REAL LIFE STORIES

I have to say that I hoped my children would never be forced or need any form of counseling, but due to a court order, one did. My daughter was very afraid initially and so was I. It's a scary thought, someone you don't know poking around in extremely sensitive areas of your life. The first visit went great! I was so happy and felt a sense of relief and hope after meeting with her counselor. She listened and I mean she really listened and cared. My daughter feels safe and now can stop carrying the weight that was bringing her down. I'm not sure if we're allowed to say the counselors name but I'll just say that without her, my daughter wouldn't have a voice and the court would never have listened. She was able to prove that my daughter needed help establishing a relationship with her father through her sessions. She helped the judge understand that time was needed and time of excessive periods/overnights should not be forced on a child. Like every relationship, a bond and solid communication are necessary to move forward together and thrive. Without her, my daughter would have continued to remain distant and afraid. With her, my daughter now knows that she has a voice and uses it. ​I recommend Portrait Health Center to any parent who has a child or children who need help learning how to use their voices and how to approach situations and deal with their feelings in a positive way. To let them know not to hide their feelings or keep them bottled up because those feelings matter regardless of how small or unimportant they may think. Thank you for showing her that she can open up without fear or hesitation. Thank you for always being available and for taking my doubts of counseling not being useful and showing me that it's so much more than a stereotype. Thank you for proving me wrong.   - Jenna 
I have to say that Deborah goes far beyond the call with her efforts to help me with me.
Her insight & experience is unbelievable. THANK YOU SO MUCH!  - Anne
Hi Nancy! I saw you a couple of times in October and November. My BG was 546 and A1C was 12.6 when I was diagnosed. As you know my numbers were a little better in five weeks...A1C 9.4 and fbs 105. After another 3 months I had my checkup. The great news is that on February 7th my fbs was 91 and my A1C was 5.5. I lost another 12 pounds to top it all off. My Bp was normal as well. 
 
I thought you would love to hear the great news. I truly did not understand how to deal with diabetes and how to eat until you help me. Thank you so much!   - Jackie
Dr. Kondic is the best! He is above all a kind person, sets future appointments, always makes himself available, and refers to me by name.  Dr. Kondic is super nice and very considerate.  I always leave my sessions in a good mood!  - Jenifer
I started visiting Portrait Health Centers about two years ago. When I first met Nikki, I was sad, insecure and overall had low self esteem. On top of that I was starting nursing classes and I was stressed out with that too. At the moment I really just wanted someone who I could talk to. Someone who wouldn't judge me for being me and Nikki was a great match as a therapist. She helped through difficult moments. She truly listens. She is very supportive and has been throughout this process and I couldn't thank her enough for always being there. My therapy with Nikki has been invaluable and she has helped me a lot since we first started!  -Jillian
Portrait Health Centers,

I just wanted to send you an email in case I forget to mention it later.  My husband and I want to thank you for all your help!  Kerry is doing great!  She is positive, happy, working out and eating healthy.  We have gotten our little girl back and we know you are a big part of that.

Thank you very much!

- Sara
Portrait Health Centers,

I have struggled with feelings of guilt and regret for many years. I was very hurt, bitter, resentful, and angry about my inability to make decisions about my situation.  Fortunately, I was referred to Ms. Lee a year ago. She has helped me deal with the root of my problem, to acknowledge my issues, do the work to move forward and work on healing. I am grateful for her professional, caring, and non judgmental approach. She has been beneficial to my progress . Ms. Lee has worked with me and assisted me with my ability to problem solve and given me the tools to do the work that I know I need to do in my relationships and life. Ms. Lee has been an asset to me.  

​-  NT
Merry Christmas Portrait Health Centers,
 
I must apologize for not writing you sooner.  Everyday we wake is a gift that God has given us and all we can do is go out and try our best.  This is what I tell Tate and our daughter Nichole everyday.  I believe we are on a good path right now and I want to thank you again for all your help, concern and grace from God.  You are truly one of his angels, doing his work here on earth. Have a Blessed Christmas and a Healthy New Year. 
 
- Tate and Nichole's mother
Dear Dr. Maggiore and the staff at Portrait Health Centers, 

Thank you all so much for giving us our grandson, Brian, back. It took a while to get there, but we are so pleased, thanks to you and your health center staff.

As you know Brian had been suspected of having ADHD because of his troubles at school. His pediatrician suggested a psychologist to visit, and the psychologist prescribed that he take the medicine Adderall. Brian had struggled at school for his first two years, not being able to focus, doing poorly in all subjects, and getting into trouble. This medicine helped him focus in school, but it also took away his personality, appetite and disposition. He seemed to be "out of it" during the day and mean and irritated at night. He lost weight and was just not a pleasant person to be with. We felt we had lost our 6 year-old who had been a happy-go-lucky, caring and funny young boy. 

Then my daughter heard about your Portrait Health Center and took Brian to your services. There we found a caring staff that thoroughly analyzed Brian physically, mentally and emotionally. The staff confirmed the diagnosis of ADHD and Oppositional Behavior Disorder. Each visit was very thorough, and he even had his own personal Nurse Navigator to handle his case. Every person was very concerned and friendly and knowledgeable. As we described Brian’s behavior, the staff used their findings to develop a new therapeutic plan for our grandson. Brian was given a new medicine that was prescribed based on his age and weight and needs. He acclimated to the medicine immediately, and he became a new person. We now have our grandson back. He is funny, carefree, and doing well in school. The teachers have commented on his ability to focus and his great improvement in school. He is happy again and wanting to go fishing and play and do all things that a 7 year-old boy wants to do.

We can’t thank you and the staff at Portrait Health Center enough for your help in regaining our young grandson. We really thought we had lost him for good. That was a frightening thought as you might know, but you and your staff turned everything around and we are very grateful. As a former principal and educator, I wish I had had a resource like Portrait Health Center to recommend to my families who faced the struggles of ADHD and learning disorders with their students. Thank you again for all of your help.

Sincerely, 

Richard C. (Brian’s Grandfather)
My experience with Portrait Health Centers and Nikki has been lifechanging. From the moment I met her I was comfortable, felt welcomed, and knew she truly cared and wanted to help. When I initially started I didn’t have many expectations, however she has surpassed everything I thought possible. Nikki really takes the time to develop trust with her clients, and goes above and beyond to help them. She does not give up, nor does she forget. Even when I go a month without seeing her, she is there for me, ready to listen and help me whatever the situation be. Additionally, I have recommended her to friends who needed to step a bit further out of friends and family for help.

Furthermore, Nikki has inspired me to be a therapist of my own. Seeing how much she has impacted my life has made me want to do the same for others. She is easily a role-model in my life.

Overall, Nikki has taught me how to apply positive aspects to every dimension in my surroundings and it has changed my life in every way. I am happier, more secure, and less anxious just by tweaking simple thoughts and/or habits. I cannot thank her enough!!  - Janey
​I spoke with one of your Patient Health Coordinators out of your Illinois office last week.  She took great care of me on our call. She answered all of my questions patiently--even after I kept peppering her with questions after saying I didn't have any more! She also explained everything clearly and concisely. Most importantly, I didn't feel rushed. She took her time explaining everything and patiently gave me several therapists' availabilities.
 
I'm glad she was the one who helped me during a fraught process like finding a therapist!    - Phil