What does a first session with you look like?
Our first session together, I like to just take the time for you to feel comfortable with me. I understand the foundation to a good counseling relationship is trust. I know that takes time to build. I want to meet you where you are. No pressure to over share, only what you feel comfortable doing. It is important to establish goals, however that will come as we get to know each other and establish that important client- therapist relationship. I know making that first appointment takes a lot of courage. I applaud you for taking the first step on your journey.
In what ways does your personality influence your approach to therapy?
I am an honest, loyal person and you will see that upon our first meeting. I believe in being real with people. I am empathic by nature and that transfers into all my work with clients. I treat people by the very simple life motto, treat others as you would want to be treated.
What do you think is the biggest barrier today for people seeking care?
In our fast paced world, our time is very valuable. Having the time to commit to your mental health is a main barrier for many. I offer flexibility so you can take the time you need for yourself. For the busy Mom or Dad waiting in the pick up line at school, online counseling offers you the freedom to use that time for you. I understand the busy life parents are accustomed to and can offer early morning or late evening appointments that can work with your schedule. Time is no longer a barrier with me as your therapist.
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.
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.
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.
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.
College & graduate student issues
Issues arising from being in a new environment or away from home for the first time. College-aged kids have the highest rates of mental illness, suffering things like stress, anxiety, depression, learning disabilities, and substance abuse.
General Expertise
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.
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.
Relationship Issues
Refers relationship issues with a partner or spouse. Can include issues related to relationship distress, relationship satisfaction, communication, intimacy, etc.
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.
Fees
$150
Individual Therapy
Types of Therapy
Individual Session
Clientele
Parents
Young Adults (18-24)
Adults (25-65)
Seniors (65+)
Treatment Approaches / Modalities
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Humanistic Therapy
Person-Centered Therapy
Psychodynamic Therapy
Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)
Training / Certifications
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
Myers Briggs Type Indicator
Sexual Assault/Abuse
Licensure
IL, LCPC, 18007119
Education
Masters of Arts, Counseling Psychology
Work History
For 20 years I have been immersed within the mental health field providing an array of services that help people reach their goals. My focus for the last 15 years has been on providing counseling services and teaching college level psychology courses. I understand the difficult years the recession and current pandemic has placed on individuals. Career planning has been a focus of mine working in higher education. I enjoy working with students feeling the pressures of college, Moms and Dads juggling the balance of work related stress and relationships, and all individuals feeling the stress and uncertainty of the pandemic. We all have developed coping mechanisms to help us get through hard times; some healthy and others not so healthy. The stress our mental health puts on our relationships, our careers and our family life can cause a lot of turmoil. Counseling helps work through our thoughts and feelings and set goals so we feel more empowered and in control of the direction we want to go in life.
Location
Remote Therapy, Chicago, 60655, IL