You deserve more: more joy, more peace, more calm.

Between the beats of your heart you can find peace.

Trauma, hardship, anxiety, depression, grief, and many other difficult emotions can happen to anyone at any time. Whatever your story is and wherever your journey is taking you, you will find a practice with a heart at Between Heartbeats LLC. Know our doors are always open to you whether you are looking for tools to get through the daily grind, or you are seeking support through a dark night of the soul.

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Therapy Focus

  • Trauma

    • Caring for medically complex individuals, especially parents of medically complex children and NICU/PICU warriors.

    • Undergoing difficult medical procedures

    • Difficult/traumatic childbirth experiences

    • Difficult pregnancy

    • Complex childhood trauma

  • Depression

  • Post Partum Depression and Post Partum Anxiety

  • Anxiety

  • Life transitions

  • Caregiver fatigue

  • Low motivation

  • Managing life as a Highly Sensitive Person

  • Existential/spiritual crisis

Parenting the Medically Complex Child

 

Welcome to Between Heartbeats, where we understand the immense challenges of parenting a child with complex medical needs or navigating the NICU/PICU journey. From overwhelming moments to outright trauma, we're here to provide unwavering support so you can reclaim your presence for your children, your partner, and yourself.

At Between Heartbeats, we specialize in easing the burdens that come with missing out on life's ordinary moments, the anguish of medical procedures, and the weight of unimaginable decisions. We address the pervasive feelings of guilt and shame that often accompany this journey.

As a parent, you wear many hats: caregiver, pharmacist, advocate, and so much more. Let Between Heartbeats be your sanctuary—a place where you can simply be yourself and prioritize your needs and desires without sacrificing the care of your child, your career, or your family. Don't miss a beat in your child's journey—find solace and support at Between Heartbeats.

Childbirth

 

Experience the miracle of childbirth with Between Heartbeats—a journey often brimming with joy and love, but sometimes shadowed by unexpected challenges. We understand that a difficult or traumatic birth can cast a long shadow over your parenting experience. Amidst societal expectations of unbridled happiness, it's okay to acknowledge feelings of uncertainty, disappointment, or even anger.

At Between Heartbeats, we provide a safe haven free from judgment, where every emotion is valid. Whether you're grappling with doubts, feeling neglected by medical professionals, or mourning the loss of your envisioned birth experience, we're here to support you. Our expert tools are tailored to guide you back to emotional equilibrium, rediscovering the joy of parenthood, and forging a deep bond with your precious little one.

You don't have to conceal your struggles or condemn yourself for them. There's light ahead for you as a mother. Let us accompany you on this transformative journey, where we'll help you redefine your path to motherhood with hope and resilience.

Complex childhood trauma

 

Embrace the opportunity to rewrite your story with me. Childhood isn't always a sanctuary of love and safety. Many of us have navigated through abuse, neglect, and instability from a tender age, shouldering responsibilities far beyond our years. Some have traversed the daunting foster care system, while others have become caregivers for both siblings and adults alike.

Amidst this turmoil, we've woven patterns of fear, sadness, and unresolved grief into the fabric of our lives. We may feel like we're teetering on the edge of collapse, burdened by the weight of our pasts, or armored against vulnerability, trudging through life's demands with stoic resolve.

But there's hope in this journey. You have the power to redefine your narrative, to break free from the shackles of your past. I'm here to guide you through that transformation. Together, we'll unearth the ghosts of your history and lay them to rest. We'll dismantle the barriers preventing you from experiencing life's beauty, joy, and peace.

Let's rewrite the script of self-destruction and self-sabotage. Your past doesn't have to dictate your future. Join me, and let's discover the pathways to a more fulfilling life, where pleasure and peace abound.

Depression and Anxiety

 

Discover relief from the grip of depression and anxiety with Between Heartbeats. These two formidable foes often intertwine, making it challenging to discern one from the other. The telltale signs of depression—low motivation, persistent sadness, and overwhelming fatigue—can easily slip under the radar as we immerse ourselves in daily distractions.

Anxiety, on the other hand, often announces itself more boldly, with palpable physical sensations like butterflies in the stomach or a tightness in the chest, accompanied by racing thoughts and pounding hearts.

Yet, the lines between these conditions blur, with elements of anxiety found in depression and vice versa. But fear not, for Between Heartbeats is equipped with the tools to guide you back to a life filled with the people and passions you hold dear. Don't let depression and anxiety dictate your existence—reclaim control and rediscover joy with our support.

