Family Counseling

Community Counseling and Services (CCS) is a leading therapeutic service for children, families and adults. A division of The Larkin Center, CCS offers individual, group, family and child/adolescent therapies. CCS also offers therapy programs with unique approaches to treat emotional and behavioral disorders and to reach individuals unresponsive to traditional therapies.

Traditional Therapies

Children and Adolescents

Adolescents and children are challenged in many ways. Some have difficulty with friends and family, while others face problems with parents’ divorce, gangs, violence or past traumas, such as abuse. As a result, some youth choose risky behaviors, such as skipping school; fighting; or drugs and alcohol. Other kids choose to isolate themselves, have difficulty making friends or refuse to communicate. 

     Kids are often confused by their own behavior and don’t know how to answer questions like “What is wrong?” or “Why do you behave this way?”Parents can be as confused as the child, feeling hopeless and frustrated by the child’s inability to “do the right thing” or change behavior. Knowing when to seek help is often a difficult decision for many parents.Parents must decide if the kid’s behavior is “part of growing up” or if the behavior is getting worse regardless of efforts to change it. 

     One key to deciding if help is needed is to determine if the child’s behavior is a one-time incident or a developing pattern. Another key is to know when a child or adolescent is headed toward more serious behaviors, such as violence toward people or animals; crime; or suicide.  CCS is a trusted partner in the wellbeing of children and adolescents and helps parents make quality decisions about a child’s behavior and treatment. Licensed therapists can eliminate the confusion and worry by assessing the needs of the child, answering questions and discussing the next steps to take. When parents decide to seek help, CCS’s supportive professionals provide safe relationships through which solutions are found and treatment is possible.  CCS offers individual, group and family programs to heal the child and repair the family. Children and adolescents may also use play, art, story-telling or other types of therapies appropriate for the child’s age and development. 

Adults Services

Therapeutic adult services help individuals, couples and families address a variety of challenges. Support groups are available and may be offered in addition to individual therapy or as an approach to a specific challenge. CCS therapists provide thorough assessments and recommendations for the best possible treatment outcomes.

Areas of Specialization

Latino Services

We provide group and individual counseling and workshops, which build on the strengths of the Latino heritage. Licensed therapists are bi-lingual and bi-cultural.

Self-esteem Programs—Often, over time, individuals feel less deserving of respect, admiration and appreciation. CCS’s self-esteem programs help individuals increase self-awareness and develop pride and self-confidence. Workshops develop individual potential, particularly the potential to love, to enjoy life and to share his/her culture and heritage.

Wellness Programs—Good health is a key to enjoying life to its fullest potential, including healthy eating choices and daily physical activity. Nutrition workshops provide information and encouragement to improve quality food choices, to prevent sickness and to save money on grocery purchases. Physical activity workshops encourage wellness in two ways:

 1) learn step-by-step approaches to increase activity in daily life through small habit changes.

2) provide a variety of fitness groups, such as:
stretching, Pilates, kickboxing, low-impact aerobics, free movement with music and groups for age 50 +

Arts Programs—Art is a universal expression, which can improve self-expression and esteem. Theater workshops are tools, which bring together families and individuals as teams through stage/set development and performing. Participants decrease fears and inhibitions, release stress and develop self-esteem. Dance is an option to integrate daily physical activity and develop positive discipline.

CCS supports Latino families and individuals by providing opportunities to express their cultural heritage and develop channels, methods and skills to improve their integration into the community. CCS accomplishes this goal through its services as well as initiatives within the community to improve Spanish and English skills in reading, writing and math.

Alternative Therapeutic Approaches

CCS provides alternative approaches to cut through obstacles to change and healing. Non-traditional approaches may include equine therapy, bibliotherapy, theater, music or dance. All approaches are designed to develop self-esteem, build confidence, reduce stress, develop healthy relationships, enhance communication skills and increase personal awareness. Comprehensive case management services are also available to help individuals locate appropriate education services and health care providers as well as to navigate difficult entitlement systems. “Centered on Living and Learning”

For more information about CCS services, call the Program Director, Dave Hanchett at 847-608-2682 extension 227.

474 Summit St. Elgin, IL  60120