Counseling Center of the North Shore

08/22/2025

Our friends across the street, Green Bay Cycles are sponsors for the 3rd Annual Rock the Ride North Shore coming up September 7th.

From the Rock the Ride registration page:
Community. Action. Change. Together.
Every gun violence tragedy is one too many. We are gathering for a day of community, action, and change — together — to say ENOUGH, to bring public awareness to this public health crisis, and to raise funds for local, state, and national organizations fighting to save lives and support survivors.

Sunday, September 7, 2025 walk or ride, and Voices of Change speakers afterwards with bagels and bubbles in the park.
Start: Hubbard Woods Park
End: Hubbard Woods Park

7:15am: Registration/Check-In opens
8:15am: 25-mile Ride
8:45am: 12-mile Ride
9:15am: 3-mile family & dog friendly walk
10:00am-12pm: Voices of Change Speakers + Bagels & Bubbles in the Park + Community Gun Violence Prevention Fair
10:30 am - Formal Remarks Begin

Rock the Ride North Shore Hubbard Woods Park, Winnetka, IL - 3rd Annual Rock the Ride North ShoreCommunity. Action.… - September 7, 2025

07/09/2025

Today CCNS is giving a well-deserved shoutout to our partner in providing mental health to our communities, New Trier Township. Thank you for your support!

One of the wonderful services provided by the Township is their food pantry.

Here is information about supporting the pantry from their website:
Donating to the Pantry, Make a Difference:
The Township Pantry is primarily supported by individual and institutional donors.

Contact Harnold at 847-446-8203 or Email hmosquera@newtriertownship.com if you wish to make a donation or host an organized food drive.
New Trier Township

07/09/2025

Feeling the heat? We sure are! Learn how the summer heat can impact your mental health and tips on how to keep your mind cool.

Heat affects the production of our brain neurotransmitters, including dopamine and serotonin! What does that mean? Dopamine is commonly known as the “happy” neurotransmitter and impacts mood, memory, motivation, and movement. Serotonin is the neurotransmitter that impacts mood, behavior, stress levels, and sleep.

High temperatures can disrupt our brains’ normal functions, leading to irritability, anxiety, and reduced mental clarity. Heat often leads to sleep disturbances, making us feel sluggish, foggy, and emotionally worn out but also impacts our cognitive skills impacting our decision-making and performance on complex tasks. Studies show that those with health conditions are at higher risk of heatstroke and visits to emergency rooms.

Here are some tips on how to stay cool and mentally sharp this summer:

💧 Hydrate regularly to support your brain and mood
🌙 Keep your sleep space cool with fans, breathable bedding, and consistent bedtime routine
🧘 Take “cool down” breaks including short showers or mindful pauses in a cool room
🌳 Enjoy nature mindfully, get out early and stay in shaded areas to boost focus and tranquility

Embrace summer by caring for your mental health! Staying cool is just as important as having fun in the sun.

06/12/2025

Join New Trier Township at Tower Road Boat Launch in Northfield next Wednesday, June 18 at 10AM for a Mental Health Nature Walk! Enjoy the Forest Preserves of Cook County's nature and improve your mental health by walking with fellow community members.

05/22/2025

For Mental Health Awareness Month, we are celebrating our wonderful CCNS therapists...
Lily King is an advanced clinical intern completing a Master of Social Work at Loyola University with clinical practice specialization and has worked with children and families as a teacher, tutor and caregiver for over 10 years. In therapy, Lily takes a collaborative approach in working with her adult, adolescent and child clients to address a range of mental health and wellness concerns. Lily is deeply passionate about supporting clients struggling with anxiety, mood concerns, and family and relational issues.
"My priority is creating a trusting, comfortable relationship to safely hold the challenging themes and emotions that can emerge in therapy. I focus on building upon the foundation of strengths that clients already possess. The insights we discover and skills we work together to create can lead to real, positive change." Hubbard Woods Design District New Trier Township Winnetka Thrift Shop Winnetka-Northfield-Glencoe Chamber of Commerce Winnetka Go Green Winnetka

