My name is Reverend Joellen Hosler.  I am a Pastoral Counselor specializing in individual and couples therapy. My office is located in the St. James Presbyterian Church at 6554 North Rockwell in the West Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago, IL, 60645.  I also see clients one day a week in Lincoln Park at the St. Paul's United Church of Christ.

I completed my therepeutic training at the Center for Religion and Psychotherapy in Chicago in 1997 and specialize in in-depth relational therapy with individuals and couples. I currently work with a broad spectrum of clients. Among my areas of expertise are working with clients dealing with depression, grief or low self-esteem, feelings of stress or anxiety issues, discernment around career transitions or a transitional time in their lives, healing from traumatic experiences as a child either from neglect, emotional and/or sexual abuse. My work with couples has included both marital and pre-marital work. In couples work, I seek to help the couple resolve difficulties through deepening their understanding of one another and their capacities for communication, trust and intimacy with one another.

In addition to being a Pastoral Counselor, I am a Candidate for the PhD at Chicago Theological Seminary. My dissertation work seeks to integrate psychology and theology around dynamics of worship with the hope of increasing dynamics of mutuality and wholeness for all.  I am an adjunct professor for Emhurst College in Illinois and really enjoy teaching their "Introduction to Psychological Science" course.  It is an extraordinary experience to work with young adults just discovering the field of psychology with all that it has to offer.  I also care deeply for our planet and am very concerned about global warming.  In March of 2010 I presented a paper at the Midwest American Academy of Religion Conference and received the Marian McFarland Taylor Award for Best Paper in the Area of Religion, Ecology and Sustainability.  It's title was "Power in Seeing: Recognition or Aggression, the 3D Vision of 'Avatar' Through a Theological and Psychological Lens."

My therapeutic approach is to provide support, insight and practical feedback to help clients effectively address personal life challenges. It integrates complementary methodologies and techniques to offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each client. With compassion and understanding, I work with each individual to help them build on their strengths, deepen their awareness of their inner life and the ways patterns formed relationally continue to impact their lives today so that they can attain the personal growth they are committed to accomplishing.

Education:
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the State of Illinois 
American Association of Pastoral Counselors, Fellow 
Chicago Theological Seminary, Candidate for PhD
McCormick Theological Seminary, M.Div.
Kalamazoo College, B.A.