What does success look like in therapy? How will a client know that they are making progress?
Success can look a myriad of ways. It looks different for everyone. I think this is a great question though, because it allows space for accepting that. For some, it may look like clarity on a decision that needs to be made, it may look like self-love and setting better boundaries, it may look like symptoms completely disappearing. It could also look like symptoms remaining, and you handling them differently, or the symptoms happening less frequently. This answer will look so different for everyone.
What are some the unique issues faced by clients in your particular field of specialization, in terms of mental health education, care, and/or treatment?
Some of the unique issues faced by clients in my specialization can be stigma. It is particularly stigmatized to see a therapist among people of color, although I believe this is improving. Add on multiple identities, maybe a person of color, who is a part of the LGBTQIA population. They may find it difficult to find a therapist who can understand these intersectional identities. Or take a black person in their postpartum period, struggling and afraid to seek care in systems that have previously harmed them. The issues faced are so interwoven and get further complicated the more marginalized identities that one identifies with. I seek to bridge these gaps, and be that provider that is culturally competent and able to care for a person with intersectional identities where therapy may be a very new idea. I think breaking negative generational patterns is essential work and I take it very seriously. I hope to be a bridge over any barriers.
What was your path to becoming a therapist? What inspired you to choose this profession?
I was originally positive that I was going to be a journalist, or a writer of some sort because I love to write. In high school, I took a course on human behavior as an elective, and I was profoundly fascinated. When I went off to college, I did not declare a major until my junior year, after taking a plethora of classes, many of them creative writing courses, and psychology, I realized that I truly felt passionate about human behavior and wanted to make waves in the profession. I did not know how, and did not know that I would be a therapist one day, but that is where it all began. Fast forward several years, I was trying to further establish a career and I went all around the mulberry bush, similar to Denise from the Cosby Show. I had the idea that becoming a therapist was somehow out of my reach. Once I l actually learned what it would take, I was immediately intrigued, began the process by applying to grad school and got on a ride that I never want to get off. I love this job, I am so gratified, joining people on their journey to self-awareness, clarity, and healing
Specialties
Race & Cultural Identity
Challenges around race and cultural identity vary enormously, including issues related to discrimination, racism, and intergenerational trauma.
Codependency
Involves a person sacrificing their needs to meet the needs of others. Their thoughts and actions center on a significant other, spouse, friend, or relative. Becomes an issue when relationships are unbalanced and unhealthy.
Pregnancy, perinatal, & postpartum issues
Pregnancy, perinatal, and postpartum issues entail any real or perceived problems or difficulties stemming from the childbirth experience. Pregnancy, perinatal, and postpartum experiences are stressful in many positive and negative ways while the physical body experiences immense stress. Situations vary but may be remedied through therapy and support.
Transition to new parenthood
Common issues may include self-doubt, feeling a lack of support, financial concerns, medical concerns, housing concerns, significant lifestyle change, reduced sleep, increased stress, anxiety, and depression.
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.
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.
In-Network Insurance
All Savers Insurance
Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare
Oscar Health
Oxford Health Plans
United Healthcare
United Medical Resources
Fees
$150
First Session
$175
Couples Therapy
$150
Individual Therapy
Types of Therapy
Couples Session
Individual Session
Clientele
Parents
Young Adults (18-24)
Adults (25-65)
Treatment Approaches / Modalities
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Interpersonal Psychotherapy
Psychodynamic Therapy
Training / Certifications
EMDR Trained
Perinatal Mental Health Trained
Licensure
IL, LCPC, 180012190
Education
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Work History
Hello there & Welcome to this profile! To tell you a bit more about me as a clinician; I am a provider with a holistic view of your wellness. My style of therapy is collaborative. I am able to support you in setting boundaries, increasing self esteem/self-love, perinatal concerns & postpartum adjustment, race/cultural concerns/trauma, LGBT concerns, & family of origin issues. I am EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) trained. I am also trained in Perinatal Mental Health. I have worked with brand new parents in their homes providing support, I've also worked with many individuals who were struggling with some of the other aforementioned issues. I've also done my fair share of couples work, helping couples reconnect, communicate, and I've provided pre-marital & pre-baby counseling. I love what I do and I hope to work with those who feel I am a good fit for their healing journey, if you feel like that is me, I would be honored to hear from you!
Location
Remote Therapy, Chicago, Il, 60605, IL