I believe that every individual has within them the strengths, resources, and abilities to live authentically within their chosen values and life goals. Rather than providing advice or answers to your specific challenges, I extend a conversational style through which we will collaboratively identify active strategies to address your challenges while also holding space to process past and present difficulties. In session, you can expect an atmosphere that promotes directness, positivity, and support, combined with the healing power of humor. My aim is to cultivate trust, help you tap into your core strengths, and assist you in developing the skills that will allow you to navigate your world in ways that work for you.
My clinical interests include working with individuals (young adult/adult) experiencing challenges with anxiety, depression, men’s issues, self-esteem, stress, and athletic and work performance. I also work with clients who are navigating challenges related to ADHD, phobias, grief and loss, trauma, perinatal and reproductive mental health, major life transitions, relationships, and sexuality. I draw from an array of techniques from evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Solution Focused Brief Therapy. I find that focusing on some combination of these approaches, while also honoring the potential impact of traumatic events in one’s life, can be effective in the context of many challenges. Core to my approach is the belief that more flexibly responding to our thoughts, emotions, and significant stressors – each of which may be troublesome – is what allows us to become more accepting of life’s challenges. This is the key to moving through our problems to live more authentically and achieve our goals.
I hold a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago. My experience involves offering psychotherapy to young adult and adult populations individually, in groups, and through workshops in private practice and university counseling settings. I have received structured training in ACT, cognitive processing therapy for trauma, and trauma-informed treatment approaches. By early 2025, I will obtain my Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credential.
- IL LPC License: Pending
- Supervised by: Reyna Schwartz, PsyD, PMH-C
- NPI Number: 1275397291
- Accepts: BCBS PPO and Blue Choice Plans and self-pay clients
Selected Training & Affiliation
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Proficiency
- Cognitive Processing Therapy Basic
- Mental Health First Aid
- Lethal Means and Suicide
- Person-centered Theory
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
- Mindfulness-based Approaches
- American Counseling Association
- Member of Postpartum Support International
Key Beliefs
- How we think about our problems is often more problematic than the problems themselves
- Managing the ups and downs of life requires us to become comfortable with what is uncomfortable
- Humor is fundamental to human healing
- All human beings have agency — it’s a matter of choosing to engage it
- Even the smallest of steps can create momentum
More About Me
- In my free time I love watching sports and being active is very important to me, whether that’s through bike riding, yoga, getting to the gym, or running.
- In terms of my sports allegiances, let’s just say I’m originally from St. Louis and leave it at that.
- Getting out of the city and into nature is deeply therapeutic for me, as is listening to music (I like just about all kinds).
- Prior to becoming a counselor, I spent 10 years in the corporate world where I learned many lessons, the most impactful of which being… I was not meant to spend another 10 years in the corporate world. And that’s what brought me to this wonderful career where every day I get to learn more about YOUR story — and hopefully in some small way help you to author your next best chapter.
