
6600 N. Lincoln Aveune, Suite 230
Lincolnwood, IL 60172
Connect
Email: info@willowclinical.comPhone: 630.752.9874
Fax: 630.752.9875