05/19/2025

For Mental Health Awareness Month, we are celebrating our wonderful CCNS therapists...
Debbie Sternecky is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with adults, families, couples, teens, and children, and has experience with a wide range of issues, including aging, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, grief and loss, divorce, family dynamics, and academic concerns. Debbie´s approach is psychodynamic and relationally based. She uses play therapy with children and is also Internal Family Systems (IFS) Informed. Debbie is a retired public-school educator who taught students of all cultural backgrounds.
“I strive to help clients learn how to apply their own positive attributes to overcome life’s challenges. I provide a safe environment where clients feel empowered and ready to achieve their goals.” ccns.org

05/13/2025

Reminder! Tomorrow! A few tickets left...
Counseling Center of the North Shore: Celebrate our Strength Fundraiser
Tomorrow, Wednesday, May 14th 5:30-7:30p
https://ticketstripe.com/celebrateourstrength
Enjoy delicious food and drink, meet like-minded friends and neighbors, hear compelling stories of healing and strength from our therapists, shop our Winnetka Thrift Shop Pop Up, and have a fun chance to win raffle prizes.
Our "Pay-What-You-Can" tickets give you the opportunity to support mental health care in our community, while also making the event accessible. You choose a price that is right for you.
If you are unable to attend, then please consider supporting us with a Therapy Matters! donation to fund therapy sessions at the Counseling Center.
Event Details
> Wednesday, May 14th 5:30pm - 7:30pm
> Towne & Oak, 921 Green Bay Road, Winnetka, event entrance is to the left of the cafe entrance.
> CCNS Therapists sharing compelling stories: Kim Hassenfeld, LCSW, Clinical Director, Tommy Ni**od, LCPC, Megan Winzeler, MSW.
> Winnetka Thrift Shop Pop Up shopping!
> Raffle drawing at 7:00pm, tickets $5/each and 5 tickets for $20, more information below
> Parking is plentiful along the street and nearby around Hubbard Woods Park, 1/2 block to the north
Event Sponsor
A big thank you to Liz Taylor, Market President and North Shore Community Bank, a branch of Wintrust N.A. for sponsoring the event!
Raffle Prizes, buy your tickets and use them to vote for the prize(s) that you want the most. Drawing at 7:00pm. Tickets are $5/each and 5 tickets for $20
> Private Sailing Excursion – on Lake Michigan from Montrose Harbor for 4 guests, 3 hours, food drink included, $900 value
> World of Wine - 5 bottles, $129 value
> Towne & Oak Gift Certification, $50
Towne & Oak Delicious Appetizers
Passed Hors D’oeuvres
Caprese Skewers with mozzarella, tomato, nut-free pesto
Mini Crab Cakes with Dijon remoulade
Hanger Steak Sandwich with herb aioli
Towne & Oak Trio
Caramelized onion dip, pimento cheese, hummus, potato chips, griddled country bread, warm pita
Open Bar
House wine, sparkling wine, assorted beers, soft drinks, still and sparkling water
CCNS
Counseling Center of the North Shore is our nonprofit mental health center with a mission of helping people through life’s challenges and transitions through therapy. CCNS is a qualified IRS 501(c)3 organization, and your donations are deductible to the extent provided by law. CCNS also operates our social enterprise, the Winnetka Thrift Shop, to help fund mental health services. This year, mental health care services at CCNS have increased by 15%, and we need your help to meet the growing demand for care. Together, we support healthier children, healthier adults, and ultimately a healthier, more vibrant community. Thank you!
ccns.org
992½ Green Bay Road, Winnetka, IL 60093
847-446-8060

