Francine Brottman, LPC
Francine (she/her/hers) is a compassionate Licensed Professional Counselor with an M.S.Ed. from Northern Illinois University, specializing in counseling for children, adolescents, young adults, and parents and families. She brings expertise in addressing issues such as grief, trauma, gender identity, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, school challenges, and family dynamics. As a certified facilitator for Rainbows Support Groups for Grieving Children, Francine is deeply committed to supporting children experiencing loss. She has a particular interest in working with children and families touched by childhood illnesses, such as cancer. Francine has extensive experience with diverse cultural backgrounds across various therapeutic settings.
Francine is also a retired attorney, whose legal career focused on child advocacy, with an emphasis on the educational rights of children and adolescents. Within this role, Francine attended many IEP and other school meetings, advocating for clients’ needs and ensuring access to supportive educational environments.
Francine uses a strengths-based and trauma-informed approach, tailored to each client’s unique journey. Her integrative methods often incorporate CBT, child-centered play therapy, and other creative and evidence-based interventions.
“I want to assure that you feel safe, heard and cared about in therapy. I want your children to feel safe to communicate their feelings and needs in their own unique way. My goal, as a therapist, is to walk with you on your path toward change and better self-understanding. Change brings uncertainty. That’s why it’s so important to have a therapist who will listen, empathize, understand, and help you navigate the path forward that you choose.”
Outside of counseling, Francine enjoys reading, writing and journaling, creating art, exploring new ideas, and experiencing the wonders of nature. She cherishes being with family and friends. She values her time volunteering and bringing joy to others. She enjoys trying out new, tasty vegan recipes on her family. Her dedication to self-care and balance enables her to bring a grounded, nurturing presence to every therapy session.