(she/her)
Hello there! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Chicago, IL. I received my Master of Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis and have been practicing for 5 years now. I got into this field because I wanted to change the world. While I may not be able to do this alone, I will do all that I can to support my clients and help them to change theirs. Life is tough but we are resilient; sometimes, we just need the opportunity to feel seen and heard in a warm, safe, nonjudgmental space to remind ourselves of that - that is exactly what I strive to give to each of my clients. I absolutely love working with adults ready to take that next step into change. Maybe you've spent months or even years feeling like you were stuck. It can be very difficult to know where to start or how to sort things out on your own. Despite these feelings, maybe you feel like there's a possibility that things could be different. I'm here to tell you that it is and reconnecting to a meaningful life is not as far away as it may seem. If you're ready to get back to yourself and work towards your goals, I am here, ready to partner with you and help guide you there.
Making the decision to come to therapy takes tremendous courage and strength. In our first session together, we will spend time getting to know each other, talking about what brings you here, and helping you get used to the therapy setting. A therapeutic relationship is not one-size-fits-all and it's important that we are able to initiate a feeling of mutual respect and understanding so you can feel heard. I support my clients using evidence-based treatment interventions while introducing tangible skills and tools to help you cope with life's stressors.
I understand that it is the ultimate privilege to be welcomed into a person's life through therapy. I feel like I am able to get to know my clients in a deep way which allows me to amplify a person's unique strengths and help guide them towards creating a life they find worth living.
I absolutely love working with adults ready to take that next step into change. Maybe you've spent months or even years feeling like you were stuck. It can be very difficult to know where to start or how to sort things out on your own. Despite these feelings, maybe you feel like there's a possibility that things could be different. I'm here to tell you that it is and reconnecting to a meaningful life is not as far away as it may seem. If you're ready to get back to yourself and work towards your goals, I am here, ready to partner with you and help guide you there.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT looks at the way our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors influence one another. Most people come to therapy because they want to change the way they feel. By exploring your relationship with your thoughts, how you think, and how you act, we can together help you feel better about yourself and the world around you.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
DBT is based on the concept of dialectics, or the idea that two seemingly contradictory things can both be true. Learning to carry multiple perspectives as true can be both extremely challenging and freeing. By learning and practicing DBT skills such as mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, emotional regulation, and distress tolerance, you can create a life worth living.
Cognitive Processing (CPT)
I believe that in line with the trauma-informed care lens, CPT really leans into the question "What happened to you?" and takes it further - what are you telling yourself about why this happened to you? Trauma can drastically shift the way we view ourselves, other people, and the world around us. Sometimes these beliefs can make us feel stuck. Through CPT, together we will learn skills to promote what we call cognitive flexibility, identify the beliefs we want to keep and those we want to toss, and focus on allowing our natural emotions to run their course. I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to become a certified provider in both CPT and PE (Prolonged Exposure) through the Strong Star Training Institute.
Strength-Based
The primary focus of strengths-based therapy is on what a person can do rather than what they cannot. Whether they believe it or not, every individual is vastly capable and resilient. Together, we will build on those capabilities and your resilience to help create a sense of purpose and to accomplish your therapy goals.
Eclectic
Eclectic therapy provides the opportunity for me as a therapist to individualize treatment to meet your unique needs. People are complex and that requires a complex approach, which is why I like to draw from multiple modalities and methods.