LCSW, 25 years of experience
Hello! I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in Illinois. I received my doctorate degree (PhD) in clinical social work from Smith College School for Social Work, and my Master of Social Work degree (MSW) from the University of Illinois, Jane Addams School of Social Work. I have been practicing for 25 years, supporting clients that are experiencing depression, anxiety, and quality of life challenges due to grief & loss, care giving issues, aging, work/career stress, medical issues, relationship issues and more.
During our first meeting, we'll work together to develop a plan to guide how you would like to address your challenges. In follow-up meetings we will review the plan to make sure it remains helpful for addressing your challenges and is helping you make progress towards achieving your therapy goals
My strength lies in my ability to empathize and connect with clients across diverse backgrounds, and to develop a trusting therapeutic relationship. As a therapist, I work to create a safe and non-judgmental space for my clients to explore their thoughts and emotions. Integrating evidence-based therapeutic techniques, I assist clients in the development of coping strategies and the achievement of meaningful change. Committed to ongoing learning and professional development, I stay informed about the latest research and best practices in the field of therapy. Spoiler alert: in my many years of practice I have found that clients who are uncomfortable discussing emotions, unable or reluctant to engage in self-reflection, or work outside of sessions may experience delayed progress in addressing their challenges. So if you're ready to engage in self-reflection, and use strategies discussed in therapy outside of our sessions to make meaningful life changes, I welcome the opportunity to join you on your journey of self-discovery.
Joining a client's journey towards healing and improved emotional well-being is incredibly rewarding to me. I am a good listener, empathic, and great at building rapport, all of which allows me to deeply understand my clients' experiences. One of my core beliefs is that clients are experts on their lives and have the strength and resilience to overcome life’s challenges with support. Therapy can be that source of support and provide tools to assist clients with making positive changes that promote personal growth and emotional health.
In our work together, I draw from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help you connect with what truly matters to you. ACT encourages a gentler, more flexible way of relating to painful thoughts and emotions—one rooted in acceptance and self-compassion. This approach can bring meaningful change for those experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, grief, or challenging life transitions.
I offer a collaborative, integrative approach to therapy that combines different methods to meet your unique needs and goals. Together, we create a plan that reflects your experiences, values, and cultural background. I view you as the expert on your own life and encourage an active, empowering partnership throughout the process. You’ll gain practical tools to build self-awareness, resilience, and overall well-being in a supportive and respectful environment.
I use psychodynamic therapy to help you understand deeper patterns in your thoughts, feelings, and relationships that may influence your life. This approach is effective for a variety of concerns, including anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, self-esteem issues, grief, and life transitions. Together, we work toward insight, healing, and lasting personal growth in a supportive, collaborative space.
1 rating with written reviews
February 4, 2025
Highly recommend Vicky, she is authentic and every interaction is thoughtful.