05/13/2025

For Mental Health Awareness Month, we are celebrating our wonderful CCNS therapists...
Allison Stein is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and works with adults. She has a special interest in the treatment of anxiety disorders as well as unresolved trauma, life transitions, and relational challenges. Working primarily from psychodynamic and attachment perspectives, Allison utilizes several approaches to view and treat clients holistically including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, exposure and response prevention therapy, and mindfulness techniques. Allison is also a clinical supervisor for graduate level interns completing their training at CCNS.
“In establishing a judgment-free therapeutic alliance between client and clinician based on a foundation of trust and security, I help my clients recognize what holds them back from reaching their full potential and guide them through a delicate process of self-exploration to ultimately become their best self.”
ccns.org

05/12/2025

For Mental Health Awareness Month, we are celebrating our wonderful CCNS therapists...
Tommy Ni**od is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with a masters in pastoral counseling. Trained in EMDR, DBT and ACT, Tommy works with clients seeking to address a range of issues, including those who have experienced trauma, have mood issues, or are struggling with relationships. Tommy integrates spiritual insights and physical well-being into his approach to mental health and personal growth. He has a particular interest in guiding adolescent and young men through the intricate transition to adulthood.

05/12/2025

Event Reminder!! This Wednesday!!
You are invited to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month with the Counseling Center of the North Shore at the beautiful event space at Towne & Oak in the Hubbard Woods District of Winnetka. Join us for fun activities, pop-up shopping from the Winnetka Thrift Shop, good food and drink, meeting like-minded friends and neighbors, and hearing compelling stories of healing and strength from our therapists.
Our "Pay-What-You-Can" tickets give you the opportunity to support mental health care in our community, while also making the event accessible. You choose a price that is right for you.
If you are unable to attend, then please consider supporting CCNS with a Therapy Matters! donation to fund therapy sessions at the Counseling Center. Thank you.
RSVP today at Ticketstripe, space is limited. Thank you.
Event page link: https://ticketstripe.com/celebrateourstrength
Celebrate Our Strength Fundraiser Details
Wednesday, May 14th 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Tickets: Supporter Pay-What-You-Can
Therapy Matters! Donations: We invite you to make a donation to support CCNS and access to mental health care
Enjoy fun activities, appetizers, passed hors d'oeuvres, and open bar with wine, beer and soda
Winnetka Thrift Shop Pop-Up shopping!
At Towne & Oak, 921 Green Bay Road, Winnetka, event entrance is to the left of the cafe entrance.
Parking is plentiful along the street and nearby around Hubbard Woods Park, 1/2 block to the north
RSVP today at Ticketstripe, space is limited. Thank you.
Event Sponsor
A big thank you to Liz Taylor, Market President and North Shore Community Bank, a branch of Wintrust N.A. for sponsoring the event!

Join us at Celebrate Our Strength and support access to mental health care for all. Every hour of therapy costs CCNS $100 above what is reimbursed by insurance. Your donation enables CCNS to respond to the need for therapy.

05/06/2025

Are you ready for the spectacular Garden Open this Thursday?!! Don't miss this wonderfully colorful reset of the Winnetka Thrift Shop. We open at 10:00am Thursday May 8th!
992 Green Bay Rd Winnetka in the Hubbard Woods Design District.
Winnetka-Northfield-Glencoe Chamber of Commerce

03/05/2025

Our social enterprise the thriving and thrifty Winnetka Thrift Shop invites you to our Spring Open tomorrow!!

Thursday March 6th 10a - 5p and through the weekend!
Get happy about spring coming around the corner and come out for the Winnetka Thrift Shop's Spring Open this Thursday, March 6th at 10:00am! The fun of the Spring Open runs through the weekend and beyond! Follow the Thrift Shop on Instagram for updates,

As always, all Winnetka Thrift Shop proceeds support mental health care at the Counseling Center. Thank you.

Shopping hours
Monday - Saturday, 10:00am - 5:00pm
Closed Sunday only
992 Green Bay Rd, Winnetka in the Hubbard Wood District.

Donation Hours start again on Monday, March 10th
Bring us your best stuff from your closets, basements or other corners of your home. Don't throw it away, donate it to the Winnetka Thrift Shop! Thank you!
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
10:00am - 2:00pm
No donations on Wednesday or Sunday

https://www.winnetkathriftshop.org/