Welcome! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker licensed in both Illinois & California. I understand that individuals are continually adapting to their surroundings and doing their best to manage amongst systemic, environmental, and interpersonal stressors. In my therapy sessions, I offer a space for individuals to both process their experiences and explore strategies for managing stressors in a healthy way. I have extensive experience over the past 15 years supporting individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, and trauma.
In our first session together we will discuss what you are hoping to gain from your therapy experience and what approach will be the best fit to make sure we are on the same page about the process. I will answer any questions you may have and begin the process of getting to know your story and the challenges you are facing.
It is important to me that I am able to offer a space in which everyone feels seen, heard, and valued for exactly who they are. I have a passion for reading and love books related to evolving methods to best assist my clients. I believe it’s also important to practice what I preach and prioritize my wellness by spending time doing things that bring me joy. This ensures I am able to show up and be fully present to every session. I love spending time with friends & my cats, staying active (I'm also a personal trainer!), and traveling around the world to explore different cultures and cuisines.
I love using this approach as a way to seek wellness in mind, body and spirit. Research shows emotions are stored in the body and must be experienced to be released. Somatic interventions are used to gain a greater understanding of self and how to process and release emotions in a healthy way. This approach is great for addressing trauma, depression, and anxiety symptoms.
I have been trained as a DBT therapist and enjoy using this approach for anyone seeking practical strategies and tools they can practice within their daily lives in between therapy sessions. Individuals interested in mindfulness, emotional regulation strategies and techniques to support building healthy relationships will benefit from this approach.
This approach is a great fit for anyone looking to use therapy as a space for processing their current stressors through a lens of how their past experiences are impacting their current functioning, moods, and interpersonal relationship dynamics. We will unpack these dynamics and explore how to create change in your daily life with this new awareness.
I utilize this approach for anyone who may not be interested in processing past experiences but are searching for present-focused strategies for managing anxiety and depression, especially symptoms related to overthinking or negative self concept. We will explore the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and ways to challenge unhelpful patterns that are keeping you from showing up as your best self.