Counseling Awareness Month – Shining Our Spotlight on Cindy Brunson, LPC, FSG Staff Therapist

April is Counseling Awareness Month, and in honor of this important recognition, FSG is proud to highlight one of its longest tenured staff therapists:  Cindy Brunson, LPC.

Cindy has been with FSG for almost 22 years, providing invaluable support to our community through her work in crisis response, domestic violence de-escalation, family dynamics, and child advocacy.

After earning a BA from DePaul University, Cindy went on to a successful career at Boeing before finding her true calling as a Counselor.  After always being the person those close to her would lean on for a sympathetic ear when times were difficult, she developed a strong interest in social injustices and wanting to be instrumental in contributing to healthier families and children.  Subsequently, Cindy joined CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocates) in Cook County and was appointed by a judge to manage casework for at-risk juveniles.  Through this work, Cindy worked closely with the local judiciary as well as agencies, such as DCFS, to provide drug and alcohol support, eye exams for kids, food support, and many other necessary services to better the lives of families and children, eventually developing to become a trainer for CASA.  Feeling a strong calling for the need for this imperative work in Lake County, Cindy met with women from the northern suburbs who together, with the help of a Lake County judge, started CASA Lake County.

With the encouragement of colleagues and assistance of a generous tuition reimbursement program from Boeing, Cindy earned her Master of Arts in Community Counseling from Argosy University.  Counseling seemed a natural fit with her interest in human behavior, and she knew she wanted to do something, despite the winding path.

Cindy was introduced to the acting Executive Director of Family Service of Glencoe in 2001, and an instant connection of shared interests was made.  FSG created a role for Cindy in support and life coaching, with Cindy also facilitating a psycho-education group for domestic violence offenders.  This group proved to be so impactful that YWCA offered their resources and invited her to continue the program with their collaboration.  This program continues today.

Cindy’s practice focuses on domestic violence and family/relationship dynamics.  She understands that communication can create tensions and misunderstandings within relationships, and that it can be challenging, especially for women, to have a voice in their relationships.  Many struggle with their identity and role within the family as they navigate careers, parenting, and seeking equality while coping with loneliness and possible dissatisfaction.  Cindy stresses that each of us has a responsibility for our own happiness, and that our needs and goals need to be heard and pursued.  She does not subscribe to any one specific modality of therapy but rather roots her practice in the philosophy that no two clients are alike but that everyone needs to be heard and given direct support.  She provides an opportunity for people who are feeling stuck, unsatisfied, or have experienced tragedy to be heard, respected, and provided direct guidance by someone who is emotionally invested in their journey and well-being.  In many cases, families may not live near each other, and counseling is a wonderful resource for those who are not close to their family or friends to have a trusted support system.  Cindy dedicates herself to the serious work of examining her clients’ needs, setting goals and objectives, and empowering her clients to open themselves to the process.  She’s gratified by watching her clients evolve over time from confusion and loss of confidence to realization and empowerment:  like a caterpillar in a cocoon to a butterfly taking flight.

Cindy is proud to be part of the FSG clinical staff, one she describes as an amazing group of people who are like-minded and committed to providing a safe place to come when life hands us curves.  She is also a proud contributor to the crisis response team at FSG, which started as a unique offering to the Glencoe community.  FSG is compassionate to our senior residents, families, children, and comprised of people who truly care about Glencoe and its people; the commitment is genuine, and FSG provides resources to find relief and healing.

FSG is immensely grateful for Cindy’s depth of talent and compassion and invites anyone in need of support to call today to begin your journey to fulfillment, safety, and growth.