Linda Lazzara, LCSW →

Please note: Each therapist is independently licensed and practices independently of Couples Counseling Associates.

Age 52

I believe that every individual has both the desire and the potential to lead an enriching and fulfilling life. I also believe that we carry this hope into our relationships and our ideas for family life. However, couples often find that these plans are challenged by obstacles that can hinder healthy partnerships from developing.

My approach to couples therapy is a collaborative process aimed at helping partners better recognize the troublesome differences and repeat patterns that cause stress on their relationship. I help couples uncover and develop the strengths that benefit the partnership while facilitating healthy means of communication to foster growth where needed. My style is direct, interactive with an emphasis on helping each partner develop an understanding of their role in the relationship dynamics. Although I have training in multiple treatment modalities, I mainly use Solution Focused Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in my work with couples.

I received my undergraduate degree in Social Work from Northeastern Illinois University and my master’s degree from Loyola University specializing in Child and Family Therapy. I completed my clinical training in Police Social Work, providing counseling services to families in crises with an emphasis on restructuring the family unit. I have obtained certification for Domestic Violence Training.

In addition to my educational background, I feel that my professional life is enhanced by my past personal experience of living abroad and experiencing multicultural family dynamics and presently as a wife and mother for over 3 decades.

My primary areas of interest are working with couples struggling with infidelity recovery and relationship rebuilding, premarital counseling, emotional regulation and anger management, interfaith, multicultural relationships and blended families.