My approach centers on you, recognizing that you are the expert of your own life. I am dedicated to providing a calm and truly safe space where you can openly express your thoughts, feelings, and emotions without any judgment. My aim is to guide you with empathy and genuine care as we work together to understand your experiences and move towards your goals.
To best support your unique journey, I draw upon a variety of therapeutic approaches. I believe in building a strong and trusting connection with you through Person-Centered and Relational Therapy. I’ll also help you recognize your inner strengths and resilience using a Strengths-Based perspective. Understanding how social and systemic factors might be impacting your life is an important part of my work, informed by Feminist Theory. Together, we can explore your experiences with compassion and respect.
I also integrate practical skills and insights from therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help you manage difficult thoughts and emotions, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to live in line with your values, and Internal Family Systems (IFS) to foster greater self-understanding and acceptance. Mindfulness-Based Practices are a key component of my work, helping you cultivate present-moment awareness and emotional regulation. This might include guided meditations, breathwork exercises to soothe the nervous system, body scan techniques to connect with physical sensations, or even incorporating mindful awareness into everyday activities like walking or drinking tea to reduce stress and increase clarity. I am committed to providing therapy that is sensitive to your unique background and experiences, recognizing the impact of trauma on the body.
I am passionate about working with adults, including young adults navigating life’s big changes, and I deeply value my work with the LGBTQIA+ community and neurodivergent individuals. I find great fulfillment in supporting people as they find ways to cope with anxiety and depression and learn to build healthier boundaries in their relationships. I have experience addressing anxiety, depression, complex childhood trauma, navigating life transitions, relationship issues, and women’s issues, with a strong commitment to providing LGBTQIA+ affirming care. My understanding of social justice and systemic oppression informs my approach, and I am dedicated to supporting your well-being and empowerment.
I hold a Master of Social Work Degree from Loyola University and am an LSW in the state of Illinois. Outside of being a therapist, I enjoy cuddling with my kitties, binge-watching New Girl, reading a good book, going for walks along the lake, playing volleyball with friends, and making my own skincare products. I look forward to meeting you and embarking on your journey with you towards growth and healing.
Training and Clinical Interests: