The most important gift you can give someone is sincerely listening to them, which is where I always start.
I have worked in community mental health for 20 + years all over Chicago, mainly on the South and West Side, where I am from. I provide people with whatever skills and strategies needed to help anyone get the most out of counseling. I have been working exclusively on Grow Therapy since October of 2024, but have been on Grow Therapy part-time for a quite a while.
Hello and welcome! Starting therapy can be scary and intimidating and so I'd like share a little bit about myself that way you have a chance to know more about me before your first session! I completed my Bachelor of Science degree from Monmouth College and my Master of Science degree in counseling from Western Illinois University. I'm a licensed clinical professional counselor in the state of Illinois and Texas.
I have worked in the mental health field as a counselor since 2010. I was a therapist and crisis counselor for Bridgeway Community Mental Health starting in 2010 and then went on to become the Director of Crisis/Mental Health Juvenile Justice/and First Episode Psychosis Program. I then went on to work in private practice at Crossroads Counseling in Galesburg, IL. I have significant experience working with children and adolescents in the private sector as well as young adults. I enjoy working with clients who are healing from traumatic experiences. I have worked with survivors of trauma and abuse throughout my entire counseling career. I am EMDR trained and have a deep compassion for those dealing with the results of trauma and abuse. Additionally, I have worked with children and adults experiencing depression, mood disorders, anxiety, OCD and trauma using DBT and cognitive-behavioral therapy as treatment modalities.
I live with my husband, Dustin, in Galesburg ,IL and have three active boys ages 17, 13, and 10. I enjoy reading, fishing, camping, being outdoors, and watching my children in various activities.
I believe in the healing power of a strong therapeutic alliance. My practice is based on the conviction that with the right support, everyone can effect change in their lives. My style is caring and not judgmental; I utilize Cognitive behavioral therapy, existential therapy, and Brief Cognitive hypnosis to guide you in the process of learning new skills to manage your thoughts, emotions and behavior.
I am clinically licensed in the states of Illinois, Texas, Utah and Minnesota. I have been providing therapy through video sessions for more than three years.
I am bilingual in Spanish and English. I am a painter and a poet; I consider that Art is another wonderful tool to achieve healing.