Counseling Services

For More Than 50 Years, CJE Has Been at the Forefront of Providing Mental Health Counseling Services to Older Adults, Their Families, and Caregivers

On the Forefront of Providing Services

Since its inception in the early 1970s

CJE Counseling Services is staffed by a team of highly skilled Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) who are specialists in the field of mental health services for seniors, aged 55+. Our team is dedicated to helping older adults improve their mental health and emotional well-being with the goal of enhancing quality of life. Our behavioral health services for seniors include individual, family, and group psychotherapy, as well as support groups. We also offer a short-term time-limited counseling treatment called PEARLs. Services are available via Telehealth with a video connection, in our offices and some limited home visits. Call 773.508.1000 to learn more.

Signs that Counseling May be Helpful
If an older adult is experiencing any of the following symptoms, counseling could be a helpful option to consider:

Inability to relax

Difficulty concentrating

Avoiding social situations and friends

Insomnia or sleeping too much

Changes in appetite or weight

Feeling emotionally overwhelmed

Loss of interest or pleasure in life and activities

Feeling irritable or angry

Difficulty with relationships

Feeling that life isn’t worth living

To schedule a first appointment or to make a referral, please call 773.508.1000.
Individual Psychotherapy
As a person ages, they may experience a number of significant changes which impact their attitude, energy level, and mental health. Receiving mental health support to help cope with these changes can be the key to improving quality of life as one ages. Engaging in therapy with a skilled therapist can help an individual identify, better understand, and work through their responses to these challenges. Our therapists assist clients with issues related to:

Depression and anxiety

Grief and loss

Trauma recovery

Changes in health or functioning

Chronic illness and/or chronic pain

Retirement and subsequent identity changes

Relationship challenges

Difficult family dynamics

Financial difficulties

Managing the stress of transitional life events such as moving or divorce

Adjustment to becoming a caregiver

Other aging-related or general life stressors.

CJE Counseling Services also offers PEARLS, another option among our full complement of individual and group treatment for the mental health concerns of older adults. PEARLS—Program to Encourage Active Rewarding LiveS—is a national evidence-based program for late-life depression. PEARLS Counselors meet individually with older adults for eight sessions to help them identify and solve problems that they are confronting in their lives. PEARLS also helps individuals to become more socially and physically active (within their level of ability), so they become less isolated, begin moving forward again, and create a positive spiral of renewed energy and growth, even in the face of life’s challenges.

Clients must be age 55 or older to be eligible for counseling at CJE SeniorLife.

To schedule a first appointment or to make a referral, please call 773.508.1000.
Insurance, Locations, Languages Spoken
Insurance:

CJE SeniorLife Counseling Services is in network with Medicare and accepts some Medicare Advantage Plans.

In addition to Medicare, we are also in network with the following Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans:

BCBS PPO

United/Optum PPO

Aetna PPO

Humana PPO

Please contact us for more detailed information and we will verify insurance benefits before starting services.

Locations:

Therapy services are provided via telehealth with a video connection, as well as in-person at our two offices:

The Delighter/Winston Center for Aging Well, 3033 W. Touhy Ave, Chicago.

Weinberg Community for Senior Living, 1551 Lake Cook Rd, Deerfield.

We also offer home visits within a limited geographic area on a limited basis.

Languages:

In addition to English, services are also available in Russian and Spanish.

To schedule a first appointment or to make a referral, please call 773.508.1000.
Support and Therapy Groups

Group Support for Aging Issues

At CJE Counseling Services, you’ll find a variety of Support and Therapy groups available where you can discuss your concerns in a safe place.

Our Support Groups are free of charge and provide an opportunity to share with and learn from others who are in similar situations in a welcoming, confidential environment. All our groups are facilitated by skilled professionals with experience working with older adults. If you’d like to join a group, please call the group facilitator before attending for the first time for eligibility requirements and to confirm dates, which may vary from the listing due to holidays or other scheduling constraints.

