LCSW, 24 years of experience
Hi! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Illinois . I received my Masters from the University of Illinois and have been practicing for 24 years. I help adults learn healthy coping skills to better manage anxiety, depression, life events and stressors. I appreciate that everyone’s time is valuable and my goal is to help you feel better in a short period of time.
In our initial session, I utilize the time to learn more about you and what brings you to therapy. I want to learn more about you , your strengths and natural supports. The initial session will be about 60 minutes in duration. I strive to build therapeutic rapport and to help you to feel it is a safe space to openly express your thoughts and emotions.
I have over 24 years of mental health experience working with a variety of populations. Most recently, I worked in an outpatient OB/GYN clinic and saw clients for perinatal/postnatal needs.
I love working with women during the postpartum period as it can bring about a mix of emotions and challenges. I want you to know that it's perfectly okay to seek support. Whether you’re navigating feelings of overwhelm, anxiety, sadness, or changes in identity, please know that you are not alone, and your feelings are valid. In our therapy sessions, we will work together to address the emotional and mental challenges that come with this unique time in your life. Our goal will be to create a safe, compassionate space where you can explore your feelings, identify sources of stress, and develop tools for coping and healing. I am here to listen without judgment and to support you in building resilience, finding balance, and reconnecting with yourself.
I received training in this modality more recently but love to use this for clients that are appropriate for shorter term therapy. Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is a goal-oriented, future-focused therapeutic approach that emphasizes solutions rather than dwelling on problems. Clients will be encouraged to identify their strengths, resources, and past successes to create practical solutions for their current challenges. During therapy, you can expect a collaborative, empowering environment where I help you set specific, achievable goals and explore small, actionable steps toward positive change. I will work with you to shift your focus away from what's not working to what's possible, helping you tap into your own problem-solving abilities and build confidence in your capacity to create change.
I have a strong love for helping others learn to “be where your feet are.” Mindfulness-Based Therapy (MBT) integrates mindfulness practices, such as meditation and breathing exercises, to help individuals become more aware of their thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations in the present moment. In therapy, you can expect a calm, supportive environment where I will guide you through mindfulness techniques designed to help you observe your experiences without becoming overwhelmed or reactive. Sessions may involve exercises like body scans, guided meditations, or reflective practices to encourage self-awareness and acceptance.
This approach is particularly helpful for those experiencing major life transitions, grief, or emotional distress, as it emphasizes providing reassurance and helping clients navigate through tough situations while fostering a sense of empowerment and hope. Supportive therapy is a type of therapy that focuses on providing emotional support, encouragement, and guidance to individuals who are facing challenges in their lives. The goal is to help clients build resilience, cope with stress, and strengthen their emotional well-being. You can expect a compassionate and non-judgmental environment where I listen attentively and validate your feelings. I will work with you to explore your concerns, offering practical strategies for managing life's difficulties and help you feel more confident in your ability to cope.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a structured, evidence-based approach that focuses on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to emotional distress. I will work with you to help you recognize unhelpful thoughts, reframe them, and develop healthier ways of thinking and behaving. You can expect to actively participate in the process, while I guide you through exercises and techniques to break the cycle of negative thinking and promote positive change. CBT often involves homework assignments, such as journaling or practicing new skills, to reinforce what is learned in therapy. The goal is to help you gain better control over your thoughts and actions, leading to improved emotional well-being and a more balanced perspective on life's challenges.