Licensed to practice in Illinois and accepts 10 insurances. Specializes in Anxiety, Depression, Trauma and PTSD and 10 more.
(she/her)
New to Grow
Whether you've never tried therapy before or are considering getting back into it, give yourself a pat on the back for taking this first step! I know how hard it can be to prioritize your own mental health, especially when life gets hectic. As a licensed clinical psychologist, I believe in meeting my clients where they're at and providing them a space each week where they can feel heard, understood, and cared for. I believe therapy shouldn't feel like another chore on your to-do list. It should feel like the "me time" you need (and deserve!) to set down the weight of everything you've been carrying so that you can start feeling like yourself again. Whether you're in the middle of a difficult time or grappling with a past that is holding you back, I will be there with you every step of the way to help get you "unstuck" and back to the life you want to be living.
I know that meeting with a new provider can be uncomfortable, so I always strive to take things at your pace! During our first session, my priority is to get to know you and what brings you to therapy. We'll talk about what's most important to you in the present, like your relationships, goals, and interests, and how your current difficulties are getting in the way of the life you want to live. As a therapist rooted in attachment theory, I also believe in taking some time early in our work to understand your family history--what people and events shaped who you are and how you see the world. While I like to get some background information as we start our work together, I also understand that opening up to someone takes trust, and this trust takes time to build. You will never be pushed to talk about things before you're ready! So whether you're someone that needs a little more time to get comfortable or feels ready to dive into the nitty gritty, the reigns are in your hands!
I feel that one of my strengths as a clinical psychologist is my ability to integrate effective therapy approaches, while also being a real person in the room with you. I typically use a combination of ACT, CBT, and Emotion-focused techniques, and while these treatments guide my approach to therapy, I believe the biggest changes come when a client finds a therapist they can form a real connection with.
I work with adults experiencing a wide variety of concerns, including anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, family issues, body image concerns, perfectionism, and trauma. I encourage clients to explore their past so they can improve their relationship with themself and their emotions in the present. If you're looking for a warm, accepting space to unpack and rebuild, I've got your back, and I look forward to meeting you!
Other specialties
I identify as
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
Using ACT, we'll work together to identify what values are most important to you, and how to use those values as a compass to keep you grounded through life's difficult moments. We'll work together to help you let go of thoughts and fears that are holding you back so you can start taking all of those chances that you've been avoiding!
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
Our emotions are an essential part of who we are, how we live our life, and how we connect in relationships. Yet so many of us never learned what to do when emotions show up. Instead, we tend to avoid our emotions or get overwhelmed by them, keeping us stuck in survival mode. Using EFT, I give clients the space and tools to process past emotional wounds and learn how to effectively manage their emotions and relationships in our present.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
We all cope in whatever way we can, but sometimes the strategies we use only seem to make things worse, leaving us feeling stuck in a vicious cycle. Using CBT, we will work to identify what kinds of thoughts or behaviors are no longer working for you, and instead develop new habits to help you deal with anything life throws your way.