About

To relax I enjoy making art, getting out in nature, cooking, eating lots of good food, spending time with family, friends, and the animals who are a part of my family.

Audra Eisin-Banazek

L.C.P.C., A.T.R.

I’m a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Illinois and Registered Art Therapist with over 15-years experience working with adults from all walks of life. I meet each client where they are at. My clients are the experts of themselves, and we work together towards a life that feels more balanced and fulfilled. As an Art Therapist, I believe that the non-verbal, creative experience can be just as powerful as the spoken therapeutic experience. I would argue that using one’s creative experience can get to the core of an issue more easily. It can be more revealing than talk alone, even when a client has never worked with visual art materials before. Discussion is always a part of this process, as is traditional talk therapy techniques. Where ever the client is ready to start, is where we begin. I believe mind and body are one, and have a holistic approach. Humor, empathy, and collaboration with the client are at the HeArt of my practice.

Experience and Work History

I currently also work as a facilitator of groups with Gilda’s Club Chicago and Brookdale Living Retirement Community. Previously I’ve worked at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Home Hospice/Palliative, Vital Bridges, (a HIV/AIDS support agency) Housing Forward (a homeless agency) and domestic violence agencies. Through these experiences I have supported people from all walks of life, socioeconomic status, ethnicities, and cultures. Physical diagnosis, death, and Domestic Violence do not discriminate. As such, I have had the opportunity to support individuals up to 106 years old, in the poorest and wealthiest areas of Chicago, as well as from many different cultures, ethnic origins, people who identify as LGBTQAI+, and non-conforming identities.

Issues I’ve treated

  • Abuse
  • Anxiety
  • Bereavement
  • Caregiver fatigue/burnout
  • Coping with physical diagnosis such as Cancer, ALS, and HIV/AIDS
  • Dementia
  • Depression
  • Domestic Violence Survivors
  • Eldercare issues
  • End of Life Issues
  • Gerontological Issues
  • Grief/Loss
  • Homelessness
  • Life Transitions
  • Post Abortion Grief
  • Post Incarcerated Individuals
  • Self-Esteem Issues
  • Sexual Violence Survivors
  • Stress
  • Substance Abuse
  • Trauma
  • Women’s Issues