Licensed to practice in Illinois and accepts 9 insurances. Specializes in Couples Counseling, Grief, Health/Medical Issues and 10 more.
New to Grow
Entering the world of personal psychotherapy can be an exciting, yet a foreboding area, if you've not had that opportunity previously, I believe that my first goal is to be welcoming to each and every person. Over some weeks, we will explore your inner pursuits which will help you feel more comfortable in who you are and who you desire to be. For me personally, being alongside you, is a privilege that few people get to have, so I treat it as a sacred opportunity. Helping individuals reach their potential or heal a broken heart is an enormous responsibility, but also one a therapist will approach with care and encouragement.
Just like going into a new community or job, the first session will include getting to know one another to determine if we are a good fit to work together. There are many approaches to psychotherapy, so knowing your out look helps therapists prepare for ways to help you reach your personal goals. We will review some paperwork that you may receive in advance of a session, then find your preference for a style of working together, how often to meet and an estimate of the length of time we will spend together.
When getting acquainted in this area of life, individuals sometimes bring forward their concerns or confusion about where they are at in their life journey. While I consider myself a good listener, I may also repeat what I understand to be your reason to join therapy. I like to be clear about who you are, what you have to say and where you want to be. Over time, and when appropriate, I try to use metaphors and illustrations to realize that many other individuals face difficulties in life too. Sometimes it's a matter of humor to lighten the moment. Either way, I feel I assess the situation carefully as we get acquainted.
First time clients are probably my favorite choice. It allows me a chance to provide a good experience for them so that any time they decide to return to therapy, they are confident about going into it. Some first-timers are reticent to be open about their situations, or problems they haven't solved for themselves, but allowing them the space and time to develop personal goals and begin working toward them, gives them more confidence to pursue their dreams about a more positive and open future.
Other specialties
I identify as
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
During initial interviews, I keep alert to ways each individual is thinking. The goals of using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy are to examine, with the inividual, their thinking and acting styles and whether that is servicing them for their quality of life.
Christian Counseling
As a Christian woman, with the individual's consent, I use scripture and Biblical principles to clarify their paths in life. Presently, I have used prayer and scripture passages, in a timely way, to provide comfort or looking at other choices.
Couples Counseling
Recently, I have been attending webinars and studying the work of Ellyn Bader of the Couples Institute. She emphasizes looking at each person's contribution to the pair and strengthens the individual while also managing the pair relationship. With this program, I have implemented with clients divided sessions and video demonstrations of how to solve conflicts when the couple reaches an impass.
Biofeedback
I have studied and had training in the HeartMath Emotional Regulation system. This can assist individuals in anxiety - fear-grief- moving onto new avenues in their lives.
Motivational Interviewing
When this treatment mode was introduced to me, I followed with great enthusiasm. It is especially effective working side by side with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to explore an individuals priorities in life and their motivation to attain those.