Danette Palomar, M.A., LCPC, CDS

As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Child Development Specialist, I have been providing individual, family, and group psychotherapy for more than 20 years.  I have enjoyed working with children, adolescents, and their families helping them develop more productive coping strategies, better communication skills, and building a stronger sense of resilience. I believe that early intervention for mental health is key to preventing potential mental illness or reducing its impact, thus contributing to better mental and physical health, learning, and socio-economic outcomes throughout life. I approach each family as a unique entity and utilize a variety of treatment modalities to meet their needs. I have extensive experience with issues related to developmental disorders, ADHD, depression, mood/anxiety disorders, bereavement, and trauma. My proficiency in school advocacy allows me to support parents and their children when collaborating with school personnel in the development of individualized education plans and classroom interventions. Throughout the years, I have provided both trainings and consultation to a variety professionals focusing on issues such as early childhood development, childhood anxiety, effective school advocacy, trauma, and forensic interviewing.

I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from the University of Illinois. Immediately following graduation, I completed a 4-month internship at Children’s Memorial Hospital as a Child Life Specialist on the Oncology Unit. Following my internship, I developed and implemented a part-time Child Life Program at Lutheran General Hospital where the focus was on supporting families of children with acute and chronic medical illness. Soon after, I joined Mt. Sinai Hospital’s Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Program as a forensic interviewer/trauma specialist and psychotherapist. In 1999, I received a Master of Arts in Counseling and Child Development with a specialization in Early Intervention from DePaul University. For the past several years I have had the opportunity to work with a wonderful team at Afg Guidance Center where I continue my work as a psychotherapist and Child Development Specialist. Additionally, as the Master’s level training director for Afg, I find great reward and pleasure in sharing my years of knowledge and experience with our interns. I perceive learning as an ongoing process and the opportunity to work with these bright young minds, provides for me, as a clinician, the ability to continue to learn and grow.

Finally, I believe that creative expression is inherent to a child’s growth, development, and healing processes, and incorporate my years of formal dance/movement training and experience in the expressive arts to promote healing and well-being.

Speak with a Clinical Professional Counselor

If you’re seeking an experienced Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor or Child Development Specialist in the Chicagoland area, contact Afg Guidance Center today. Give us a call at (847) 853-0234 to schedule an intake. Our office is conveniently located in Northfield.