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Center for Relational Wholeness
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THERAPY & TREATMENTS
Couples & Relationship Psychotherapy
When a coupleship has experienced betrayal, creating safety and stabilization can be confusing and overwhelming. We will create a roadmap to restore the equilibrium of the coupleship. We will practice relational tools in order to shift from suffering to intimacy. We will explore new possibilities for the relationship and aim for Post Traumatic Growth.
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We will make use of the following theories and models in our work together:
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ERCEM Early Recovery Couples Empathy Model (Sheets 2023)
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Couple-Centered Recovery Model of Change (Porter 2023)
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Help. Them. Heal. (Sheets 2022)
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Deceptive Sexuality & Trauma – The Secret Sexual Basement (Minwalla 2021)
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Couples Roadmap to Recovery (Ziff & Pishev 2023)
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Individual Psychotherapy - Partner Betrayal Trauma
When individuals are betrayed by a partner, they can be left emotionally wounded and unable to trust their judgement. We will explore the impact of the discovery and how to heal your emotional health. Key topics explored will be stabilization, safety seeking, establishing boundaries, empowerment, triggers threshold, trauma renegotiation, and mastering the Window of Tolerance. The APSATS Multidimensional Partner Trauma Model will be utilized.
Individual Psychotherapy - Sex Addiction
When individuals struggle with sexual compulsivity, they have an unstoppable, self-abandoning desire to engage in acts that are harmful to themselves and others. We will explore the factors contributing to these behaviors and address the unmanageability it has caused in your life. Key topics explored will be arousal systems, restructuring the relationship with self and others, healing attachment wounds, intimacy ruptures, and building empathy. The Recovery Zone Internal Task Model and Recovery Start Kit (Dr. Patrick Carnes, https://www.drpatrickcarnes.com/) will be utilized.
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Clients who “work” the RSK report the following results:
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Abstinence from sexually addictive and compulsive behaviors
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Anxiety reduction
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Increased understanding of themselves and the addiction
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Formation of discipline and focus
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Creating fellowship with other recovering peoples
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The emergence of hope
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The building of a lifelong recovery
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Complex PTSD is typically the result of exposure to repeated or prolonged instances or multiple forms of interpersonal trauma, often occurring under circumstances where escape is not possible due to physical, psychological, maturational, family/environmental, or social constraints. (ISTSS, 2012)
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Betrayed partners can experience specific trauma responses to being in a relationship with an individual challenged with compulsive sexual behaviors.
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Emotional dysregulation
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Altered belief system
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Somatic disorganization
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Avoidance/Numbing
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Re-experiencing the events
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Relational disturbances
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Hyperarousal
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Altered attention and consciousness
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Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy treatment that helps facilitate the accessing and processing of traumatic memories and other adverse life experience to bring these to an adaptive resolution.
Psychotherapy - Financial Disorders
When a coupleship has experienced betrayal, creating safety and stabilization can be confusing and overwhelming. When financial drivers go unexplored and/or unrecognized within a coupleship, it may put couples at risk for relational distress and block financial intimacy. We will explore money and work within the relationship. Key topics explored will be money scripts, behavioral biases, monetized rage, sex, money and power.
ABOUT MEG
I am a non-judgmental, supportive psychotherapist, licensed in Illinois and Massachusetts. During our individual, marriage, couples or group therapy, I offer a safe space for you to thrive and grow. We will co-create a roadmap to help you recover and heal from the trauma of betrayal, sexual compulsive behaviors, and intimacy wounds. I am a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT), Certified Couples Betrayal Trauma Therapist - Candidate (CCBRT), and Certified Multiple Addictions Therapist Therapist (Financial Disorders) with International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals, trained with Dr. Patrick Carnes. In my practice I use an evidenced based attachment approach, touching on current and past relational bonds.
I look forward to meeting with you!
Meg
ASSESSMENTS
The following evidence-based assessment tools are available to help identify problematic or compulsive sexual behaviors, trauma, addiction interaction, and attachment styles.
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Experiences in Close Relationships – Revised (ECR-R)
The Experiences in Close Relationships – Revised (ECR-R) is designed to measure individuals on two sub scales of attachment: anxiety and avoidance. The tool is used to evaluate the construct of adult attachment styles in relationships.
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The Sexual Addiction Screening Test (SAST)
The Sexual Addiction Screening Test (SAST) is designed to assist in the assessment of sexually
compulsive behavior which may indicate the presence of sex addiction. Developed in cooperation with
hospitals, treatment programs, private therapists, and community groups, the SAST provides a profile of responses which help to discriminate between addictive and non-addictive behavior.