Our Therapy Groups are led by Licensed Clinical Social Workers; they offer treatment in a group setting for seniors who may be experiencing difficulties in coping with the challenges of aging, including: chronic pain, depression, anxiety, or being a caregiver. Therapy groups require prescreening and are billable to insurance. Please call the facilitator before attending for the first time.
Mental Health Tool Kit

This series of short videos will give you practical skills for good mental health — from progressive muscle relaxation, to mindfulness, to grounding techniques. These skills can help to calm anxiety, contribute to a good night’s sleep, and improve your mood. You can watch the full series on our YouTube Channel.

Download our Counseling Services Brochure PDF

Use the buttons below to learn more about some of our programs, classes, and resources.

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Adult Day Services Care Partner Support Group

SECOND AND FOURTH MONDAY OF THE MONTH 1-2:30 pm A support group for ADS Evanston care partners only. Led by Jordyn Cohen, LCSW. Cost Free. Registration Required: Jordyn.Cohen@cje.net or 847.492.1400 PROGRAMS & EVENTS CJE Academy Community & Professional Education Cyber Club Insights on Aging My Go-To Place Support & Therapy Groups

Aging Together—Virtual Support Group

2ND & 4TH TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH, 11 AM – 12 PM CT This support group offers a space for solo agers to join together to discuss openly their experiences with aging alone and to forge new connections. Led by Andrea Weiss, MSW, and Jade Shepard, LSW This is a zoom program and requires advanced […]

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Building Healthier Relationships

We can help build healthier relationships in our community when we learn how to spring to action. This virtual community education program will help participants understand the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships and what we can all do as a community to promote healthy ones. We’ll also discuss how to help someone who may […]

Building Healthy Relationships With Adult Children

Presenter: Sharon Dornberg-Lee, LCSW Clinical Director of Community Services, CJE SeniorLife No matter your age—or theirs—it is natural to want to protect and nurture one’s children. Differences in communication styles, values and changing parenting norms can sometimes make close relationships challenging, even with the best of intentions. This program will explore ways to build and […]

Care Partners—Virtual & In-Person Support Group

1ST THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH, 4 – 5 PM, VIRTUAL. 3RD THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH, 10 – 11 AM, VIRTUAL & IN-PERSON. Support group for all family members who are providing care for someone with dementia. Led by Carrie Cutler, MSW, LCSW and Catherine Miller, BC-DMT, LCPC. Free. Registration required: 847.236.7826 or carrie.cutler@cje.net. PROGRAMS & […]

Caring Conversations—Virtual Support Group

FIRST WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH, 4 – 5:30 PM CT A support group for family caregivers of Holocaust survivors. Led by Yonit Hoffman, PhD and Anna Dominov, LCSW, Holocaust Community Services. Cost Free. Call to confirm dates: 773.508.1004 PROGRAMS & EVENTS CJE Academy Community & Professional Education Cyber Club Insights on Aging My Go-To Place […]

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CJE’s Caregiver Toolkit Series

The Caregiver’s Compass • Thursday, December 18, 2025 • 11 AM – Noon Caregiving Pain Points • Thursday, March 26, 2026 • 11 AM – Noon Join us for a series of presentations that offers practical insights and strategies for family caregivers of people living with dementia. Time allowed for Q&A. Navigating Today’s Health Care […]

Coffee & Conversation

MONDAYS, 1-2:30 PM A support group for Holocaust survivors. Led by Yonit Hoffman, PhD, and Iliana Vayman, MEd., Holocaust Community Services. Alternating in-person and virtual. Call to confirm dates and location: 773.508.1004 PROGRAMS & EVENTS CJE Academy Community & Professional Education Cyber Club Insights on Aging My Go-To Place Support & Therapy Groups

Coping with Curveballs

Presented by Bracha Jakofsky, MSWAbuse Prevention Coordinator & Mental Health Educator, JCFS Chicago Back to BASICs: Coping with Curveballs. Learn how to proactively navigate life’s challenges by applying the BASIC PH model developed by Israeli psychologist Dr. Mooli Lahad. For more information contact counselingservices@cje.net or 773.508.1088. For our full library of Insights on Aging presentations, […]

