Licensed to practice in Illinois and accepts 9 insurances. Specializes in Anxiety, Depression, Mood Disorders and 9 more.
New to Grow
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with more than 25 years of experience providing compassionate, client-centered mental health care. Throughout my career, I have worked in community mental health, private practice, and hospice, giving me the opportunity to support individuals facing a wide range of life challenges. I have extensive experience helping clients manage anxiety, depression, grief and loss, relationship concerns, life transitions, conflict resolution, and stress management. Every setting has strengthened my appreciation for the resilience of the human spirit and reinforced my commitment to meeting clients where they are. I believe that one of the most powerful tools in therapy is active listening. Everyone has a unique story, and I provide a safe, supportive environment. believe that one of the most powerful tools in therapy is active listening. Everyone has a unique story, and I provide a safe, supportive environment where you can share yours without fear of judgment. Together, we will identify your goals and develop an individualized treatment plan that reflects your strengths, values, and needs. My work is grounded in the principles of Encouragement, Empathy, Enlightenment, and Empowerment. Therapy is a collaborative journey, and we will move at a pace that feels comfortable for you as we work toward as we work herapy is a collaborative journey, and we will move at a pace that feels comfortable for you as we work toward meaningful and lasting change.
Beginning therapy can feel overwhelming, intimidating, or even frightening. Taking the first step requires courage, and I strive to make that experience as comfortable and welcoming as possible. During our first session, you can expect a warm, compassionate, and nonjudgmental environment where your concerns are heard and respected. My initial focus is on understanding what has brought you to therapy, learning about your experiences, and identifying the goals you hope to achieve. Once we have a shared understanding of your needs, we will begin exploring practical strategies, healthy coping skills, education, and insight that support your personal growth. Building a strong therapeutic relationship based what has brought you to therapy, learning about your experiences, and identifying the goals you hope to achieve. Once we have a shared understanding of your needs, we will begin exploring practical strategies, healthy coping skills, education, and insight that support your personal growth. Building a strong therapeutic relationship based on trust, respect, empathy, and collaboration is essential because I believe meaningful healing occurs within that relationship. Together, we will work at your pace, exploring the underlying causes of your concerns while creating a path toward greater emotional well-being, resof your concerns while creating a path toward greater emotional well-being, resilience, and a more fulfilling life.
My clinical training includes Psychodynamic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), grief counseling, mediation, and life coaching. I utilize an integrative approach, tailoring treatment to meet each client's unique needs rather than relying on a single therapeutic model. I believe that people often possess the answers within themselves. My role is to help uncover those strengths, increase self-awareness, and provide the tools needed to create lasting change. Through collaboration, we can identify patterns that may be preventing growth and develop healthier ways of coping. One of my strengths is recognizing how experiences within families, schools, workplaces, and relationships influence One of my strengths is recognizing how experiences within families, schools, workplaces, and relationships influence our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors throughout life. Understanding these patterns allows us to gain valuable insight into your current challenges while building upon your existing strengths. I value clients who are open to honest feedback, willing to engage in the therapeutic process, and motivated to work toward meaningful change. Together, we will create a personalized treatment plan designed specifically for your goals. I believe that healing is built upon a relationship of mutual trust, respect, collaboration, and authenticity.
The ideal candidate is motivated for therapy or if skeptical, willing to keep an open mind. It is important to understand what is bringing the individual to treatment which requires active listening on my part and the ability to ask questions to help the client elaborate. Clients with anxiety, depression, life transition issues, relationship concerns, grief, loss or just feel lost need someone to listen. I like to be that person and walk alongside the client and witness the possibilities of what can occur.
Other specialties
I identify as
Psychodynamic
Psychodynamic therapy, often referred to as "talk therapy," allows clients to tell their stories in a safe and supportive environment. Together, we explore how past experiences may continue to influence current thoughts, emotions, relationships, and behaviors. Developing insight into these patterns often leads to greater self-awareness, emotional healing, and meaningful personal growth. This approach integrates well with other therapeutic methods to create lasting change
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on understanding the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Together, we identify unhelpful thinking patterns and develop healthier ways of responding to life's challenges. As clients become more aware of these patterns, they often experience improvements in emotional regulation, problem-solving, confidence, and overall well-being.
Eclectic
No two people are alike, and therapy should reflect that. I use an eclectic approach by drawing from several evidence-based treatment models to create an individualized plan that best meets your needs. This flexibility allows therapy to evolve as you grow, ensuring that treatment remains relevant, practical, and effective throughout your journey.
Grief Therapy
Grief takes many forms and extends far beyond the loss of a loved one. Individuals may grieve the loss of relationships, health, employment, identity, or significant life changes. My years of hospice experience have given me the privilege of walking alongside individuals and families during some of life's most difficult moments. Grief can be isolating, but you do not have to experience it alone. Therapy provides a compassionate space to process emotions, find meaning, and learn to move forward while honoring your loss.
Interpersonal
Healthy relationships play an important role in emotional well-being. Interpersonal therapy focuses on improving communication, strengthening relationships, resolving conflicts, and increasing emotional awareness. Within our therapeutic relationship, we build a foundation of trust, honesty, respect, and collaboration that serves as the basis for meaningful personal growth and lasting change.