Seeing a therapist for the first time can be uncomfortable-having to go to a complete stranger and start sharing some of the most difficult parts of your life is really intimidating. Just being willing to come into a session already means that you have a great deal of strength, and my job is to help you acknowledge that strength and achieve your goals. I use an empowerment model, meaning that we'll be focusing on what you want to learn from therapy, and we'll figure out together what works best for you.
I have an extensive background in domestic violence, trauma, healthy relationships, and the LGBTQ+ community. I have also worked a great deal with issues ranging from anxiety and depression to PTSD. My favorite part of being a therapist is watching that "lightbulb" moment for a client when they understand why their brain is acting the way it is. I see couples and individuals as clients, and I use a strengths-based approach. I really enjoy helping folks figure out how to enhance the skills that they've been using to make it this far.
I am licensed in Illinois with my clinical social work license and have 5 years of therapy experience.
Additional areas of focus: Chronic pain, illness, and disability, Codependency, Communication problems, Divorce and separation, Domestic violence, Family of origin issues, Family problems, Isolation / loneliness, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Post-traumatic stress, Self-love, Sexual assault and abuse, Sexuality, Women's issues
IL LCSW 149027328