Licensed to practice in Illinois and accepts 10 insurances. Specializes in Trauma and PTSD, Serious Mental Illness, Mood Disorders and 10 more.
New to Grow
Welcome! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have been practicing for over 30 years. I have spent my career helping others travel down their own path. I have extensive experience working with families of children with special needs. I enjoy working with single mothers, teens and tweens. I have experience working with individuals on the autism spectrum as well as those who are "Highly Sensitive". I strive to help individuals build resilience in the face of trauma and life's challenges. I have extensive experience working with incarcerated individuals. I have first hand experience managing the stress associated with working as a first responder. I enjoy working with people with mental illness and personality disorders. I strive to provide a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where clients can explore challenges, build resilience, and create meaningful change.
A large part of the first session will be spent gathering information and becoming comfortable with each other. How do you feel about coming to therapy? Have you been in therapy before? We will identify what brings you to therapy at this point in your life. How is that issue affecting your life? How can you get to where you want to go? Often, I find that the initial issue that brought you to therapy is not issue that becomes primary.
I have experience working with diverse populations. I am a failed (LOL) foster parent. I have four children by adoption. I also worked with biological parents for 10 years. I have first hand experience working with families involved in the foster care/adoption system. I worked for 10 years providing in home therapy to families of special needs children. I have many years experience working with offenders in the prison system. Trauma is the connection between both of those populations. Everyone has trauma. Trauma can be a breakup in a relationship, loss of a loved one, family separation, an accident, incarceration, etc. How you manage and process your trauma determines your life happiness. I want to help you move past your trauma. People are stuck in trauma, stuck in their life. Lets develop RESILIENCE. Resilience is the key. Lets do this today so you have a happier tomorrow.
How can I describe my "ideal client"? Everyone is an ideal client. Your concerns are our focus. Are you a teen worried about social identity? Are you a stressed out single mom? Are you a divorced father struggling to stay connected to your kids? Do you suffer from depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia? Is the economy beating you up? Are you struggling to find your place in the world? Struggling to take a chance on a life change? I start where you are. We move at your pace. Step by step. One of my favorite words is "wallow". Have you been wallowing in your woes? There is nothing wrong with that--for a bit of time. Are you ready to take a step? Lets do it together.
Other specialties
I identify as
Eclectic
I use a variety of different therapies with my patients. The choice of therapy depends on the needs of the patient. All contacts with my patients are based in empathy and understanding. I provide a supportive environment for all of my patients.