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Post-Traumatic Stress Inventory (PTSI)
The Post-Traumatic Stress Index (PTSI) is an assessment published in Dr. Patrick Carnes’ book, The
Betrayal Bond. The assessment is designed to assess how trauma has impacted your life. The results are
broken down into eight different categories representing specific ways in which trauma affects a current level of function.
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Sexual Dependency Inventory 4.0 (SDI)
The Sexual Dependency Inventory (SDI) 4.0 is a battery of relevant tests organized into one cohesive
report. Additionally, the SDI gathers data on various aspects of problematic sexual behavior including
typical patterns of consequences, evolution and timing of behavior and thought patterns, as well as
therapy readiness. Information is also collected and evaluated on drug use, masturbation, paraphilias,
and internet usage behaviors.
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Sexual Dependency Media Inventory (SDMI)
The Sexual Digital Media Inventory focuses on two distinct areas. First it evaluates thirteen different
domains of how your use of sexual media has impacted your life. This includes an examination of how
sexual media, such as apps and pornography has impacted your life, such as pornography addiction and
compulsion, mutation of sexual tastes, isolation, and an impact on personal relationships. The other
area of focus for this assessment, is an examination of your different areas of sexual interest. Examples
of these interests include things like chatting, virtual reality, home produced pornography, and sex
robots.
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The Partner Sexuality Survey (PSS)
The discovery of sex addiction/compulsive sexual behaviors can be highly traumatizing for the partner of the addict. The Partner Sexuality Survey (PSS) was designed by Dr. Stefanie Carnes to assist partners in identifying the areas of their own sexuality that may be impacted by their relationship with the sex
addict.
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The Inventory for Partner Anxiety, Stress, and Trauma (IPAST)
The Inventory for Partner Anxiety, Stress, and Trauma (IPAST) is a battery of assessments that examine
the partner’s traumatic reactions, family of origin, resiliency, and attachment styles. This assessment is
appropriate for both men and women and provides clinicians with an overall look at the ways in which
an addict’s behaviors has affected their client and his or her ability to overcome and move past the
trauma.
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The Money and Work Adaptive Styles Index (MAWASI®)
The Money and Work Adaptive Styles Index (MAWASI®) utilizes theories in attachment, neuromarketing, and behavioral economics. The test is designed with 12 subscales that represent the various ways (behaviorally, emotionally, and cognitively) that money and/or work has affected an individual’s life. Moreover, they show how the individual has adapted his or her life to those thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
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The Sexual Addiction Risk Assessment (SARA)
The Sexual Addiction Risk Assessment (SARA) consists of 88 questions, which will take approximately 25 minutes to finish. Results are available immediately and a detailed, personalized 23-page report is
provided to assist the client in determining the best course of action. This assessment is designed
specifically for the client as it is but a small portion of the information covered in the Sexual Dependency Inventory.
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The Internet Sex Screening Test (ISST)
The Internet Sex Screening Test (ISST) asks questions about the sexual thoughts and experiences while
using the internet. Some individuals may experience discomfort when reflecting on current or past
sexual experiences. In addition, the instrument asks questions about illegal sexual behaviors. This tool is specifically designed for people who think they may have a problem with online sexual behaviors and
does not provide a listing of the clients answers, only a score and rating scale.
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Betrayal Bond Index (BBI)
Adapted from Dr. Patrick Carnes’ work in the Betrayal Bond, the Betrayal Bond Index (BBI) is a brief
questionnaire designed to look at the types of relationships that a client repetitively has in his or her life. The information collected in this assessment examines attachment styles and relationship issues, and shows clients how there may be a need to break away from relationships in order to stop the
addiction cycle.
CREDENTIALS & AFFLILATIONS
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National Certified Counselor (NBCC) – NCC No. 1404418
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) – Illinois License No. 180.015026
Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) – Massachusetts No. LMHC5000777
Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT) – International Institute for Trauma and Addiction
Trained with Dr. Patrick Carnes, world’s leader on the treatment of sex addiction recovery
Certified Multiple Addiction Therapist (CMAT) – Financial Disorders - International Institute for Trauma and Addiction
Certified Couples Betrayal Recovery Therapist (CCBRT candidate) - International Institute for Trauma and Addiction
Certified Clinical Partner Specialist – The Association of Partners Sex Addicts Trauma Specialists
Trained with Dr. Barbara Steffens, founder APSATS, on Multidimensional Partner Trauma Model
Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) – International Trauma Training Institute
Certified Child & Adolescent Trauma Professional - International Trauma Training Institute
Certified A-CRA Clinician – The Adolescent Community Reinforcement Approach
Certificate of Completion Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Certificate of Completion 40-Hour Domestic Violence Training
Certified Illinois Partner Abuse Intervention Facilitator
Board Certified Coach – BCC #4093
Associate Certified Coach (ACC) – International Coaching Federation
Master’s in Public Policy & Administration, Metropolitan College, New York, New York
Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Concordia University, Chicago, Illinois
Strategic Business Leadership Program, The University of Chicago Booth School of Business, Chicago, Illinois
National Board for Certified Counselors
EMDR Institute, Inc.
