Are you feeling stuck because of your anxiety and depression? Do you feel overwhelmed and unable to manage your emotions? Are you going through something that feels all consuming? Do you seem to be repeating the same undesired patterns? Is your difficulty coping with stress impacting your daily life and ability to connect with those you love? I am here to help! I have a well-rounded background of over 20 years in clinical treatment working with clients individually and in a group setting. I am proficient in serving people suffering from depression, anxiety, OCD, mood disorder, grief, PTSD and trauma, and much more. I have worked with clients in a variety of inpatient and outpatient mental health settings including hospitals, universities, corrections, and VA centers. I obtained my master's degree in Social Work from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 2005 with a specialization in Community Mental Health. I am currently licensed to practice independently in the states of Illinois, Tennessee, and Minnesota. My holistic, client-centered, strengths-based approach utilizes several treatment methods, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Written Exposure Therapy (WET), Positive Psychology, Motivational Interviewing, and Family Systems. These highly successful, research-based approaches have been proven to be the gold standard in care for the most commonly treated mental health disorders. Counseling is my passion. I believe the patient is the expert in their life, and that they possess an inner strength and resiliency that lay the groundwork for therapy. My welcoming, compassionate, and relaxed counseling style creates an environment where patients feel understood and valued, and where they can be their authentic selves without fear of judgment. Patients often tell me, "This doesn't feel like therapy; I'm having too much fun." My goal is to help patients find humor in life, grow from their struggles, and heal from their pain while enjoying the journey along the way. Entrusting your care to me is a job I take humbly and very seriously. I will strive to provide you with the most effective cutting edge where you can find a sense of purpose and personal fulfillment. I look forward to working with you, and I thank you for inviting me on this journey to explore together your personal growth and potential!
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
Clients leave my sessions feeling valued, understood, empowered and capable. My welcoming, compassionate, and relaxed counseling style creates an environment where patients can be their authentic selves without fear of judgment. You will learn how to turn your pain into purpose, and your tragedy into triumph. You will enjoy life, look forward to the future, and realize the fullness of your potential.
What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?
My holistic, client-centered, strengths-based approach utilizes several treatment methods, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Written Exposure Therapy (WET), Positive Psychology, Motivational Interviewing, and Family Systems. These highly successful, research-based approaches have been proven to be the gold standard in care for the most commonly treated mental health disorders.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
My biggest strengths are in the areas of anxiety, depression, mood disorder, and trauma. I received additional certification and training in CBT, DBT, CPT and EMDR. These researched based interventions are the "gold standard" in care, and are proven to be the most effective for the aforementioned conditions.