Gay Russell, LCSW

Gay Russell has decades of experience working with schools and behavior challenges, parents and students. Her goal is to help you and your child maintain or reclaim a relationship of respect, appreciation, and enjoyment. She is a certified PLAY ATTENTION provider. Check out her student’s success story under the families icon at www.playattention.com.

Gay specializes in family counseling, ADD, ADHD and emotional disorders for patients in Chicago, Illinois and the surrounding areas. With over 30 years experience in social work, Gay Russell has helped individuals of all ages with a wide range of disorders.

Certified and insured, Gay has over 10 years experience in private practice, providing counseling for individuals with emotional behaviors such as eating disorders, alcohol abuse, autism, and more. She also has experience as a juvenile parole officer and counselor. She is committed to helping people empower themselves so that they can live a productive, full lifestyle.

Gay started her work with children and families as a Youth Counselor for the State of Ohio. She soon began to notice the correlation between behavior and what we fueled our bodies with such as alcohol, drugs, and food. After obtaining her Certification in Drug and Alcohol Counseling she spent 10 years in that field before further pursuing her interest in the impact of nutrition on our feelings, behavior, and success in school, work and play.

After relocating to Illinois, she received her Masters in Social Work from Jane Addams School of Social Work with School Social Work Certification. As a Special Education Social Worker in District 204 (Naperville/Aurora) her concentration was working with families, staff, and students challenged with Autism, Special Needs, ADHD, Emotional and Behavioral needs.

Joy Roque, Admin & Smile-Maker

Therapists are by nature client-focused. Joy Roque has been the pleasant voice of handling the office and insurance details since our opening in 2007. As systems become more and more computerized, it is comforting to know that you will always hear a client-centered pleasant voice of caring when you hear form our Joy. She truly cares as much about your needs being best supported as any therapist. Joy gives us all confidence that the other details of coming to our office are handled in a way that makes us all feel our best, and you leave with a smile.

Christine Murphy, LPC

Christine is a therapist who uses a variety of creative approaches to empower her clients as they develop insight into their thoughts, feelings and behaviors. Christine has a diverse background of experiences working with adults, children, adolescents and their families. She offers her clients emotional support and teaches practical skills as clients navigate challenges in their unique seasons of life. Christine believes that the unconditional positive regard she has for her clients promotes a trusting atmosphere where transparency and vulnerability are nurtured for positive life change.

In addition to her certification as a Licensed Professional Counselor, Christine has licensure as a Professional Educator (PEL) with expertise in Learning Disabilities and as a Behavioral Specialist. As a counselor, together with traditional talk therapy, Christine includes creative activities and uses a multi-sensory approach to integrate a variety of experiences. As a yoga teacher and practitioner, Christine can offer clients multiple tools to guide and support them to develop calming strategies, breath control and increased mindfulness.

Christine values community service through her volunteerism. As a mentor in a ministry for adults with special needs, she participates in a weekly dinner which provides a place for community and socializing. Christine enjoyed her role as a facilitator of outdoor education team building activities in an annual camp for children in the foster care system, The camp provided a safe place for teens to have fun and process their story. Christine is a therapist who exhibits genuine care and compassion.

At Feeling Whole Counseling Services, Christine has soared with her enthusiasm and exhibits a heart felt desire to walk alongside clients as they find hope and work towards personal growth and change.