Restorative Life Services

Chicagoland North Shore

Serving the Mind & Spirit Individual, Family & Couples Therapy

About Us

Exclusive Therapy

Envision a place with no judgement and no expectations. This place is therapy, this place belongs to you and you alone when you are there. You are partnered with Dr. Cooper and the RLS team to understand the ever-evolving you. Whether it be you, your family or your most critical relationship, Dr. Cooper and the RLS team will work with you to strengthen your private life ensuring it is even better than your public image.

Private Retreats

Private individual or group retreats allow you to get away from the spotlight to reset and increase your own sense of personal control and connection to the truth about what matters to you.

Our retreats are in 5 star exclusive locations, offering the highest quality services inclusive of personal chef, butler, therapy and yoga sessions.

Unique Sabbaticals

Sabbaticals are a different focus for individuals who are looking to break away for a set amount of time from their normal surroundings to develop or improve a project, business or idea. Sabbaticals create the environment to establish, challenge and design strategies to achieve success.

Personalized Integrative Yoga

Healing comes in many different forms. RLS offers Integrative Yoga as a pathway to healing. We combine clinical talk therapy with yoga; creating a powerful combination to self-discovery and connection. Individuals, couples, families, and groups tap into self-clarity, unity, and understanding.

Dr. Ghana Cooper, LCSW, D.MIn

Founder and CEO of Restorative Life Services, LLC,

Since her teen years Dr. Cooper has been the one others ran to for a listening ear. Her early life experiences, and her desire to understand others, drove her to pursue a Bachelors of Science in Human Resources and Family Studies, and a Masters in Social work from the University of Illinois. She later earned a Masters of Divinity and Doctorate of Ministry from McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago. Dr. Cooper has also acquired her certification as a Yoga instructor.

From the moment she began helping others become the best version of themselves, Dr. Cooper received countless opportunities to partner with a very niche clientele – highly visible individuals and their families. From public figures, professional athletes and faith leaders, Dr. Cooper is known for her ability to access the core of an issue and maintain the utmost confidentiality.

With more than 20 years of training and experience, Dr. Cooper is a master therapist, crisis management specialist and transformational leader who honors and understands anonymity in today’s very public world.

Meet the rest of the RLS Team

Antonia Warren, MSW, LCSW

Antonia (Toni), a graduate of DePaul University's Master's Social Work program. Antonia has over five years of experience working with teens, young adults & families. Antonia believes that teens and young adults can live emotionally strong & healthy lives. Antonia connects with young people almost instantly by meeting them where they are and creating space for them to be heard & accepted.

Antonia's humor & her ability to have a pulse on the complex social media world allows her clients to feel comfortable knowing "Ms. Toni get's it." Clients who work with Antonia are more confident, have better communication skills, and develop successful relationships with family and peers; who do you know that should be working with Antonia?

Antonia specializes in clients between the ages of 15-25 years old.

Lauryn Ashley Payne M.A, LPC, NCC

Lauryn is a Chicago native and is a graduate of Northwestern University's Masters in Professional Counseling program. Lauryn is a National Certified Counselor and specializes in working with adult clients with mild to moderate clinically complex emotional and mental health diagnoses. Lauryn is passionate about helping clients gain clarity and progress toward wholeness. Lauryn's inviting approach allows clients to feel accepted, supported and heard. Clients who work with Lauryn develop greater personal direction, engage in healthy personal practices, and go after what they want in life. Who do you know that should be working with Lauryn?

Susan J Antonini, LSW

Susan knows that self-exploration is a lifelong process and considers it an honor to support clients of all ages. Her authenticity and ability to “keep it real” set the stage for honest reflection, productive conversation, and an overall feeling of trust. Susan has earned degrees from Saint Mary’s College, the University of Notre Dame, and Loyola University Chicago. A mom of six children now in their teens and twenties, she understands the power of communication, empathy, and self-care. Her passion for serving others has spanned a variety of sectors--education, business, and health and wellness, among them. Susan enlists cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and a strengths-based approach as she encourages clients to stay true to themselves and consider the world of possibilities that lies before them. Clients who work with Susan learn to embrace the fabric of their lives, while they set goals and develop strategies for navigating obstacles in healthful ways, promoting personal growth. Who do you know that should be working with Susan?

Benjamin Ellenson, LCSW

Ben is a graduate of DePaul University’s Master of Social Work program. Ben is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has over 7 years of experience working with teens, young adults and families. He is known for his high-level clinical skills and his ability to support clients and families of diverse backgrounds. Ben has extensive experience providing therapeutic support for clinically complex clients. Ben values self-determination and believes in supporting his clients holistically. Clients who work with Ben develop a strong sense of self, have better communication skills and engage in healthy lifestyle choices. Ben specializes in clients ages 18-50. Who do you know that should be working with Ben?

Devonna Jackson, MS, LCPC, NCC

Devonna is our Community Education and Small Group Outreach provider. Devonna, received her Master of Professional Counseling from Marquette University. Devonna has a professional history of working with families in emotional crisis and clients who are experiencing mild to moderate mental health needs. While Devonna does not see individual clients, her passion for community mental health and outreach pulls on her expertise in the areas of anxiety/complex anxiety disorders, depression vs. sadness (recognizing the difference, not dismissing symptoms) and self-compassion/self-self-worth to name a few. Communites and partners who work with Devonna are able to discover their inner strength and are empowered to live life successfully. What community partner do you know that should be working with Devonna?