Understanding Emerging Adulthood as a Distinctive Developmental Stage

Mental health professionals will learn how to incorporate emerging adult theory into practice and case conceptualization. About the Presenters: Luisa Ellenbogen, MA, LPC Luisa Ellenbogen is a Licensed Professional Counselor with experience in person-centered, psychoanalytic, and trauma counseling. Based in Deerfield and Chicago, Luisa is passionate about supporting individuals on their journey to mental well-being and personal growth. Luisa graduated from Northwestern University with a Master’s in Counseling. She holds a Master’s Degree in history from Duke University and a Bachelor’s Degree in History and English from the University of Miami. With a focus on life transitions, relationship issues, and loss, Luisa creates a safe and supportive environment for clients to explore their thoughts and feelings. Luisa employs a compassionate and integrative approach, tailoring therapeutic interventions to meet the unique needs of each individual. She works with individuals, couples, families, and children. Luisa’s interest and experience includes working with clients experiencing low mood, identity issues, strained family relationships, and ambiguous loss among LGBTQ+ families. Luisa is dedicated to enhancing her knowledge through research. Luisa was selected to present on her paper Understanding Emerging Adulthood: Why It Matters for Parents and Clinicians at the Illinois Counseling Association Conference in the fall of 2025. Luisa serves as President of the Deerfield Village Library Board of Trustees. Dr. Samantha Fox, Psy.D., LSC Dr. Samantha Fox earned her bachelor’s degree from Indiana University and received her doctorate in clinical psychology from Adler University. Dr. Fox has worked in a variety of mental health settings including a forensic residential facility, community mental health center, inpatient and partial psychiatric hospital, and therapeutic day schools for individuals with behavioral, developmental, and emotional disorders. Through these placements, Dr. Fox treated an array of children, adolescents, and adults with a broad range of mental health disorders, social issues, and developmental disabilities. This led to her clinical interest in treating adolescents, young adults, and adults with various mood, anxiety, relationship, and other social issues. Dr. Fox’s experiences also helped shape her therapy approach which emphasizes the importance of the relationship between the client and therapist as well as the creation of a safe, nonjudgmental environment. Dr. Fox believes that insight into one’s life can aid in the process of change, managing mental illness, and the ability to utilize coping strategies to improve relationships and overall quality of life. Moreover, she tailors treatment to the individual by considering the individual’s ability level, personal goals, and cultural values. Dr. Fox also provides telehealth to clients who reside in PsyPact (https://www.psypact.org) states. Objectives of the presentation: 1. Understand how Emerging Adulthood is a distinct developmental stage 2. Understand counter prevailing theories of development that are inconsistent with the environment that emerging adults encounter 3. Understand how parental support buffers against the emotional and financial insecurity emerging adults experience 4. Learn recommendations for therapists on counseling and supporting emerging adults and their parents Details of the Presentation: Where: 707 Lake Cook Road on the lower floor of the building Time: 2:00 pm -3:30 pm Continuing Education Credits: 1.5 CE credits will be available for LPC, LSW, LCSW, LCPC, Ph.D. and Psy.D. Upon completion of the presentation, please fill out this Training Evaluation & Quiz