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By Contributor
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LAUREN SCHIFFERDECKER, LCPC, is the founder and CEO of Inspire Counseling Center, which proudly celebrated its 10th anniversary this year. Under her leadership, Inspire has grown to four locations across Kenilworth, Lake Forest, Northbrook, and Evanston—providing nearly 3,000 psychiatry and counseling appointments each month to children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. In addition to her work at Inspire, Schifferdecker is passionate about reaching people beyond the therapy room. She is a TEDx speaker and best-selling author of She’s Not Crazy: Dare to Understand Your Feminine Power. She also founded the nonprofit Inspire Change for Mental Health—a 501(c)(3) organization committed to improving mental health access and awareness. Her work has been featured in Business Insider, and she was named “The Most Influential Woman Entrepreneur Thriving in the Healthcare System” by Healthcare Insights magazine in 2023. A proud wife and mom, those close to her know she has a big heart and loves to laugh while also serving others and making a difference in her community.
What excites you most about the future of your industry? Mental health is finally having its moment in the spotlight—with celebrities, influencers, and the media all driving the conversation. People are waking up to the powerful link between mental wellbeing and physical health, and it’s changing how we care for ourselves. I believe it will change the future for the next generation.
How do you define confidence—and how have you built it? I’ve learned that confidence doesn’t mean being perfect. It means giving yourself permission to show up fully—flaws and all, and trust you’re strong enough to figure it out. I’ve built my confidence by embracing my mistakes, learning from them, and getting stronger. Whether it’s in the therapy room or running a practice, I’ve found strength in being real, not flawless. There’s something powerful about owning your voice, even when it shakes—and that’s where true confidence lives.
How do you give back to your community or industry? Giving back is part of who we are. In addition to launching a 501(c)(3) to provide scholarships, we proudly sponsor local sports teams and community events—from youth hockey and baseball to golf outings and suicide awareness walks. We believe a connected, active community creates a ripple effect that strengthens everyone’s mental health.
For more information, visit inspirecounselingcenter.com or follow Inspire Counseling Center on Instagram @inspire_counseling, on Facebook at Inspire Counseling Center, or on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/inspire-counseling-center.
