Polyvagal Therapy Therapists in Illinois

Many people come to therapy recognizing that certain patterns are no longer serving them, but often feel stuck and unsure of where to begin. I understand that starting therapy can feel vulnerable and that creating change takes time. I am here to support my clients in a compassionate and respectful way, moving at a pace that feels right for each individual. I specialize in helping individuals heal from childhood and family trauma, overcome relationship challenges, and develop effective skills to cope with anxiety, stress, and depression. In my practice, I take a relational, trauma-informed approach, drawing on attachment theory and modern neuroscience to create a safe space where clients can show up as their authentic selves and truly feel understood and accepted. Within the safety of a trusting therapeutic relationship, I work collaboratively with clients to help them gain deeper insight into their behaviors and relationship patterns, manage strong emotions, reprocess past trauma, improve communication skills, and establish healthy boundaries. Through this process, clients can expect to build self-compassion, restore their ability to trust, and cultivate a sense of calm and security within themselves and their relationships.

Welcome, I am a psychotherapist who received my training at the University of Chicago. I work collaboratively with clients to establish a relationship built on trust, authenticity and respect, which honors personal uniqueness and fosters reverence for one’s life. My practice includes those wishing to address anxiety, depression, grief and loss, spiritual concerns, loneliness, relationship issues, LGBTQ issues, PTSD, trauma, emotional and sexual abuse as well as life transitions and vocational discernment. In the context of a relationship marked by empathy, openness, and a measure of humor, I work collaboratively as a therapeutic ally, supporting clients’ personal healing and evolution. While I draw on contemporary psychodynamic and humanistic perspectives, and skills derived from CBT, ACT, mindfulness and contemplative practices, my approach is essentially person-centered. I also am trained and certified in EMDR from Francine Shapiro's EMDR Institute and in the FLASH technique from Philip Manfield. Being a composer and jazz guitarist, I have spent many years counseling musicians, artists and other creatives interested and involved in the arts. My background in the arts and music in particular, has become a metaphor to what I provide as a therapist since I have found the most beneficial therapy is analogous to the dialogue inherent in music, involving a soulful conversation that opens up new possibilities for wholeness, self-love, understanding, creativity, relationships and personal growth.

Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a Masters Degree in Clinical Social Work from Aurora University. I am based in Illinois and have over 10 years of experience in many different capacities of the mental health field. I work with individuals (adults 18 years and up). I do my best to create a warm, inviting, safe, and judgement free environment.

Hi! I am Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. I have been in the field since 2016. I have a passion for helping people release stress and trauma being stored in the body. I enjoy working with couples and individuals from a trauma and dissociation-informed lens. I integrate evidence-based practices, including somatic work, EMDR, and Ego State Therapy. I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. I also have experience integrating faith in sessions for those who are interested.