Hello! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in Illinois and Wisconsin. I received my Masters degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and have been practicing for 6 years. I have experience in multiple settings with diverse clients including medical facilities, schools, intensive outpatient/partial hospitalization programs, and outpatient practice. I feel grateful and privileged to hear the life stories and share in the therapy process with my clients.
During our first session I want to begin getting to know you! We will cover a lot of information about your life, but most importantly I look forward to better understanding what brings you to meeting with me and what you hope to achieve. We will begin to lay the groundwork for our future sessions.
I like to think that I am relatable and my clients feel comfortable working with me. I strongly believe in the power of the therapeutic relationship and I am confident in my ability to build rapport with my clients while also helping you to recognize your self-competence so you feel confident in your own abilities to reach your goals.
A tried and true, evidence-based method, I find that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a helpful approach for many clients. Our thoughts have significant power and impact on our feelings and behaviors. Learning to identify and reframe or challenge unhelpful thoughts can positively impact emotions we experience.
So often in life our struggles come from attempting to control things that we cannot change. When we can learn to mindfully acknowledge and sit with uncomfortable thoughts or emotions and simply observe them without judgement or action, it becomes easier to find peace.
DBT is another well-researched treatment approach that is filled with helpful practices and skill building to manage and cope with intense emotions. In DBT, we not only focus on unhelpful thinking patterns, but also practicing acceptance of ourselves and others.