Welcome! I'm a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) based in Illinois. I received my Masters in Community Counseling from Northeastern Illinois University and also have a graduate certificate in Couples and Family Counseling. I have been practicing for 12 years. I work with young adults and older, who desire a caring professional to walk with them through life's external challenges in relationships, internal struggles with strong emotions, and complex difficulties related to grief and trauma.
In our first intake session together, we'll start with brief introductions, history taking, and collaboratively create goals for therapy. This will help us create a plan for us to work through in later sessions. I create an atmosphere in therapy that is safe, warm, and engaging, so that clients feel connected in the therapeutic process.
Some of my biggest strengths as a counselor are being able to create an environment of safety in therapy as well as being able to recognize strengths in all of my clients that they often did not recognize before. I build a strong rapport with my clients and they know that I'm a human too that can laugh in session. I'm also a life-long learner and always bring new and interesting skills and resources to my clients.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a form of psychotherapy that aims to help clients live a more meaningful and fulfilling life by accepting what is out of their control and committing to actions that align with their values. Clients are encouraged to explore their thoughts and feelings, practice mindfulness, examine their values, and experiment with different behaviors, and more.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an approach to psychotherapy that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to emotional distress and mental health issues. CBT is a practical and structured approach that gives clients tools to understand and change their thought patterns and behaviors, encouraging emotional health and problem-solving skills.
The Gottman Method of Couples Therapy is based on decades of research into what makes relationships work and aims to improve couples' communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their emotional connection. In therapy, there is a structured approach that focuses on assessment, skills, facilitated exercises, monitoring progress, and creating a safe environment.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured therapy approach designed to help clients process and integrate distressing memories and experiences, particularly those related to trauma. EMDR follows an eight-phase protocol using bilateral stimulation and targeting negative beliefs associated with trauma. EMDR is also increasingly being used for other conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and phobias.