Dementia Reality Training for Professionals

Dementia Reality™ is an innovative training program designed to enhance empathy, understanding, and best practices in dementia care. By combining interactive classroom learning, a comprehensive PowerPoint curriculum, and cutting-edge virtual reality simulations, our program offers professional caregivers real-life, immersive experiences to better understand the challenges faced by individuals living with dementia. Whether in healthcare, senior […]

From The Golden Bachelor to Our Health: Why Ageism Matters for Our Well-Being

Presenter: Rita X. Hu, PhD How do we come to believe what aging looks like—and how do those beliefs affect our social relationships and health? In this talk, Dr. Rita Hu explores how media portrayals, such as The Golden Bachelor, and our social environment can shape our beliefs about aging. These beliefs, once internalized, can […]

Holocaust Community Services Virtual Book Club

FIRST AND THIRD WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH, 2 – 3 PM CT Group members read Russian and World Literature authors and share their thoughts and feelings. Participation requires advance screening and registration. Please call 773.508.1004 or the group leaders: Olesya Yakhina at 773.508.4460 or Leah Rosenberg at 773.508.1127. PROGRAMS & EVENTS CJE Academy Community & […]

How to become more active in problem-solving

PEARLS stands for Program to Encourage Active and Rewarding Lives and it is an evidence-based approach to reduce symptoms of depression through active problem-solving. In this video, Sharon Dornberg-Lee, LCSW, Clinical Director of Community Services at CJE, will introduce you to one of the central skills of the PEARLS program. Active problem solving can help […]

How to change unhelpful thought patterns to improve your mood

Did you know that how we think and behave can impact how we feel? And, by changing unhelpful thinking patterns we can improve our mood. This takes some practice, and in this video Katie D’Aunno, LCSW, a therapist with CJE counseling services will introduce you to a technique called “cognitive restructuring.” This comes from cognitive […]

How to do box breathing to help calm your nervous system

Intentional, deep breathing can calm your nervous system and help you find emotional balance, especially during times of tension or stress. In this video, Kate Maley, LSW, a therapist with CJE SeniorLife Counseling Services, will show you a simple breathing technique that you can use when feeling overwhelmed or anxious to help calm your mind […]

How to use alternate-nostril breathing to help calm the body and the mind

Alternate-nostril breathing can help calm the body and the mind by lowering blood pressure, fear, and anxiety. In this video, Vera Rodriguez Mancera, LPC, a care manager with CJE SeniorLife , will show you a simple breathing technique that you can use when feeling overwhelmed or anxious to help calm your mind and body. This […]

How to use diffusion to put distance between our negative thoughts and our response

In this video, you’ll learn about diffusion, a concept within Acceptance and Commitment Therapy that can help us put distance between our negative thoughts and how we respond to those thoughts. Peter Tsurkis, LCSW, a therapist with CJE Counseling Services walks us through some exercises to implement diffusion and how to get the full benefit […]

How to use Grounding Techniques to calm the body and mind.

Grounding techniques, also known as grounding exercises or grounding skills, can distract, reframe, or otherwise soothe distressing feelings and help to calm the body and mind from anxiety triggers. They shift your focus from past or future thinking into the present moment. In this video, Lisa Andrews, LCSW, Clinical Supervisor with CJE SeniorLife Counseling Services, […]

Guide for video about progressive muscle relaxation to relieve stress

How to use progressive muscle relaxation to relieve stress

Progressive muscle relaxation is one of the easiest and most effective relaxation techniques to learn. It teaches you to relax your mind and relieve stress by slowly and progressively tensing and then relaxing your muscles, one group at a time, which allows tension to flow away as each muscle group relaxes. In this video, Rosann […]

