As an experienced School Social Worker with an LCSW, I have a demonstrated history of working with children, preteens, adolescents and adults in both education and in private practice. I am also a Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional. I earned both my bachelors and my masters degrees in social work, I have been committed to working with children and adolescents from the start of my career. I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Southern Illinois University and a Masters in Social Work from the University of Illinois at Chicago Jane Addams School of Social Work. I am always working to grow and improve my practice by researching, finding and providing effective supports and using the most current, best-practices in the field. Using a strengths-based approach with Cognitive Behavior Theory, Person-Centered counseling approach and the integration of other approaches, such as Solution Focused Therapy, and Positive Psychology-I work with clients to find more positive, effective social and coping skills. Through my work with clients, they can begin to see improvements in their relationships and their positive connectedness to the community. I specialize in working with clients of all ages-12 years to adulthood- who have difficulty with self-esteem, depression, trauma, anxiety, Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), parenting and behavior management issues. I have a special interest in working with adolescents and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders and clients/students with trauma. I assist clients to learn distress tolerance, emotion regulation and how to incorporate mindfulness and other coping strategies in order to manage their bio psycho-social environments.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In our first session I will explain the process and how I provide therapy. I will also gather information from you at your pace and we will create a plan on how to move forward together. I work very hard to make sure my clients feel comfortable and know what to expect from me. I take confidentiality very seriously and I will explain that and how you can contact me.
What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?
I will support, listen and challenge you using a Strengths-Based approach with Cognitive Behavior Theory, Positive Psychology with the integration of other approaches. I often employ EMDR, Polyvagal and other coping strategies in therapy sessions.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I specialize in working with those who have difficulty with self-esteem, trauma, depression, anxiety, Attention Deficit Disorder, Autism, addiction, codependence, OCD & PTSD. I also specialize in working with clients who have experienced religious trauma. When working with individuals, couples and families, I use a Strengths-Based approach. I firmly believe you can heal and get to a better place in your life. I value every person as an individual. We will focus on your strengths together and work together to help you to overcome or manage what you are struggling with.