Rebecca E. Tenzer is the owner and head clinician at Astute Counseling & Wellness Services.
What are some of the most pressing mental health challenges you see in your community, and how does Astute Counseling address them in unique or innovative ways?
In our Chicago/Lakeview community, we see high rates of depression, anxiety, addiction, chronic illness, trauma, and relational struggles, including couples and family challenges. We also serve many people navigating fertility issues, women’s health concerns, and chronic pain. At Astute Counseling & Wellness Services, we take a unique approach by integrating traditional evidence-based therapy with a full wellness center. Alongside a diverse team of clinicians, we offer yoga, Pilates, acupuncture, massage, Reiki, sound bath therapy, bodywork, supplements, workshops, infrared, retail therapy and more. This whole-person model ensures that clients are supported not only mentally and emotionally but physically and spiritually as well.
For aspiring healthcare professionals, what key lessons should they take from your approaches when thinking about patient care and trust-building?
One of the most important lessons is to treat patients comprehensively and holistically. Recognizing that mental health, physical health, and well-being are deeply connected. Building trust requires showing up authentically, creating a safe, nonjudgmental space, and remembering that healing is not one-size-fits-all. At Astute, we meet clients where they are, honor their stories, and give them access to multiple modalities of care. Aspiring professionals should remember that flexibility, compassion, and innovation are just as essential as clinical expertise.
Can you share a success story or impactful initiative at Astute Counseling that highlights your mission?
One initiative we’re especially proud of is our community engagement in Lakeview and Chicago as a whole. From sound baths and yoga in our Zen garden to “Glimmers in Lakeview,” where our team handcrafts bud vases with affirmations and leaves them around the neighborhood to spark “glimmers” or moments of joy. We’ve also had incredible success stories with clients who, after combining therapy with our wellness services, like yoga, sound and acupuncture, experienced significant breakthroughs in managing anxiety, depression, addiction, chronic pain, and fertility challenges. It’s amazing to see folks who were living a pretty sedentary lifestyle all of a sudden get moving for Mental health. These stories highlight our mission to make mental and physical health care accessible, innovative, and deeply human. We are a space where people can truly come as they are, heal and thrive.
Inspira Advantage is proud to interview experts like Rebecca E. Tenzer to help future doctors understand the challenges and rewards of a medical career.
