Our Therapists

Focusing on your strengths to overcome life challenges

Julia M. Rahn, Ph. D.

Owner/Clinical Psychologist

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Margo Abrams, Psy.D.

Clinical Psychologist

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Emily Brown, Psy.D.

Clinical Psychologist

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Cortney Kingsmill, LCPC

Staff Therapist

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Judy Ranniger-Meza, LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

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Amanda Murphy, LCSW, CADC

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

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Kathy Pukszta, MA, LPC

Staff Therapist

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Lauren Roda, LCPC

Child & Family Therapist

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Hallie Rosenthal, LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

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Alexandra Shuman, LPC

Child and Teen Therapist

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Michelle Garcia

Office Manager

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Sophie Goldman, LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

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Sophie Goldman, LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

SophieS@studioforchange.com

773-281-8130 x 818

In today’s world we find ourselves and others around us struggling in silence with feelings of anxiety, depression and/or uncomfortable emotions. Sophie believes that everyone deserves to have a space where they can be heard and seen without judgment or criticism. To work through past emotions and make positive changes, Sophie helps her clients identify their emotions, learn and utilize healthy coping skill, create adaptive routines, set boundaries, improve communication with themselves and others, and develop meaningful relationships.

Sophie fosters a meaningful therapeutic relationship through her nonjudgement attitude, helping clients feel comfortable and secure leaning into and understanding their emotions and behavior. Sophie encourages her clients to find tools within themselves to help overcome life’s obstacles.
Furthermore, she empowers her clients to approach their emotions in a new way without habitually avoiding them. She does this by creating safe space where clients feel supported on their journey of personal growth and change. No matter where someone is at in their life, she meets them there, and together they design an individualized treatment plan to fit their needs.

Sophie has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign and her master’s from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Sophie has been working as a therapist for the past 5 years. She started her career at an outpatient center for women and adolescent girls with
eating disorders performing group, family, and individual therapy. While there she utilized the Unified Treatment Model for Eating disorders in combination with a relational approach to address comorbid mood and anxiety disorders, substance abuse, and trauma. More recently, Sophie has spent the last three years working in private practice. She uses the following therapeutic interventions, CBT, ACT, Unified Treatment Model of Eating Disorders, amongst other methods, to help support clients in their self-discovery and recovery.

Sophie welcomes clients who are struggling to cope in our unpredictable world and may be suffering with high levels of anxiety and depression. Sophie also specializes in the treatment of eating disorders, including Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating Disorder, ARFID, and Body Dysmorphia. In addition, she works with clients who are struggling with ADHD, OCD, Trauma, Women’s Health Issues, Self Esteem, and life transitions.

For fun, Sophie enjoys spending time with family and friends, listening to podcasts, watching Netflix, and working out.

START THE CONVERSATION TODAY

773.281.8130 x818

Alexandra Shuman, LSW

Child and Teen Therapist

AlexandraS@studioforchange.com

773-281-8130 x 810

Alex believes that children and teens need a place that feels safe to explore their inner emotional struggles and understand how these struggles lead to behaviors that make it difficult to adapt and grow in their lives.

Furthermore, she knows that creating a space that allows children and teens to be their authentic self is the key to successful therapy. Through active communication and play, every session is a chance for re-centering, self-exploration, and mindfulness, and over time, the reduction in anxiety, improved mood, and decrease in challenging behaviors. In addition, Alex utilizes a psycho-education approach to help her clients understand what their mind and body are going through and offers strategies to change what is no longer working. This allows her clients to overcome challenges that may come their way in the future.

Alex also believes that the therapy process should be a unique experience for each child and teenager she works with. She understands the complexities of children’s emotions and behaviors and takes the time to look at the person as an individual and tailors her approach based on their needs. Furthermore, Alex strives to make the therapeutic process feel comfortable and nurturing with a focus on setting and obtaining treatment goals that can be met. She connects to her clients through understanding what motivates them and by developing a working and trusting relationship that her clients can depend on.

Alex holds a bachelor’s degree from Bradley University and a master’s degree from Barry University. Alex has experience working as a therapist for 3 years in an array of settings. More specifically, Alex has worked with clients from as young as three to adulthood. Additionally, Alex has experience and interest in facilitating parenting groups that focus on strengthening the parent-child relationship.

Alex is available to work with toddlers, children, teenagers, and their parents providing individual and family therapy. Alex has a specific interest in working with children who struggle with anxiety, ADHD, and other child-behavior problems.

Alex moved with her family from Miami to Chicago at the start of the pandemic. She has had no trouble exchanging the heat of Miami for the unpredictable Chicago weather and is looking forward to experiencing all that Chicago has to offer.

START THE CONVERSATION TODAY

773.281.8130 x810

Kathy Pukszta, MA, LPC

Individual & Couple’s Therapist

kathy@studioforchange.com

773-281-8130 x 814

Kathy believes therapy presents a unique opportunity and experience to feel deeply seen and heard, to process and make sense of innermost emotions and experiences, to recognize and unlock one’s inherent strengths, and to move toward a deeper sense of self awareness and compassion.

