Edward L. Oriole is a nationally certified Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor. Edward is an associate on the staff at The Lighthouse Emotional Wellness Center. Eddie’s philosophy regarding his clinical work is :

Eddie can help you determine if the patterns in your personal and work life are useful or counter-productive. For example if your thinking patterns often result in anxiety, depression, relationship conflicts or fears, Eddie can help you identify the thinking errors. This realization leads to guidance toward a change in thinking habits and a change in behavior.

Eddie grew up on the west side of Chicago, IL. He attended Holy Cross High School. Eddie graduated early and enlisted in the United States Air Force at age seventeen. After six years of active and reserve duty Eddie continued to protect and serve by joining the Chicago Police Department. He served fourteen years in uniform and another fourteen years as a negotiator in the Hostage, Barricade and Terrorist unit. Eddie’s first exposure to the field of psychology was during the training as a hostage negotiator. This prompted a two-fold question for Eddie: Where does behavioral dysfunction originate? And What type of treatment offers the best chance for symptom remediation?

The goal, for Eddie, became understanding the link between thinking patterns and behavior. Moreover Eddie was driven to understand the connection of genetic factors and environmental factors to the resultant behavior. Eddie learned to look beyond the behavior towards the thinking patterns. Thinking patterns that clearly led to behaviors that were contrary to the criminal’s best interests. Successful officers, Eddie learned, could tolerate uncertainty and avoid premature judgments. He learned that patient, non-judgmental responses often led to preservation of life success in hostage, barricade and terrorist negotiations.

Eddie formalized his lifelong devotion to an understanding the cause and effect of human behavior by enrolling and graduating at Northwestern University with a psychology major. This was followed by graduate school also at Northwestern University with a Master of Arts degree in counseling psychology. The initial focus was directed toward those who served in either the military of police departments. Eddie is trained in Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy which seeks to uncouple the cause of disruptive emotional consequences from the illogical belief systems. When the illogical beliefs are substituted with logical beliefs the emotional consequences change also.

Eddie’s clinical experience includes clinical work with children, adolescents and adults with behavioral or mood disorders in both in-patient and residential settings. Training, experience and devotion have resulted in a strong counselor identity. This was expanded by Eddie’s achievement of his CADC or Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor license. 

In Eddie’s own words… “ The experience and mentoring that I receive at The Lighthouse has expanded my competency to include: Youngsters and adolescents in need of purpose and direction as well as individuals locked in the cycle of addictions. It also includes families searching for that correct balance with their children and couple’s therapy under the Couples Synergy model.” Eddie has developed a a rich history by serving in the armed forces, twenty-eight years as a police officer and being a single parent. His education and real life experience give Eddie a strong clinical identity.

The Lighthouse Emotional Wellness team is highly trained in counseling in the context of a range of disorders such as anxiety, depression, addiction, ADHD, bipolar and trauma, as well as loss and grief. Our Personal Coaching services also address the following issues:

• Self-Esteem
• Communication
• Pattern of unhealthy relationships
• Intimacy
• Conflict avoidance
• Shame
• Vulnerability
• Expressing emotions
• Power and control
• Strengthening boundaries
• Empathy
• Trust