Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Herzog, LMFT, CST.
Michelle, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My path towards becoming a relationship and sex therapist started when I was taking an introduction to Psychology class at DePaul University. In that class, I was introduced to two fields of therapy I knew nothing about; marriage and family therapy and sex therapy. As someone who has always been fascinated by the intricate dynamics of human relationships, I did a little digging and made the decision to pursue a career in both fields. It was the best decision I had ever made.
My time at DePaul was dedicated to everything relational. Classes, papers, extracurricular were all focused on improving my knowledge base in relationships and sexuality. As I entered my graduate program at Northwestern University, I made it clear that my goal was to become a certified sex therapist, a goal I had set for myself when I was a 19 year old undergrad student.
My first job out of graduate school was at the Center for Mindful Living (CFML), a company I now own and operate. My first years working in private practice were spent honing my therapeutic skills, developing sub-specialties in sexuality, and working towards the requirements needed to become a fully licensed clinician and AASECT certified sex therapist. My mentor and the founder of the CMFL, Emily Harrell, had made the decision to leave Chicago and move back to her hometown in 2015, which presented me with a unique opportunity. After much deliberation and planning, I had made the decision to purchase the Center for Mindful Living from Emily in 2016.
Today, I have taken steps to rebrand the company and turning it into my own vision. This vision includes bringing on additional therapists to serve our community. In addition to my private practice, I have co-founded the Great Lakes Sexual Health Alliance in 2016 with a group of badass colleagues who are also dedicated to promoting accurate sexual health. I am passionate about the work I do and am grateful to have been given the opportunities to use my skills to help those in need.
Has it been a smooth road?
Building a business will always come with obstacles, but I have found that things have run pretty smoothly thus far. One thing I have experienced from people outside of the mental health community is the lack of understanding about what my work actually entails. Unfortunately, accurate sexual health information is not made available to large parts of the population. We also are not always taught how to create and maintain healthy and loving relationships. Luckily for me, I really enjoy educating about the work I do as a sex and relationship therapist and am happy to share my knowledge to anyone who is curious. I think it’s important for people to know that this kind of service is an option and that support is available.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Center for Mindful Living story. Tell us more about the business.
The Center for Mindful Living is a private practice specializing in relationship and sex therapy. We provide counseling services to individuals and couples who need support, guidance and alternative solutions to life’s everyday challenges. Our practice is specifically known for the integration of mindfulness strategies. These strategies are vital in living a life that is connected to ourselves and to the ones we love. We firmly believe that a healthy state of being starts from within and requires a deep sense of self awareness and integration. As therapists, we are honored to assist our clients in their process towards personal growth and relationship happiness.
Our practice standard is extended sessions for couple’s therapy, which is a service that sets us apart. We also offer private weekend intensives to couples who are looking to achieve their goals in a short amount of time. These intensives are customized for each couple and include in office therapy and out of office intimacy building exercises. Outside of the office, Michelle enjoys presenting on the topics of female sexuality, modern dating, mating and love and cultivating healthy and loving relationships.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
The mental health industry will continue to grow, which is an absolute need for a large portion of our population. The sex therapy field in Chicago is steadily growing and will mostly likely double in the number of certified professionals within the next few years. Currently, there are roughly 20 AASECT Certified Sex Therapists in the Chicago area, which is not nearly enough to serve the city’s population. As our industry grows, we are looking at more access to specially trained experts who can provide a level of service that is necessary to our personal and relational health.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1300 W. Belmont Ave.
Chicago, IL 60657 - Website: www.liveandlovemindfully.com
- Phone: 312-813-7701
- Email: info@liveandlovemindfully.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chicagosextherapist/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liveandlovemindfully/
Image Credit:
Headshot: Kathleen Virginia
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