“I believe we all have the power to be our best selves, sometimes we may just need someone to support us as we face challenges.”
Insurance Taken:
Aetna
AMITA Health HMO (site # 197, 494, 495, 496, 497, 498, 499, 500)
Anthem
Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO or Blue Choice
Cigna, Cigna EAP, Evernorth
Fox Valley Medicine HMO (site # 199)
Humana
Loyola Physicians Partners (LPP) HMO
Meritain Health
NU-SHIP
Ravenswood Physician Associates HMO
Resurrection Physicians Provider Group HMO
United Healthcare, Optum, UMR, United EAP
Specialties:
Anxiety/OCD
Caregiver Support
Depression
Difficulty Regulating Emotions
General Life Stressors / Transitions
Grief
Identity Related Stressors
Relationship Stressors
Self Esteem / Self Doubt
Trauma Work
Therapeutic Approach
I am passionate about building trust and providing a safe and non-judgmental environment, in which I create a space for you to feel heard and understood. I believe therapy provides the opportunity for you to experience self-growth in many areas and I empower you to take an active role in creating positive change. I strive to help you feel confident in the process and to maintain your growth in order to utilize what you have gained in therapy, in your daily life. I utilize an eclectic therapeutic approach to individualize treatment based on your specific needs and identified goals. Some of the approaches include Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Mindfulness, Trauma Informed Treatment, Motivational Interviewing, Harm Reduction, and Crisis Management.
Specializations & Interests
I received my Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology with a specialty in children and adolescents from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. I have experience working with a broad range of concerns which include mood disorders, anxiety disorders, domestic violence, trauma and stress related disorders, relationship issues, emotional dysregulation, communication and social skills, behavioral issues, and adjustment/life transitions. I have specialized training certificates in Domestic Violence and Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and I am a trainer in Trauma Crisis Intervention for Families (TCI-F).
Biography
In addition to the private practice setting, I provide therapeutic services to adolescents/young adults whom have experienced complex trauma as they prepare to transition to independence. While working in social services I have experienced how genuineness, compassion, and having a therapeutic relationship can have a positive impact on the transformation to a healthier you. I moved to Chicago seven years ago from Iowa--go Hawkeyes! Transiting from small town Iowa to big city living was quite the experience. I had to become comfortable with public transportation, learn my directions, gain patience during traffic, and realize that it's better to walk rather than drive a half mile. The transition was scary, but I fell in love with Chicago and the opportunities it has given me personally and professionally. I truly believe that taking a chance on myself helped me grow into the compassionate clinician I am today. Outside of being a clinician I enjoy cooking, caring for my plants, spending time with friends and family--especially since I am a new aunt, walking around the city, and binging t.v. shows.