SunShine Story Ballentine is a therapist at Bethesda Behavioral Health and a Student
Success Counselor at College of DuPage.
She has a BS in Education and Social Policy from Northwestern University and a MA in Counseling and Human Services from Roosevelt University. She received advanced certification in College Counseling, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Efficacy and Domestic Violence Advocacy.
After being diagnosed with Lupus and Fibromyalgia, Ballentine began to understand
how challenging it can be to look and feel your best. Out of the desire to help others
survive and thrive, Solstice Imaging Inc. was born. She founded the Solstice Beauty
Academy and the Solstice Beauty Salon, Day Spa and Hair Loss Center to share her love
of learning and beauty with the
world.
Additionally, she wrote the book, Stress Relief Through the Senses, to provide practical
suggestions for coping with stress using the mind, body and spirit. She offers numerous
online courses including the Journey to Self Love, a therapeutic intervention for
anxiety, depression,
body dysmorphia and low self-esteem.
Ballentine is a Licensed Cosmetologist, Cosmetology Instructor and Domestic Violence Advocacy Trainer for Salon Professionals. In therapy, she takes a creative and holistic approach to helping clients relieve stress, anxiety, body dysmorphia and depression through clinical interventions that improve self- esteem, body positivity, mental health and overall wellness.
Ballentine studied with The Association of Image Consultants International at Loyola University in Chicago where she learned wardrobe selection management, design aesthetics, business etiquette, disability advocacy, and international protocol. She worked with Image Impact International in the development of the curriculum, Disability for Impact, a program designed to reduce the stigma experienced by those who live with disabilities. She also received her certification in Makeup Artistry from the Makeup First School in Chicago, where she studied clinical, beauty, media and theatrical makeup. She received her Nail Artistry Certification from the Wildflowers Nail Academy. SunShine completed her aesthetics training at Ms. Roberts Academy of Beauty Culture. She is the webmaster and newsletter editor for the Illinois Association for Couples and Family Counseling (IACFC), a division of the Illinois Counselor Association and the American Counselor Association. She is also a member of The Professional Beauty Association and The Association of Image Consultants International (AICI), the largest professional association of corporate and personal image consultants worldwide. SunShine Story Ballentine puts creativity, passion, and principles into her work as a counselor, image consultant, mental health and beauty professional.
Education:
- B.S. Education and Social Policy, Northwestern University
- M.A. Counseling and Human Services, Roosevelt University
Contact Ballentine at ballentines@cod.edu or (630) 942-2532.
Areas of Expertise
- Mental Health
- Trauma
- Mindfulness
- Sleep Disorders
- Body Dismorphia