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Blake Zweig, MA is a school psychologist and self-compassion coach who dedicates his time and effort toward helping children, teens, and young adults develop and maintain the tools they need in order to thrive throughout their adolescent years and beyond. Blake provides both group and individual services for children, adolescents, and young adults, as well as parent training and consultation.

As a school psychologist for 24 years, Blake has developed a wide range of interests and areas of specialty. These include the following: mindfulness, self-compassion, autism spectrum disorders (social skill development), disability awareness including learning, behavioral, and emotional disabilities, coping skills/anxiety, social problem solving, perspective-taking, executive functioning skills, increasing student self-advocacy and independent learning skills, psycho-educational evaluation and interpretation.

Additionally, Blake provides parent training regarding Dr. Ross Greene's Collaborative and Proactive Solutions model as described in Dr. Greene's book, The Explosive Child.

Currently, Blake is in his 22nd year at Maple School, a middle school in Northbrook. Blake's experience within the public school system provides parents with an insider's view and perspective on what the true social, emotional, and academic world is like for children and teens these days.

In addition to his role as a school psychologist and self-compassion coach, Blake is an active singer-songwriter, soccer player, former sailing instructor, and graduate of the Second City Training Center. He has coached middle school wrestling and cross country, and started Maple School's Sci-Fi Club. Blake's laid-back personality and wide range of interests create a relaxed, creative, comfortable, and safe therapeutic environment for parents, children, adolescents, and young adults to explore.

Services
(Individual and Group Services)

Child and Adolescent Therapy

Blake is a team member of the Bedrock Psychology Group in Northbrook. For therapy referrals, please inquire via the following link: Bedrock Psychology Group in Northbrook. Blake does not accept insurance; however, a superbill can be provided for out-of-network reimbursement.

  • Mindful Self-Compassion (e.g. perfectionism, shame, high expectations)
  • Coping skills (e.g. managing feelings associated with anxiety and depression)
  • Self-advocacy and the development of independent learning skills
  • Social problem solving (e.g. responding to teasing, bullying, developing and maintaining friendships)
  • Social skill development (e.g. perspective-taking, verbal and nonverbal communication)
  • Flexibility (emotional and behavioral)

Adult Services

  • Self-Compassion Life Coaching

Parent Education

  • Parent coaching/training using Dr. Ross Greene's Collaborative and Proactive Solutions model, as described in Dr. Greene's book, The Explosive Child

What is Mindful Self-Compassion for Teens (MSC-T)?

Adolescence is a time of change and growth. It is the period of life for self-discovery, but as the demands in life increase for teens, this time is often fraught with confusion, anxiety or depression. For many teens these challenges lead to disconnection and isolation.

This course, Mindful Self-Compassion for Teens (MSC-T), is designed to facilitate awareness, self-kindness and an understanding of our common humanity in response to these growing challenges. In this 8-week long course, which meets weekly for 1.5 hours, teens engage in developmentally appropriate activities and carefully crafted practices and meditations, which provide them with the opportunity to learn how to navigate the emotional ups and downs of life with greater ease.

This course creates an opportunity for adolescents to construct a healthier way of relating to themselves. Backed by empirical research, this program demonstrates a significant decrease in depression, anxiety, perceived stress and negative mood. The curriculum was adapted from the adult Mindful Self-Compassion program created by Kristin Neff and Christopher Germer, and has been endorsed by Neff and Germer.

“This is a brilliant adaptation of the MSC program for adolescents, providing a wide variety of self-compassion skills using developmentally appropriate language and activities. Imagine if all teens learned self-compassion early on – so much unnecessary suffering would be prevented! Thank goodness this program is now available.”Kristin Neff, Ph.D.

“At long last, a self-compassion training for teens! This delightful, innovative program captures the essence of self-compassion for an age group that needs it the most. Wholeheartedly recommended!”Chris Germer, Ph.D.

“Stressful situations and stuff happens… I’m able to handle it more easily and more quickly, and able to calm myself down and put it into perspective.”Teen Participant

Fall 2026 Virtual Mindful Self-Compassion for Teens (Ages 14-17) (flyer)

MSC-T: Program Description: In a high-pressure, high-achieving, and high-anxiety adolescent world, Mindful Self-Compassion for Teens uses art, music, mindfulness, and discussion to teach teens how to:

  • Replace shame and the need for perfection with self-compassion, kindness,
  • and self-understanding
  • Understand the role and power of the inner critic
  • Learn why self-compassion is more reliable than self-esteem
  • Explore the costs of social comparison
  • Speak to yourself as you would speak to a good friend
  • Embrace the power of gratitude

*This class is not designed to replace therapy.
*Weekly attendance is required, and virtual safety protocols will be established.

Contact Blake Zweig or Marina Barnes to inquire about participating in MSC-T

Facilitators: Blake Zweig and Marina Barnes
Dates: Oct 22nd to Dec 17th (except on Nov 26th, Thanksgiving Day)
Frequency: 8 weekly, 90-minute sessions on Thursdays
Time: 6:30pm to 8:00pm CST; 4:30pm to 6:00pm PDT
Location: Google Meet
Value: $525

Contact

Please fill out the form below to contact Blake.

Credentials / Experience

Blake earned his Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Psychology at the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana. He earned his Master of Arts (M.A.) in School Psychology and an Interdisciplinary Graduate Certificate in Disability Studies from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff.

Blake has received advanced training in Mindful Self-Compassion, developed by Dr. Kristin Neff and Dr. Chris Germer. He is also a teacher of the Mindful Self-Compassion for Teens course as described above.

In addition, Blake has received advanced training in Dr. Ross Greene's collaborative problem-solving model as described in Dr. Greene's book, The Explosive Child: A New Approach of Understanding and Parenting Easily Frustrated, Chronically Inflexible Children.

Blake has worked with children and families in several different environments all across the country, from the Native American reservations of Northern Arizona to high schools of over 2700 students in Northern Virginia and upstate New York. Blake has spent his career counseling and evaluating student needs, as well as collaborating and problem-solving with teachers and parents.

Professional Affiliation: National Association of School Psychologists

Links & Resources