I have been providing English and Spanish speaking families in the Chicago area with a wide range of psychological and counseling services since 1985. In our sessions we will explore your feelings, beliefs, or behaviors which are of concern to you and/or your family and identify aspects of yourself or your life that you would like to change. Issues we can discuss can include coping with life challenges, relationship issues, parenting stress, dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma or issues regarding work related stress. I have a Bachelors of Arts in Social Work and Psychology from Michigan State University, Masters of Arts in Psychology from Eastern Illinois University and a Masters in Public Health from the University of Illinois-Chicago. I am an Illinois Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Social Worker. I am a certified Divorce Mediator.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
I view my role as that of a guide. I will help you identify your areas of strength, weakness to address your concerns. We will work together, as partners, to help you achieve your goals and find peace and happiness. You will rely on my expertise to lead you on self exploration, confronting difficult issues, and addressing challenging topics/relationships. I will rely on you on being honest, willing to look into areas of conflict, and offer me feedback about what is working , what is not, what you feel you need to address as well as areas that might be too painful or emotionally charged to discuss yet.
What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?
I am proficient on a number of treatment modalities including psychodynamic therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and dialectical behavioral therapy and will choose interventions I believe are best suited for you to help you achieve your goals. I look at our relationship as a partnership where I guide, suggest, challenge you so that you feel empowered and in control of your life.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I believe my biggest strength is making my clients feel safe and heard. I like sessions to feel like you are having a chat with a friend, where we are both active in the conversation and where I hear at the end of the session "what you mean time is up? an hour already?" because you were so engaged you did not realize time passing.