In Conversation with Author Elaine Soloway

in this special Insights on Aging program where Elaine Soloway will be in conversation with CJE Clinical Director Sharon Dornberg-Lee on caregiving, widowhood, relocating, and moving forward. Soloway is a Chicago-based author of three memoirs, a novel and many essays. She was a press aide to Chicago Mayor Jane Byrne and communications director for School […]

Linkages

LINKAGES provides support and referrals to older adults who have adult children with disabilities. Staff have expertise in disability and aging resources, navigating government benefits, and future planning tools. Program services are provided free of charge. Call 773.508.1000 for more information. LINKAGES Support GroupFIRST AND THIRD TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH 1–2 pm Registration required to […]

Living Life Through Loss—Virtual Support Group

FIRST AND THIRD WEDNESDAY, 1 – 2 PM CT This group is for older adults who have lost a significant person in their life. Learn how to cope with grief. Share experiences with others in a safe, confidential environment. A bereavement support group. Led by Shayna Jensky, LSW and Jamie Lee, LSW. Zoom Program. Registration […]

Making Good Decisions About Taking Medication

PresenterChristine McCall, LCSW, CADCAddiction Recovery Specialist, Addiction Services, JCFS Chicago For many older adults, there is that nagging question: “Should I take something for this condition?” Often, older adults are taking five or more medications and are hesitant to add another. A friend may recommend an over-the-counter medication that they claim is a “life changer.” […]

Poetry to Nourish Your Soul

Presenter Sharon Dornberg-Lee, LCSW Clinical Director of Community Services Can poetry save us in these troubled times? Quite possibly! Poetry has been demonstrated to have a positive impact on mental health and coping. This session will allow participants to read and discuss poems on topics related to aging. Don’t be intimidated—this is not your high […]

Russian Tea Time (Chicago)—Virtual & In Person Support Group

SECOND AND FOURTH TUESDAY OF THE MONTH, 3 – 4:30 PM CT. This group is currently full and closed to new members. An ongoing conversation group for Russian-speaking Holocaust survivors. Led by Anna Dominov, LCSW. Free. Virtual & In Person Meetings For more information: 773.508.1164. PROGRAMS & EVENTS CJE Academy Community & Professional Education Cyber […]

Russian Tea Time (Skokie)—Virtual Support Group

EVERY OTHER MONDAY, 11 AM – 12 PM CT Skokie virtual support group for Russian-speaking Holocaust survivors. Led by Maya Gumirov, LPC, and Vera Rodriguez Mancera, LPC. Cost Free. Registration required: 773.508.1016 PROGRAMS & EVENTS CJE Academy Community & Professional Education Cyber Club Insights on Aging My Go-To Place Support & Therapy Groups

Russian Tea Time (Wheeling)—Virtual Support Group

FIRST AND THIRD WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH, 3 – 4 PM CT. A second Wheeling based Support group for Russian-speaking Holocaust survivors. Open to new participants. Led by Vera Rodriguez Mancera, LCPC, and Silviya Wright. Registration required: 773.508.1004 or 773.508.1149 PROGRAMS & EVENTS CJE Academy Community & Professional Education Cyber Club Insights on Aging My […]

Russian Tea Time Music Group—Virtual Support Group

EVERY OTHER MONDAY, 1 – 2:30 PM CT. Join us to talk about music, sing, meet new friends, and support one another. Led by Natalya Bouinyi and Era Friedman. Cost Free. Registration required: 773.508.1329 PROGRAMS & EVENTS CJE Academy Community & Professional Education Cyber Club Insights on Aging My Go-To Place Support & Therapy Groups

Russian Tea Time Music Group—Virtual Support Group

EVERY OTHER FRIDAY, NOON – 1:30 PM CT Join us to talk about music or sing, meet new friends, and have fun! Led by Natalya Bouinyi and Era Friedman. Cost Free. Virtual meeting. Registration required. Call 773.508.1329 PROGRAMS & EVENTS CJE Academy Community & Professional Education Cyber Club Insights on Aging My Go-To Place Support & Therapy Groups

