If you could pick one movie or book that influenced your approach to therapy, what would it be and why?
It’s a Wonderful Life- I can watch that movie over and over again. It shows us that no matter how much in life we feel down and hopeless and like our lives are insignificant and do not matter, that is never, ever the truth, because they do! We have to see it, and when we do, we see and feel the change. In my approach, I work with helping my client see and discover how meaningful and essential their lives are when they are lost and help them process and walk through difficult times they may not understand.
What does a first session with you look like?
The first session with me typically looks like a friendly and honest conversation where we get to know each other a bit, and you give me a background on what has been going on that has brought you in. In the first session, I may ask more general questions on your life and habits, how the problem has affected you, and ideas you have for changing things. It builds a foundation for the following sessions, works to be done, and the goals that I will help you set in therapy.
What do you think is the biggest barrier today for people seeking care?
The most significant barrier for people entering therapy today is fear of the unknown or arability of services. It can be scary not to know what to expect when embarking on a new endeavor or not having access to the services that are needed quickly. Taking the first step in this direction can put your mind at ease and pay off in the end.
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.
Relationship Issues
Refers relationship issues with a partner or spouse. Can include issues related to relationship distress, relationship satisfaction, communication, intimacy, etc.
Addiction
Regular involvement with a substance or activity in a compulsive, hard to control way that often has harmful consequences. Often refers to substance use, but can include compulsive behaviors such as sex, gambling, or shopping.
General Expertise
Work Stress
Workplace issues are a common source of stress and can include interpersonal conflict, communication problems, gossip, harassment, discrimination, low motivation and job satisfaction, performance issues, and poor job fit.
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.
Self-Esteem
Self-esteem is the degree to which a person feels confident, valuable, and worthy of respect. Feeling low self-esteem can influence overall well-being and be linked to anxiety and/or depression.
Social Anxiety
Social anxiety or social phobia is fear of social situations or a fear of interacting with people other than close friends and family. Social anxiety can be persistent, intense, and debilitating, greatly affecting daily life.
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.
Fees
$130
First Session
$100
Individual Therapy
Types of Therapy
Individual Session
Clientele
Young Adults (18-24)
Adults (25-65)
Seniors (65+)
Treatment Approaches / Modalities
Strength Based Therapy
Cognitive Processing Therapy
Jungian Therapy
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy
Motivational Interviewing
Psychodynamic Therapy
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
Licensure
IL, LCSW, 149.020295
Work History
I am a licensed clinical social worker in Illinois with over 15 years of experience. I have experience working in inpatient/outpatient substance abuse and mental health treatment centers, crisis centers, juvenile justice programs, corrections, state psychiatric centers, and private induvial counseling.
Location
Remote Therapy - Serving the greater Illinois area, IL