Hi! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Illinois. I received my Masters of Social Work from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and have been practicing in the field for over 15 years. I bring extensive experience working with older adults, Veterans, and young adults, supporting them in achieving personal growth and successfully navigating life transitions to reach their fullest potential .
In our first session together, we will begin with brief introductions to get a feel for one another, before exploring the specific challenges you are facing. This initial conversation will allow me to develop a personalized plan to guide our work together in future sessions.
What makes me a unique therapist is my ability to connect authentically and provide a safe, nonjudgmental space for growth. My strengths include: 1. Empathy-Building genuine connections where clients feel seen and supported 2. Personalized Care-Crafting tailored plans to meet each client's unique needs. 3. Expertise with transitions-Guiding clients, including young adults, Veterans, and young adults, through life changes. 4. Empowerment-Helping clients recognize and utilize their existing strengths. 5. Calm Presence-Creating an environment of trust and openness. 6. Commitment to growth-Continuously refining my skills to provide the best care possible. These qualities allow me to help clients navigate challenges and achieve their goals.
When using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with my clients, I first explain the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. We explore the client's core beliefs and identify any cognitive distortions they may have. Through this process, I help them recognize how these distorted thoughts contribute to the negative emotions and actions. Together, we work on reshaping these thoughts to promote more balanced and positive feelings and behaviors.
I use Humanistic Therapy in my practice by creating a supportive, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their feelings, values, and sense of self. I focus on their ability to grow and find personal solutions, encouraging self-compassion and self-acceptance to help them align with their true values and live more fulfilling lives.
In my practice, I use Solution Focused Brief Treatment (SFBT) by helping clients identify their strengths and resources to find practical solutions to their current challenges. We focus on setting clear achievable goals and exploring past successes to build confidence. The approach is future-oriented, emphasizing what's working and how clients can apply those strategies to create positive change quickly.