Erika Olandese

Erika Olandese is a counselor in training at The Lighthouse Emotional Wellness Center. She is a graduate student at Northeastern Illinois University studying clinical mental health counseling. She specializes in working with women, adolescents, and children who present with anxiety, depression, and ADHD or are currently experiencing life or relationship challenges.

Erika enjoys working at The Lighthouse because there is a unique approach to counseling. She feels we help people learn and grow both individually and together. There is a strong focus on psychoeducation, and she believes it is extremely important to teach people tools and skills to cope with life and improve our relationships.

Erika’s personal experiences of overcoming obstacles inspired her to work in this field. She cares deeply about supporting people through their life’s challenges and finds meaning in her life through helping others.To anyone considering counseling, Erika wants you to know how brave you are for taking this step. Therapy is a safe space to express your feelings or concerns, and we are here to help and support you.

Erika is also an artist and musician. Her bachelor’s degree was in studio art, and her concentration was in ceramics and metalsmithing. Her work was functional, and she created sterling silver jewelry and wheel thrown ceramics. She also sings and plays guitar in a punk band and enjoys writing music.

Other Services

Individual Counseling

Individual Counseling

Our counselors help patients to overcome personal obstacles, build self-confidence, and develop meaningful relationships.
Marriage Counseling

Couples & Marriage Counseling

The Couples Synergy program by Dr. Ray & Jean Kadkhodaian is designed to revitalize marriages and bring back passion and excitement to relationships.

Family Counseling

Family Counseling

Our Family Synergy Therapy model addresses dysfunctional family dynamics to break unhealthy patterns and create a peaceful environment at home.

Child Counseling

Child Counseling

Our child therapists use different techniques to help children open up about how they feel and navigate the challenges in their lives.

EMDR Therapy

EMDR Therapy

Our therapists use the EMDR model to help clients explore, process, and heal traumatic memories through their bodies' natural abilities.

Depression Treatment

Depression Treatment

Our treatment program provides patients with the tools, compassion, and support to navigate their journey fighting depression.

Anxiety Treatment

Anxiety Treatment

Our counselors treat anxiety by integrating traditional therapy with complementary practices to the mind, body, and spirit.
PTSD & Trauma Therapy

PTSD & Trauma Therapy

Our mission is to guide patients with trauma towards healing and help them regain control of their lives to achieve lasting wellness.