International Institute for Trauma and Addiction
American Group Psychotherapy Association
The Association of Partners Sex Addicts Trauma Specialist
The Chicago Psychoanalytic Institute
Society for The Advancement of Sexual Health SASH
Center for Credentialing and Education
International Coaching Federation (ICF)
ROADS TO RECOVERY
M & M
Couple in their late 20’s
In our couple’s therapy with Meg, we have been given the opportunity to be candid about our relationship, particularly aspects that we feel we could improve. We’ve been able to explore the ways our own traumas and mental processes impact how we interact with each other, and we have a safe and supportive space to unpack those thoughts, feelings, and experiences. This allows us to move forward with healthier habits and attitudes.
A & B
Couple in their 40’s
Thank you so much for your help and for taking us on. I have felt so much relief from our sessions and am grateful for your compassion, understanding, and helpful insight. We both feel like you hear us. We've gotten further working with you in the past few weeks than we have the past year - and after such a mind-altering year, I'm so happy to have a hand to hold and guide us.
I would still be lost in the seas of grief and ambiguity were it not for you - now I am feeling that we're heading in the right direction, and there's sunshine on the horizon for us personally and as a couple.
So thank you truly for being so awesome!!
A.Y.
Betrayed Partner in her 60’s
"Two plus years ago I found out some very sad and disturbing information about my spouse. I was beyond devastated and spoke to a couple therapists. I was frustrated to find that they were poor fits for my situation.
I met Meg Von Glahn through another therapist my husband knew. She has helped me immensely change my center and change how I deal with my life. I immediately felt safe and protected by Meg. She asked important questions and asked me to really look inside myself for the strength I would need to move forward. She has supported my recovery in a serious but, light manner…if I got off course she brings me back to center. She is disarming in her approach to helping partners in my situation. Not once has she told me my path. However, she has guided me to find it on my own with her consistent support.
She is attentive and responsive to her clients. She is serious but light in her delivery of tough information. I wholeheartedly can recommend Meg. After my continuing experiences in treatment with her, I am learning to control my feelings and to ask for what I need moving forward.
Meg is one of the good ones."
C.H.
Individual client in her 40’s
I’ve grown so much over the past few years working with Meg than I had in years working with my previous therapist. She is caring, empathetic and full of tough love. I am truly grateful to be able to work with her.
J.S.
Individual client in his 40’s
I am grateful to have discovered a therapist who has been essential in my journey towards self-improvement and finding self-worth. Her unique ability to resonate with my humor while providing essential constructive guidance sets her apart in this space.
E.Z.
Betrayed Partner in her 40’s
Therapy can sometimes feel scary. I used to think I didn’t need therapy. Then I met Meg and that all changed. She is easy to talk to and makes me feel comfortable to be myself. I’m getting to discover the real me and Meg has helped me every step of the way. My individual therapy really supports the way that I am able to show up and engage in my couples sessions which has been key to my overall success.
INSURANCE, GOOD FAITH ESTIMATE
Good Faith Estimate Notice
Notice to current and prospective clients. Under the new federal No Surprises Act, health care providers need to give clients who are not using insurance an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy.You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy. You can ask your health care provider for a Good Faith Estimate before your first session, or at any time during treatment. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. So you might want to save a copy or photo of your Good Faith Estimate if you get one. For more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, or how to dispute a bill, see your Estimate or www.cms.gov/nosurprises.
Center for Relational Wholeness is a qualified in-network behavioral health provider with Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO and Blue Cross Blue Shield Choice of Illinois and Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO of Massachusetts. If your insurance plan includes out-of-network benefits, then you may receive reimbursement for all or a portion of your treatment. We can provide a superbill to submit to your insurance carrier on a monthly basis.
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Private-pay psychotherapy services are available. For more information please contact us.