Hey there, I'm Brandy, your therapist serving the Illinois, Michigan, and Indiana areas. If you’ve experienced some really tough times … I’m the therapist for you. I genuinely love what I do and am passionate about helping my clients through some of life's toughest challenges. With a nurturing and strength-based approach, I use humor and empathy to connect you and create a supportive environment. I specialize in working with moms, veterans, first responders, and individuals with a history of trauma. Having personal experience with many of these issues, I bring a deep understanding and compassion to our sessions. My background includes training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). I tailor my approach to meet your individual needs, ensuring you receive the most effective support possible.
In our first session together you can expect brief introductions, information/history gathering, goal setting, and talking more about what you are hoping to achieve and gain from therapy! This is the time for you to be able to share what you are hoping your therapy sessions will look like, what your needs are, and feel comfortable with your treatment plan.
Drawing from my extensive background with community mental health, correctional centers, private practice, and Employee Assistance Programs, I offer a holistic and compassionate approach to therapy. It’s deeply rooted in understanding the complexities of human experiences. My work encompasses a wide range of therapeutic modalities tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual I work with. My therapeutic philosophy is grounded in the belief that healing is a deeply personal and transformative journey, and I am committed to walking alongside my clients with empathy, respect, and unwavering support. I strive to foster an environment where growth and healing can flourish, ultimately empowering my clients to lead more fulfilling and authentic lives. In my practice, I integrate my perinatal mental health certificate and EMDR training to provide comprehensive care for individuals navigating fertility challenges, pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum experiences. Utilizing trauma-informed principles, I emphasize collaboration, choice, and safety throughout the therapeutic journey, helping clients build resilience and restore a sense of agency in their lives.
When appropriate, I utilize Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy as a powerful tool to help individuals process traumatic memories and overcome emotional distress. Through guided bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements or tactile taps, EMDR facilitates the reprocessing of traumatic experiences, allowing clients to integrate these memories in a healthier way, leading to symptom reduction and increased emotional resilience.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a widely recognized and effective therapeutic approach. CBT focuses on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to emotional distress and interpersonal difficulties. Through collaborative and structured sessions, I work with clients to develop practical skills and strategies to cope with challenges, manage stress, and cultivate more adaptive ways of thinking and behaving. By integrating evidence-based techniques, such as cognitive restructuring, CBT empowers individuals to achieve lasting positive change and improve their overall well-being.
IPT is an evidence-based therapy that focuses on understanding and addressing interpersonal issues as they relate to emotional distress. We will work collaboratively to explore your social and relational patterns, identify problematic communication styles, and develop strategies to navigate interpersonal challenges effectively. By enhancing communication skills, resolving conflicts, and fostering healthier relationship dynamics, IPT empowers individuals to experience greater satisfaction in their personal and professional connections.
Exposure Response and Prevention (ERP) is a highly effective therapy for treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It involves gradually exposing clients to feared situations or thoughts without allowing them to engage in compulsive behaviors, helping them build tolerance and reduce anxiety over time. In our sessions, we'll create a personalized plan, starting with less anxiety-provoking exposures and progressively working up to more challenging ones, all while providing support and strategies to manage the anxiety that arises.