This episode features a special interview with Ann Foster, the founder of Millennium Counseling Center. We discuss Ann’s journey of starting Millennium Counseling, her vision for the company, and its incredible impact over the past 20 years. Ann shares her insights on building a successful practice, the importance of connection in recovery, and the evolving landscape of mental health and addiction treatment.
Topics Discussed in this episode featuring Ann Foster, The Founder of Millennium Counseling Center
- Ann’s journey of starting Millennium Counseling Center in 2004
- The story of a solo practice becoming a thriving counseling center
- The importance of making Millennium Counseling about quality care rather than a single individual
- Strategies for finding and retaining high-quality therapists
- The expansion of understanding various forms of addiction and mental health issues
- The role of Ann’s personal background and family history in shaping her approach to counseling
- The significance of training interns and maintaining a cohesive team
- Ann’s decision to transition leadership and her continued involvement with Millennium
- The legacy of Ann’s parents and their influence on her path in mental health and recovery work
Who This Episode Is For: Individuals interested in building a successful counseling practice. Those working in mental health that seek insights on managing and growing a practice. People interested in the evolving understanding of addiction and mental health treatment. Supporters and loved ones of individuals in recovery that are trying to understand the importance of connection and community. Anyone inspired by stories of personal growth, professional development, and positively impacting others’ lives. Anyone who wants to learn more about Millennium Counseling Center.
Related content: Understanding Recovery | Embracing Change and Uncertainty
Connect with us:
- Millennium Counseling Center: Website
- Derek Bylsma: Millennium | LinkedIn
- Oren Matteson: Millennium | LinkedIn
More about Ann Foster:
Ann has earned two Master’s degrees; one in theology from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary at Northwestern University and the other in counseling from National-Louis University. She is a clinically licensed counselor in Illinois, Michigan, Virginia, and Ohio, as well as a licensed alcohol and drug addiction counselor Level II (LADAC) in Tennessee. She holds certifications in alcohol and drug counseling, sex addiction, and multiple addictions. She’s also a certified Daring Way counseling facilitator (CDWF) and is fully trained in EMDR Therapy.
Ann now lives outside Nashville, Tennessee, and does most of her sessions virtually. Her practice consists of individual and group counseling. She also facilitates intensive individual and group workshops. Her main objective is to offer the recovering individual a safe place to express feelings and heal traumatic wounds.
Ann sat on the Advisory Board for the International Institute of Trauma & Addiction Professionals (IITAP) for many years. IITAP oversees the CSAT/CMAT certifications and its curriculum, developed by Dr. Patrick Carnes, author and pioneer in sex addiction treatment. She also received certification from Brené Brown’s organization, The Daring Way, and facilitates individual sessions and workshops with this ground-breaking curriculum.
In addition to almost three decades of clinical experience, Ann brings over forty-five years of personal experience to the recovery field. She believes that no matter a person’s problems, healing and freedom are possible. There are no hopeless cases.
More about Millennium Counseling Center and our hosts:
The Millennium Counseling Center in Chicago specializes in mental health services with a strong focus on various forms of addiction, including their premier program, 3A, which is targeted towards alcohol addiction. They offer multiple counseling methods, including one-on-one, couples, and group counseling, alongside an intensive treatment program that includes personalized attention, accountability, and acceptance.
The center tackles issues like depression, PTSD, anxiety, childhood trauma, and various addictions (chemical, sex, eating disorders, etc.), addressing both individual and relational challenges. Their comprehensive approach aims to aid recovery through multi-modal treatment plans tailored to individual needs, including leveraging their extensive knowledge of the local recovery community.
The podcast is hosted by Derek Bylsma, Executive Director and leader of the 3A and Sports divisions, and Oren Matteson, Vice President and Clinical Director. With an athletics and mental health background, Derek brings a unique perspective, particularly in sports psychology and recovery-related work. Oren focuses on adult addiction and trauma recovery, especially sexual and relationship addictions, promoting healing through empathy and compassion.
Their mission reflects a commitment to helping individuals break free from the cycles of self-hate, shame, and pain often associated with mental illnesses and addictions, restoring hope and promoting healthier, more fulfilling lives.
The post Ann Foster | The Founder of Millennium Counseling Center appeared first on Millennium Counseling Center.
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