Hello and Welcome! I have been a licensed clinical social worker in the state of Illinois since 2004 and have provided care to a wide range of clients, groups, and individuals from parents, young children, adolescents, and adults. I have worked with clients from all walks of life and who present with challenges and concerns such as depression, anxiety, addiction, post-traumatic stress disorder, grief and loss. Over the years because of my experience in a number of fields and have learned to navigate a great many systems such as child welfare, dual disorder treatment, and behavioral health. I am also a certified forensic interviewer and have worked with patients who have experienced physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. I understand how difficult it can be to reach out for help. I also know how lonely suffering in silence can be. I am so delighted that you have chosen to step out and seek the help you need to achieve the greatness that is within you. I congratulate you on this first step and I hope to be able to help you in the future. Welcome!
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
My therapeutic style is open and engaging. I believe in the social work principles of self-determination, empowerment, and compassion. I consider my therapeutic approach to be eclectic and have studied and practiced a variety of methods such as cognitive-behavioral theory, motivational interviewing, and rational-emotive therapy. I have also completed an Advanced Psychodynamic Clinical Practice Fellowship Program which I have found to be incredibly useful over the past decade. But my approach with you and all my clients will be individualized and will be tailored to meet your unique needs and concerns.
What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?
SPECIALTIES: Stress Reduction, Anxiety Addictions Trauma and abuse Self esteem Depression CLINICAL APPROACHES: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I consider myself to be a non traditional therapist who is somewhat more directive in my approach than others may be. I will never give orders or directives but on occasion I may ask probing questions, verbally acknowledge discrepancies and provide worksheets or reading assignments that I believe may be relevant to the areas we are discussing. My specialty is solution focused, short term therapy with the majority of clients in active weekly therapy for approximately 9 - 12 months. I believe that therapy is a action word, a verb as opposed to a noun because I have found that making significant change requires committed, active participation from all parties involved, including myself. I learn so much from my clients so helping you live a happy, healthy life is a gift for all.