Solo Aging, by Choice or by Chance

Sharon Dornberg-Lee, LCSW, Clinical Director of Community Services at CJE SeniorLife, received her Masters of Arts in Social Work from the University of Chicago, Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy and Practice. She has worked for CJE SeniorLife for 25 years. Nearly 26 million Americans 50 or older now live alone, up from 15 […]

Step Into Their World—Deerfield

Thursdays • January 22, 2026 • February 19, 2026 • March 5, 2026 10 am–12:30 pm CT Are you caring for someone living with dementia? Discover Dementia Reality Our innovative program utilizes advanced virtual reality (VR) technology to immerse you in the experience of living with dementia. This unique approach allows you to: Build Deeper […]

Step Into Their World—Palatine

Tuesdays, February 3, 2026 • March 10, 2026 10 am–12:30 pm CT Are you caring for someone living with dementia? Discover Dementia Reality Our innovative program utilizes advanced virtual reality (VR) technology to immerse you in the experience of living with dementia. This unique approach allows you to: Build Deeper Empathy: Experience firsthand what it’s […]

Take CHARGE: Cognitive Habits to Age with Resilience and Grace Everyday!

Wednesdays, January 28–March 4, 2026 Take CHARGE is for participants who are experiencing early memory loss, or have recently received a diagnosis such as Mild Cognitive Impairment, Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias, Parkinson’s Disease, stroke, or traumatic brain injury. Get CHARGED Up! Join us for a 6-week course to learn how to incorporate practices that […]

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The Care Collective: A Social Hour for Family Caregivers

Tuesday, January 27, 2026 • 10–11:30 am CT Tuesday, April 28, 2026 • 10–11:30 am CT Join the CJE SeniorLife Cognitive Care Team for The Care Collective, a quarterly social and support hour created especially for care partners of people living with dementia. This welcoming, peer facilitated gathering provides a relaxed space for conversation, connection, […]

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Tools to manage and reduce your feelings of depression

In this video, Peter Tsurkis, Licensed Clinical Social Worker with CJE Counseling Services will give you seven concrete tools and skills you can practice on a daily basis to manage your feelings of depression, and hopefully, over time, reduce those feelings of depression. Depression rears its ugly head differently for everyone, however, many individuals with […]

Ways to live with chronic pain and reduce the level of pain you are experiencing

One of the worst parts about chronic pain is that it is invisible. Others may not understand what you are experiencing so acutely, or even minimize or discount your pain. In this video, Sharon Dornberg-Lee, LCSW will teach you ways to live with chronic pain and reduce the level of pain you are experiencing. It […]

When a Family Faces Addiction

You know that addiction impacts the whole family, but did you know that the impact on the family can depend on which member is in trouble with alcohol or other drugs? Join us as we look at addiction in the family and what you can do to help, whether you are a member of the […]

Women Growing Older

Presenter: Sharon Dornberg-Lee, LCSW, Clinical Director, Community Services Prominent feminists such as Simone de Beauvoir and Betty Friedan have tackled the issue of aging as a feminist issue. More recently, popular shows such as Grace & Frankie have taken a humorous look at this issue. But what are the implications of this for the everyday […]

Как использовать попеременное дыхание через нос, чтобы помочь успокоить тело и разум

Дыхание через ноздри может помочь успокоить тело и разум, снизив кровяное давление, страх и тревогу. В этом видео Вера Родригез Мансера, LPC, ведущая в CJE SeniorLife, покажет вам простую технику дыхания, которую вы можете использовать, когда чувствуете себя подавленным или встревоженным, чтобы помочь успокоить свой разум и тело. Это часть серии видеороликов “Ваш набор инструментов […]

We Can Help

Contact Us Today

Whether you’re not sure where to start or have specific questions for our team of professionals, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Call to talk with a team member immediately at 773.508.1000 or submit the contact form to the right and someone from CJE will be in touch shortly.