She views people as being capable of an enormous range of emotions, thoughts, and experiences, though often they can find themselves feeling stuck. Kathy further recognizes that people are inherently wired for healing given the right conditions. To that end, through her warmth, genuine curiosity, empathy, and grounded presence, she endeavors to create a safe, explorative, validating, and collaborative therapeutic space, one that always honors the unique worldview of the client.

Kathy is passionate about self-discovery and collaborates with clients to build needed skills and inner resources to work through factors that block one’s sense of freedom and motion, to allow oneself to be radically authentic, to pursue what is truly meaningful, and ultimately, to fully engage in life’s journey. She guides clients to examine past and present issues to achieve insights and new patterns that will help clients overcome adversity and promote change toward their unique goals.

Kathy identifies as a strength-based clinician, utilizing a variety of evidence-based practices, including mindfulness, solution-focused therapy, motivational interviewing, feminist therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and trauma/attachment informed therapy.

Kathy holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Northeastern Illinois University and a Master’s degree in Counseling from Concordia University Chicago. She recently received licensure as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP). Her experience in private practice has allowed her to work with a diverse range of populations, supporting adults, adolescents, and families experiencing challenges such as depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, life transitions, identity development, relationship/communication issues, grief, and more.

In her spare time Kathy enjoys hiking and connecting with nature, playing in a tennis league, reading the latest contemporary fiction, and spending quality time with family, friends, and pets.

START THE CONVERSATION TODAY

773.281.8130 x812

Margo Abrams, Psy.D.

Clinical Psychologist
margo@studioforchange.com
773-281-8130 x 802

Margo brings a warm and empathic approach to her work with clients, striving to meet the unique needs of each individual in her care. She views every client as a complex individual with both strengths and areas for growth. Starting with creating a strong and trusting relationship, Margo engages each client in the therapeutic change or assessment process. Margo works with children, adolescents, and young adults providing individual, group, and family therapy.

Margo also provides comprehensive pediatric psychological diagnostic and learning evaluations for children and adolescents. As Margo has had many years of experience working in schools, she is available to consult directly with schools and help advocate for families regarding Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) as well as school behavior plans. She feels strongly that collaborating within the school system is an essential component when working with children. Furthermore, she believes regular communication with parents, schools, and other medical professionals is essential in supporting the child to do their best.

Margo holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and communication studies from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and a doctorate in clinical psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She completed her predoctoral internship and postdoctoral fellowship at a private school in Manhattan, New York. Upon receiving licensure, Margo was asked to stay as a licensed supervising psychologist for the school’s APA accredited training program. She has also worked in other settings including community mental health clinics, outpatient clinics, and a therapeutic day school.

Outside of work, Margo enjoys taking advantage of all the city has to offer! She can be seen walking by the lake, shopping at her local farmer’s market, attending street festivals, and spending time with family and friends.

START THE CONVERSATION TODAY

773.281.8130 x802

Julia M. Rahn, Ph. D.

Owner/Clinical Psychologist Julia@studioforchange.com 773-281-8130 x 820

Over more than twenty years, Dr. Julia Rahn has built a varied career in clinical practice, over the span of which a unifying theme has clearly emerged: to achieve the best outcomes, you must work with the whole person. This is the key to Dr. Rahn’s success in helping individuals and families to define personal goals and to make progress towards those goals. Harnessing the depth and diversity of her clinical experience, Dr. Rahn helps her clients to leverage their strengths to alleviate depression, manage anxiety or other difficult emotions, and to improve relationships with others—as well as with themselves.

Dr. Rahn’s own professional journey has taken her throughout the Midwest, with numerous clinical externships culminating in an internship at the University of Wisconsin, and a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the Illinois Institute of Technology. Dr. Rahn has developed her practice as program director for a pediatric development center, professor of psychology at two universities in Illinois as well as an entrepreneur. As Director of Studio for Change®, Dr. Rahn has sought to create a space within which her clients have access to a rich variety of therapeutic efforts and resources; adding to the Studio’s primary focus on psychotherapy, Dr. Rahn’s practice makes frequent referrals to professionals in nutrition, fitness and hypnosis, and makes frequent recommendations for external resources such as books, art, and social or networking events.

Dr. Rahn is available for speakerships, and has experience in public speaking, television and radio appearances, as well as in publishing for both professional and lay audiences.

When Dr. Rahn isn’t wondering how the world could be a better place to live in and what her role in this change should be, she enjoys participating in spin classes, taking walks by the lake, and visiting her heartland in Northern Michigan.

Please note: Julia is not taking new clients at this time

START THE CONVERSATION TODAY

773-281-8130 x 820

Jodi Daniel, MA, LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker jodi@studioforchange.com 773-281-8130 x 812

Jodi embraces a practical approach to therapy, encompassing a variety of therapeutic modalities, to address numerous emotional issues, including anxiety, depression, adjustment issues, adolescent issues, family dysfunction, LGBTQ issues, OCD, personality disorders, mental health disorders, and trauma. She has worked with individuals, couples, families, groups, and communities.

