I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for almost 30 years, having received my Master of Social Work degree from University of Illinois at Chicago. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, coping with grief and loss, chronic illness, motivation, self esteem, confidence and more. I enjoy working with couples and strive to help them repair trust, improve communication, learn to fight fair and strengthen understanding and emotional intimacy. I have considerable experience in and welcome working with people of all backgrounds and beliefs. My goal is to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I am an open, honest and direct person that doesn’t sugar coat things much. I utilizes a variety of therapeutic models with a focus on strengths and believes it takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life.
First sessions are about getting to know each other and getting an understanding of what to expect in this process. In other words, we just talk. I'm an open book you can ask me anything.
I am an open, honest and down to earth person. I have my own flaws and know none of us are perfect. I can provided unconditional support but tough love when needed. There is little filter between what I think and what I say (remember I'm human too) so you will never have to wonder what I'm thinking.
I love working with couples. I enjoy helping them become better versions of themselves as individuals and as a couple. I believe in the saying "it takes two to tango" meaning that its never fully one persons fault that the relationship is struggling. We all bring our baggage to relationships and are often drawn to people that trigger things in us that we need to work out. Which can be great because now you can work it out!
CBT offers support to help us "re-write" negative thoughts we have in our minds. Its often these negative thoughts that lead to illness (depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, etc.).
I LOVE working with couples. I am a great mediator. I can help couples learn to communicate more effectively and learn how to "fight fair."
I am a firm believer in therapy doesn't need to take years. If you work at it, I believe many people can improve their circumstances in several months.