If there was one thing you wish people knew about the therapy experience who might be hesitant to try it, what would that be?
Therapy is not a one size fits all. It is okay to try therapy and be hesitant or not vibe with your therapist. It is smart to shop around and to be honest with your therapist(s) to find someone that fits with you. Also, going to therapy will not magically cure you, but it can be helpful to have an outside source supporting you and helping you dive deeper into your issues so you can face them head-on.
What do you think is the biggest barrier today for people seeking care?
Fear. Fear of what others may think of them and fear of the unknowns of therapy. Perhaps even people being fearful of facing what is within them. It can be tough work sometimes, but it is worth it.
How do you determine therapy goals with clients? What does that process look like?
I truly believe the client knows best. Although I hold specific expertise, I do encourage clients to take charge and be vocal about their needs. When determining goals, I will first figure out the client's story and their reason for coming to therapy. I will assess based on their story possible goals, but first I ask the client to list out some goals or hopes they have to gain from therapy and provide them with additional goals they may find helpful.
Specialties
Anxiety
Anxiety can mean nervousness, worry, or self-doubt. Anxiety disorder is a mental health disorder that entails excessive, repeated bouts of worry, anxiety, and/or fear.
Body image issues
Due to continued exposure to images of “normal” or “desired” body types, people can develop a range of positive or negative emotions about their appearance causing anxiety, depression, or eating disorders.
Trauma
Trauma is the result of experiencing a perceived, extremely distressful event. Although the stress threshold for each person differs, meaning that each person considers and experiences trauma differently, it is an event that tops one’s threshold. It exceeds one’s ability to cope or emotionally process. Symptoms may include shock, anxiety, confusion, hopelessness, feeling disconnected, mood swings, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts.
General Expertise
Depression
Depression often causes people to feel sad, empty, or hopeless, and can cause a lack of interest in life. It can also affect a person's thinking patterns and physical health.
Careers
Designed to help people choose, change, or leave a career at any stage of life. Careers are often wrapped up in people’s perceived identity, therefore, any change can cause anxiety and/or depression.
Loss/Grief
Grief is a reaction to an emotionally significant loss and often comes with symptoms of depression or anxiety. These symptoms can remain intense and last for a long time after a loss, making it difficult to move forward with a healthy lifestyle.
Academic challenges
Concerns that impact school performance or academic life. Can include perfectionism, bullying, financial stress, academic transitions, test anxiety, balancing school with other responsibilities, discrimination, or harassment.
Abuse/Survivors of abuse
Abuse includes any significant mistreatment along the lines of psychical, emotional, sexual, verbal, and neglect. Survivors of abuse may experience negative thoughts and feelings, flashbacks, distrust of others, social withdrawal, self-harm, and increased likelihood of developing mental health and substance abuse issues.
Fees
$25
First Session
$25
Couples Therapy
$25
Individual Therapy
Types of Therapy
Family Session
Couples Session
Individual Session
Clientele
Young Adults (18-24)
Adults (25-65)
Adolescents (13-17)
Treatment Approaches / Modalities
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Mindfulness Practices
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Cognitive Processing Therapy
Narrative Therapy
Training / Certifications
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Training
Telehealth: Telepsychology Best Practice 101 Series
CPT Training (Cognitive Processing Therapy)
Licensure
IL, AMFT, 208000882
Education
Bachelors, Psychology, DePaul University
Masters, Couple & Family Therapy, Adler University
Work History
My experience has mainly been with but is not limited to teens dealing with anxiety, depression, or some sort of trauma. Teen and parent work, sibling work. I have worked with all walks of life and have experience with those in the LGBTQ+ community.
Location
19630 Governors Hwy Ste 8, Flossmoor, 60422, IL