“Ohana means family. Family means nobody gets left behind.”–Lilo & Stitch

I am Wendy Cohen, Founder of Family Matters Therapy, and my passion is helping families. That is my life's work.

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and have served in the mental health field in Chicagoland for 25 years. For 15 years of my career, I worked at Misericordia Home with individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families. Later, I worked at The Cradle, serving families through the practical and emotionally agonizing pre- and post-adoption process.

Before establishing my practice, I worked for five years in North Shore schools with K-12 students, learning their social-emotional and executive-functioning needs. I helped children and adolescents set goals, learn skills to manage their moods, and regulate their behavior for success in and out of the classroom. At the high school level, I practiced college and career counseling. As a counselor in a school with a large caseload, I saw many students in crisis or post-trauma and helped them and their families heal from difficult experiences.

Personally and professionally, I learned how to navigate the school system to gain support through IEPs and 504 plans. In addition, my school experience enables me to converse with teachers and administrators—and advocate for children.

No client is an island but a connected member of a family, so I often practice therapy with parents or spouses, and siblings.

My style is practical, focusing on solutions. I am creative and find it essential to evaluate each client’s unique needs in the therapy office. For example, I often use hands-on therapy, such as making art or playing, to help with expression and focus.

I have walked in the shoes of a single mother, breast cancer survivor, and co-head of a blended family. Currently, I am married to my incredibly supportive husband and am a stepmother of three college-aged daughters. My daughter is college-bound. In my home, I know the sounds of the slamming doors and stomping feet. And I know how eye rolls can change the mood around the dinner table—and more. Parenting does not come with instructions. It is mysterious. But, the smallest successes can produce a profound sense of accomplishment. Helping parents find their way through counseling and walking along side of you through that journey is my mission.

My practice offers individual counseling, family and couples counseling, parent coaching packages, and executive functioning coaching.

If you are interested in taking the first step with a free 15-minute phone consultation, please send an appointment request. I look forward to talking to you about how I can help you in your search for support.