Janet Greif

Janet has over 36 years of experience, in the field of mental health and integrated holistic approaches. Janet graduated with high honors, from Illinois State University, with a B.S. in Psychology and focused study in Biology and Chemistry. She was honored with the highest award from the university, the Bone Scholar, for academic achievement. Janet then went on for further graduate study at University of Wisconsin. Janet attended graduate school on a full scholarship that provided intensive clinical training in psychotherapy, focused on children and adolescents. Janet attained her Masters in Social Work, with focused coursework and training in clinical social work, from University of Wisconsin. During this time, she also interned at Wisconsin Medical College, in the Brain Research Institute. After graduate school, Janet spent the next 30 years studying and exploring alternative complementary practices, to complement her traditional education and training. Janet also attended the Ringling Brothers Clown school and became a certified clown, which she uses in her extensive volunteer work.

As a child, Janet was interested in the mind, medicine, and alternative healing. She devoured any literature on these topics and read the very first alternative healing magazines in the 1960s. Very spiritually driven as a child, Janet began her lifelong path of helping others. She was very aware at a young age that her life would be dedicated to helping others. In her early years as a psychotherapist, Janet was astutely aware that the mind and body were very integrated. This began the lifelong path of studying holistic approaches to combine with psychotherapy. Her unique training has led to a very active practice combining these many modalities. Janet also worked as a School Social Worker while developing her private practice. She gained an in-depth understanding of how to work within school systems to facilitate help for students who struggled. Janet also has worked extensively with chronically ill clients. Her multi-faceted approach integrates psychotherapy with holistic practices. Janet has a vast network of resources from all her years of work and training. Janet works with children, adolescents, and adults.

Janet’s approach to therapy is with deep compassion, commitment, and hard work. She also maintains a sense of humor along the way. It is not unusual to hear laughter from her office. Janet’s approach to therapy is creative and tailored to the individual clients’ needs.

Janet’s favorite words are kindness and grace. Her favorite activity is laughing. She loves to create, in all forms possible. This includes cooking, designing, gardening, and artistic ventures. She continues her path of commitment to helping the world. She is a very active volunteer and fundraiser. She supports M.S., Chicago Autism Network, West Suburban Food Pantry, Easter Seals, Special Olympics, Cancer research, and Alzheimer’s.

Janet has two adult children, both also committed to helping others. One daughter has her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy and the other has her P.h.D., in clinical neuropsychology. Janet loves her time with her family. Family, above all, is most important to her.