Jodi knows that we all view life through our own lens, and equally that all our lenses are cracked. Each experience adds a new “crack,” skewing our view (for better or worse) of ourselves, others, and the world around us. Exploring our own, unique context allows space for understanding, acceptance, forgiveness, empathy, healing, growth—and change!

Jodi’s practice begins where the client is at, and remains centered on the client and their strengths. She establishes safety and trust to allow for a collaborative and authentic therapeutic relationship, dynamically re-evaluating as therapy progresses to ensure that the client’s primary concerns and needs are met. Jodi firmly believes that successful therapy not only relieves symptoms but fosters inner capacity and resources to allow clients to live with greater freedom, contentment and possibility.

Jodi helps her patients to understand and accept themselves as the foundation for emotional insight, mood regulation and improved interpersonal patterns and attachment styles. She empowers clients with greater skills for communication and self-expression. Such self-acceptance, emotional insight and skillful communication combine to foster greater empathy for others.

Jodi is available for therapy with individuals (teenagers and adults), couples and families.

Jodi and her husband enjoy sharing their lives with their two mini-dachshunds (their “furry children”). The beach is Jodi’s happy place and she loves traveling as much as possible to broaden her concept of people, herself, and the world we live in.

Our Therapists

Focusing on your strengths to overcome life challenges

Julia M. Rahn, Ph. D.

Owner/Clinical Psychologist

Margo Abrams, Psy.D.

Clinical Psychologist

Emily Brown, Psy.D.

Clinical Psychologist

Cortney Kingsmill, LCPC

Staff Therapist

Judy Ranniger-Meza, LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Amanda Murphy, LCSW, CADC

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Kathy Pukszta, MA, LPC

Staff Therapist

Lauren Roda, LCPC

Child & Family Therapist

Hallie Rosenthal, LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Alexandra Shuman, LPC

Child and Teen Therapist

Michelle Garcia

Office Manager

Sophie Goldman, LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Stay in Touch

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Sophie Goldman, LCSW

START THE CONVERSATION TODAY

773.281.8130 x818

Alexandra Shuman, LSW

Alex believes that children and teens need a place that feels safe to explore their inner emotional struggles and understand how these struggles lead to behaviors that make it difficult to adapt and grow in their lives.

START THE CONVERSATION TODAY

773.281.8130 x810

Hallie Rosenthal, LCSW

Hallie believes that the therapeutic process should be a highly personal and transformative experience.

START THE CONVERSATION TODAY

773.281.8130 x812

Kathy Pukszta, MA, LPC

Kathy believes therapy presents a unique opportunity and experience to feel deeply seen and heard, to process and make sense of innermost emotions and experiences, to recognize and unlock one’s inherent strengths, and to move toward a deeper sense of self awareness and compassion.

START THE CONVERSATION TODAY

773.281.8130 x812

Amanda Murphy, LCSW, CADC

Amanda’s approach to therapy begins with creating a safe and trusting relationship that empowers you to make positive behavioral changes in pursuit of your goals and values.

START THE CONVERSATION TODAY

773.281.8130 x824

Cortney Kingsmill, LCPC

Cortney’s work focuses on helping others to feel empowered and to identify strengths within themselves in order to achieve a happier, healthier state of being. She offers an emphasis on mindful and holistic health and works towards a greater sense of self-awareness and self-love.

START THE CONVERSATION TODAY

773.281.8130 x808

Margo Abrams, Psy.D.

START THE CONVERSATION TODAY

773.281.8130 x802

Julia M. Rahn, Ph. D.

START THE CONVERSATION TODAY

773-281-8130 x 820

Our Therapists

Embracing change by empowering you

Michelle Garcia

START THE CONVERSATION TODAY

773-281-8130 x 802

Jodi Daniel, MA, LCSW

START THE CONVERSATION TODAY

773-281-8130 x 812

Judy Ranniger-Meza, LCSW

In a varied career spanning over twenty years, Judy has worked in foster care, residential therapy, adoption preservation, community mental health and in both group and solo private practice. Her roles in these settings have been clinical, supervisory and administrative.

START THE CONVERSATION TODAY

773-281-8130 x 806

Emily Brown, Psy.D.

With a deep base of experience, Emily brings a focus on mindfulness and self-awareness to her clients, helping each to identify their authentic values and craft lives more fully in line with what is truly important to them.

START THE CONVERSATION TODAY

773-281-8130 x 804

Emily Brown, Psy.D.

With a deep base of experience, Emily brings a focus on mindfulness and self-awareness to her clients, helping each to identify their authentic values and craft lives more fully in line with what is truly important to them.

START THE CONVERSATION TODAY

773-281-8130 x 804

Lauren Roda, LCPC

START THE CONVERSATION TODAY