What was your path to becoming a therapist? What inspired you to choose this profession?
I always knew I wanted to help others. I had a positive experience with a therapist during my teen years and it was this experience that inspired me to become a therapist.
In what ways does your personality influence your approach to therapy?
Personality plays a strong role as it is a part of who we are. Personality impacts whether a client and therapist are a good match. My personality reflects the following qualities: informal/laid back, collaborative, direct/honest, humorous, empathic, and nurturing.
How do you determine therapy goals with clients? What does that process look like?
Therapy is your space. I provide guidance and support but strongly encourage my client's to drive sessions and treatment planning. Goals identified need to make sense for you and your life.
Specialties
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.
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.
Race & Cultural Identity
Challenges around race and cultural identity vary enormously, including issues related to discrimination, racism, and intergenerational trauma.
Life coaching
Process designed to equip people with tools, motivation, and inspiration necessary to make positive change and maximize personal and professional potential. Life coaches are generally helpful during life transitions or for goal setting and completion.
General Expertise
Relationship Issues
Refers relationship issues with a partner or spouse. Can include issues related to relationship distress, relationship satisfaction, communication, intimacy, etc.
Adolescent mental health
Adolescent mental health focuses on adolescent-specific experiences including physical and cognitive development, social and environmental factors, sex, sexual identification and orientation, emotional processing, and substance use. Given the influence that parents/guardians have on adolescents, home life is a particularly important consideration.
Bipolar disorder
Characterized by alternating symptoms of depression and mania. During more extreme episodes, depression may lead to the point of suicidal ideation and attempts while extreme bouts of mania are marked by impulsive behavior, lack of sleep, elevated esteem, and even psychosis.
Communication issues
Source of communication challenges in circumstances and relationships that can have a negative impact on mental health. Misunderstandings and misinterpretations often lead to arguments in personal, platonic, or professional relationships.
Cultural adjustment
Moving to another place or living in a different culture requires a normal adjustment period. This happens at different rates for different people, some adjusting more quickly than others. Can potentially lead to ongoing issues.
Fees
$200
First Session
$150
Couples Therapy
$130
Individual Therapy
Types of Therapy
Couples Session
Individual Session
Clientele
Young Adults (18-24)
Adults (25-65)
Treatment Approaches / Modalities
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Mindfulness Practices
Strength Based Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Coaching
Culturally Sensitive Therapy
Eclectic Therapy
Training / Certifications
Certified Clinical Trauma Professional-PESI
Licensure
IL, LCSW, 149012728
Education
Master's of Social Work-Jane Addams College of Social Work University of Illinois at Chicago
BA (Psychology & Social Work)-Elmhurst College
Master's of Science in Grant Writing & Leadership-Concordia University
Work History
I worked in the Community Mental Health sector from 2006-2018. In 2018 I shifted to group practice. I have experience providing clinical therapy to individuals, couples, and families ranging in age from 12-65.
Location
Montgomery, 60538, IL