Life Transitions

 

Embark on life's new adventures with confidence and ease alongside Between Heartbeats. Every journey, from starting a new chapter to embracing significant milestones, is accompanied by its share of challenges and emotional turbulence. Whether it's transitioning to a new school, entering into marriage, or embarking on parenthood, these moments can evoke feelings of anxiety, stress, and uncertainty.

At Between Heartbeats, we specialize in equipping you with the tools needed to navigate these transitions seamlessly, fostering growth and resilience along the way. Let us be your guide as you embark on your journey towards smoother transitions and greater emotional well-being. With our support, you can thrive through life's changes and emerge stronger than ever.

The Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)

 

Unlock the power of your sensitivity with Between Heartbeats. Have you always felt a little different from those around you? Perhaps you find yourself experiencing emotions more deeply, noticing subtle details that others overlook, or effortlessly tuning into the emotions and atmosphere of a room. Do loud noises startle you easily? Do certain textures or fabrics bother you? Are you particular about the smells, sounds, and lighting in your environment?

If you answered yes to any of these, you're not alone. Approximately 20-30% of individuals possess the trait of High Sensitivity—a unique gift that can sometimes feel like a challenge to navigate in a world that can be overwhelming and overstimulating.

Many highly sensitive people find themselves struggling with chronic anxiety, irritability, stress, and fatigue—symptoms of sensory overload. But fear not, for at Between Heartbeats, we specialize in empowering individuals like you to understand and embrace this trait fully.

Join us to discover how you can transform your life, turning sensitivity into strength. Let us guide you on a journey toward ease, enjoyment, and fulfillment.

Existential/ spiritual Crisis

 


Amidst the chaos of our world, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the constant barrage of negativity. From the distressing headlines on the news to the challenges we encounter in our own lives—drama, pain, and fear seem to lurk around every corner. It's no wonder that amidst this turmoil, we may begin to question the very essence of existence, losing sight of the goodness that still shines bright.

But amidst the darkness, there is light. At times, we may find ourselves grappling with existential questions, wondering about life's purpose and whether hope still exists. Yet, in these moments of doubt and uncertainty, it's essential to broaden our perspective.

Let me guide you back to a place of hope, faith, and meaning. Together, we'll rediscover joy, love, and fulfillment, breathing new life into your journey. Instead of dwelling on the evils of the world, let us focus on cultivating goodness and contributing positively to our shared humanity. With Between Heartbeats, embrace a renewed sense of purpose and find solace in the beauty that surrounds you.

The Heart Wtihin

Between Heartbeats LLC was founded by Dominika Ventucci, LCSW, CCTP after experiencing the medical trauma of having two NICU graduates, one born premature and one born with heart defects. Dominika has great passion for helping parents/caregivers of NICU babies, parents having gone through pregnancy loss or traumatic childbirth,  as well as medically fragile children who are now adults seeking to overcome the trauma from their experiences. Dominika has both personal and professional experience, knowledge, and insight in overcoming trauma and stays on top of the most effective theories, skills, and treatment modalities.


Experience holistic therapy with Dominika, where we believe in treating you as a complete being, not just a collection of symptoms. Our approach is integrative, seamlessly weaving together every aspect of your life to foster true well-being and enduring transformation. By delving into the social, spiritual, career, hobbies, and self-care dimensions, we uncover the keys to mental, emotional, and behavioral wellness. Using a diverse array of tools, we empower you to forge a new relationship with yourself, tapping into your inner wisdom to unveil the root causes of your challenges. Start your journey to lasting healing with Dominika today.


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Populations welcome

All adults (18 year of age and older), who are Illinois residents, regardless of gender, race, spiritual or religious background, sexual orientation/preference, people from all walks of life on all kinds of self discovery journeys.
Body positive
Geeks and Nerds of all types (I am talking to you gamers( board gamers, DnDers, fandom followers, ComiCon or GenCon goers, cosplayers)
Spiritual seekers

Our rates

 

Talk therapy

 

Online adult individual therapy. Typically, meetings are weekly or bi-weekly.

60 mins | $150 | Get started

Insurance accepted:

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield PPO

  • UnitedHealthcare

  • Aetna

  • Other insurance accepted through Headway

 

Get started with Between Heartbeats LLC, today.