Today we’d like to introduce you to Cassandra Friedman.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Cassandra. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I started out as a high school teacher at Niles East High School, in Skokie Illinois. Although I loved teaching, I realized I wanted to be in a more private setting, full-time, helping adolescence and families work through their issues of anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. I went back to school and received my Masters degree in Human Services and Counseling, with an added concentration in substance abuse, from National Louis University. I furthered my education, receiving a Ph.D. in Human Services and Counseling. Once a teacher always a teacher, I taught Human Services and Counseling at Oakton Community College. Maintaining a private practice and teaching became too much of a load and the after 10 years of teaching I had to unfortunately give it up to attend to the many clients that I saw on a weekly basis
Although near retirement age, I still have passion for my work; at present I have no plans on retiring soon. I have been blessed, and feel fortunate to have helped so many; to date, I have been in private practice for 35 years. I have published to pamphlets, and traveled all across the United States speaking on issues of depression anxiety and substance abuse. The staff at Oprah asked me to bring a group of young adults to talk about, “coming out.” I have done radio talk shows, and even managed to fit four commercials and two television shows on dental implants.
For twelve years, I walked for Alzheimer’s, raising more than 100,000 dollars. I believe in, “Paying It Forward,” thus donating my time to the Magic Foundation and North Shore Hospital.
I am the mother of two grown children, a grandmother of three.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I have been blessed; for the most part, it has been a smooth journey. That said, being in private practice, everything from confirming appointments, returning calls, emails, texts, billing, and handling emergency situations, all fall on my shoulders. Add to the mix doing interventions can bring me over the top.
Please tell us about Cassandra Friedman.
Weekly I see people who struggle with individual, marital and family issues. The base of their struggles range from, teens/college students not doing well in school, mid-life crisis, married couples struggling with their relationships, and dysfunctional families. At the core of many issues, I see cases misdiagnosed, not diagnosed, and of course alcohol abuse, alcohol addiction, Amotivational Syndrome with use of marijuana, medication abuse, opioid and heroin abuse.
I am best known for getting to the core of issues in a timely manner with a quality outcome. As well, I am very involved in a session, providing feedback and practical solutions. Different from others in my field, I am readily available via phone, email and text. I am most proud that after 35 years in private practice I still maintain the passion for my work and compassion for my patients.
Due to the economy, many therapists in private practice had to close up shop. Fortunately, I have maintained a full load of patients.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
I came from a middle-class family, unable to afford tennis lessons for me. I fondly remember summertime, waking up at the crack of dawn, out the door to hit tennis balls against the back wall of my elementary school. A couple of summers past, I would watch the tennis lessons almost every day. One day, the teacher, who noticed me, asked if I wanted to come hit some balls with him. From that day forward, he let me join the class.
Push forward, I entered tournaments, took first place in many, placed number one singles in both high school and college. The first year athletic scholarships were awarded to women, I received a tennis scholarship. I returned to my high school to teach and coach the girls’ tennis team. I also taught private tennis lessons at The Marriott Hotel, Edgewater Club, Skokie and Highland Park Districts.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 847-272-6902
- Email: diamrow@aol.com
Image Credit:
EON Clinics
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