Licensed to practice in Illinois and accepts 9 insurances. Specializes in ADHD, Anxiety, Women's Issues and 10 more.
(she/her)
New to Grow
I work with individuals experiencing relationship difficulties, life transitions, depression, and anxiety. You may be looking for a fulfilling relationship, struggling to communicate with a significant other, or working through betrayal trauma. You may be seeking guidance while in a polyamorous / non-monogamous relationship. You may be in the midst of a life transition, feeling lost and overwhelmed, needing compassionate support and direction. I also support women experiencing perimenopause and menopause-related life changes. Peri- and menopause can be a difficult time, filled with physical discomfort and emotional upheaval. I offer a supportive space where you can share your experiences and find effective strategies to overcome your struggles. I am here to empower you with new tools that will move you toward what brings you to life. I will guide you toward self-compassion, so you can embrace all aspects of yourself and thrive. I ensure that my therapy space is safe, sex-positive, LGBTQIA, ENM/Polyamory, neurodiversity, and kink affirming.
My hope is that you'll leave our first session feeling understood, with a clearer sense of where we're headed and confidence that you don't have to navigate life's challenges alone. During our first session, we'll spend time getting to know each other. I'll invite you to share what brings you to therapy, and what's been most challenging. I'll also explain my approach to therapy, what you can expect from working with me, and answer any questions you may have. We'll also review informed consent and discuss confidentiality, expectations, and the therapy process so you have a clear understanding of how we'll work together. I believe transparency and collaboration help create a strong foundation for meaningful and lasting change. I view therapy as a collaborative process. You are the expert on your own life, and together we'll identify your goals and create a plan that feels meaningful and realistic for you. My role is to provide guidance and a supportive, nonjudgmental space as we work toward the changes you're seeking.
I intend to create a warm, compassionate, and nonjudgmental space where you feel safe to be yourself. My approach is both supportive and active. While therapy is a place to explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences, it's also a place to learn new skills, gain insight, and create meaningful change. Therefore, between sessions, I may suggest exercises, reflection prompts, or experiments tailored to your goals - they're opportunities to practice new ways of thinking, communicating, or responding so that progress continues beyond our time together
I work best with clients who are curious about themselves and motivated to create meaningful change. They tend to be introspective, open to learning, and willing to look beneath the surface to better understand their thoughts, emotions, patterns, and relationships. Many of my clients come to therapy because they're navigating relationship challenges, whether in monogamous, polyamorous, or other consensually non-monogamous relationships. I particularly enjoy supporting individuals who are exploring polyamory, or other forms of ethical non-monogamy with intention, authenticity, and care. My clients often appreciate a collaborative and holistic approach. They understand that lasting change involves both the mind and the body, and they're open to integrating insight with practical skills and experiential exercises. Depending on your needs, we may incorporate "top-down" approaches that focus on thoughts and beliefs, as well as "bottom-up" approaches that help regulate the nervous system and deepen awareness of your body's wisdom.
I identify as
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
Create Space for Difficult Emotions: Instead of fighting against sadness, worry, or fear, you’ll learn to acknowledge and make room for them, reducing their power over you. Untangle from Unhelpful Thoughts: We’ll practice “cognitive defusion” techniques to see thoughts as just thoughts, not as absolute truths that dictate your actions. This helps lessen the grip of self-criticism and catastrophic thinking. Ground Yourself in the Present Moment: You’ll learn to tune into the “here and now,” pulling yourself away from dwelling on the past or worrying excessively about the future. Clarify What Truly Matters to You: We’ll explore your deepest values – what kind of person you want to be and what you want your life to stand for – providing a compass for your actions. Take Action Aligned with Your Values: Even in the presence of difficult thoughts and feelings, you’ll learn to take courageous steps towards building a life that is rich, full, and meaningful to you. Build Psychological Flexibility: This is the ultimate goal – the ability to adapt to changing situations, persist in value-driven behavior, and effectively handle life’s inevitable ups and downs without getting stuck.
Compassion Focused
I incorporate principles of Compassion-Focused Therapy to help clients develop a kinder, more supportive relationship with themselves. Many people struggle with self-criticism, shame, or perfectionism, and learning self-compassion can be a powerful part of healing. I help clients respond to their difficult thoughts and emotions with greater kindness and understanding while moving toward the life they want to create.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
Mindfulness is woven into my work with clients and is often incorporated into each session. Through brief guided mindfulness practices, I help clients become more aware of their thoughts, emotions, bodily sensations, and present-moment experience without judgment. These skills can reduce reactivity, increase self-awareness, and create greater choice in how they respond to life's challenges.
Imago Relationship Theory
Imago Dialogue is a structured communication tool that helps partners feel heard, understood, and validated. I often teach this approach to individuals so they can bring these skills into conversations with their partner. It helps reduce defensiveness, improve communication, and create more empathy and connection, especially during difficult or emotionally charged discussions.