Source: Photo by Omurden Cengiz on Unsplash Throughout your perinatal journey from early pregnancy to the day you give birth, you will encounter many decisions you need to make. Self-advocacy during this process is imperative as you communicate your needs and preferences regarding everything from where you would like to deliver your baby to medical…
Psychotherapy is a journey of growth and healing. We often know we want to live a more joyful and fulfilling life, but we are just not sure how. Too often, shame makes us shut down and close ourselves off. I strive to provide a warm, non-judgmental space that encourages clients’ authenticity and vulnerability. Through my personal and clinical experiences, I have found that sharing our stories can restore meaning and dignity and redefine pain into hope.
I use a relational framework to facilitate a space of exploration and reflection. I believe it is within relationships that we are both hurt and healed. My goal is to create a strong therapeutic relationship where you feel safe to explore your past and present relationships, gain new insight into what is contributing to your struggles, and learn new ways of being with yourself and others.
I am passionate about women’s issues and the unique stressors women face and I believe women deserve support across the life span. I have training and experience in maternal mental health and perinatal mood disorders. Given the unfair societal pressure upon women to show up a certain way, too many women experience shame whether related to relationship status, choosing to be childfree, struggling with infertility, mental health concerns during or after pregnancy, changes in sexual functioning or desire, etc. I will support you in navigating challenging times in your life, as we work together to find what makes you feel more like yourself again. There is absolutely no shame in asking for help.
I welcome individuals of all backgrounds and identities. I am sex-positive, trauma-informed, LGBTQIA+, and kink/BDSM-friendly. I practice from anti-racist and feminist perspectives. My work is informed by Relational-Cultural, Psychodynamic, and Attachment Theories. I have clinical training in working with survivors of sexual violence, PTSD, and complex trauma. My therapeutic interests include identity exploration, sexuality, life transitions, and interpersonal struggles. I have completed the level 1 training in Gottman Method, an evidence-based couples therapy modality.
I earned a dual Bachelor’s degree in history and gender studies at the University of Southern California. I received my law degree from Southwestern Law School in Los Angeles, and I am licensed to practice law in California. I obtained my Master’s degree in clinical social work at the University of Chicago Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice.
LSW License Number: 150108891
Supervised by: Talia Cohen, MA, LCSW, PMH-C
Type 1 NPI Number: 1376275875
Accepts: BCBS PPO and BlueChoice plans, self-pay and out of network clients
Pronouns
she/her/hersSelected training and affiliation
Gottman Method Couples Therapy Level 1 training Trauma-Informed Care Training 40-Hour Sexual Assault Crisis Counselor and Advocate Certification Training 30 Hour Crisis Counselor Training Psychodynamic Theory Relational-Cultural Theory Acceptance and Commitment Therapy trainings Dialectical Behavioral Therapy trainings Cognitive Behavioral Therapy trainings Member of Postpartum Support International Highly-Sensitive Person (HSP) Knowledgeable TherapistKey beliefs
Laughter is powerful medicine and humor has a place in therapy. Suffering is an inevitable part of being human and it takes great courage to confront your pain. “Healing begins where the wound was made” - Alice WalkerMore about me
I was born and raised in California and while Chicago winters are long, I find the change of seasons both energizing and comforting. Live music outside on a warm summer night with people I love brings me great joy. A few of my favorite things are animals, documentaries, and sushi.
Supporting a Partner Experiencing Postpartum Depression: Some Do’s and Don’ts
Source: Photo by Lina Trochez on Unsplash If your partner feels depressed in the weeks, months, or few years after having a baby, you likely feel desperate to take away their pain and make them feel better. It is incredibly difficult when someone you love is sad, hopeless, or distressed after having a baby and…
Taking Space: How Intentional Distance Can Actually Improve Your Relationship
Source: Photo by Milan De Clercq on Unsplash The pandemic has impacted all of our lives in unprecedented ways and much has been lost, from the ultimate loss of loved ones to job loss to the loss of our ability to engage in our hobbies or connect with friends and family safely. At the beginning…
Moving on Mindfully After a Breakup: 4 Questions to Help You Reflect
Source: Photo by Andrik Langfield on Unsplash After the end of a relationship, you might have trouble sleeping, difficulty concentrating, and find yourself ruminating about why or how things ended. Be gentle with yourself. The most important first step after a breakup is to take extra good care of yourself. Take care of yourself like…
Cultural humility: An essential framework for therapists that anyone can use to foster connection and understanding
Source: Photo by Helena Lopes on Unsplash Cultural humility is an approach used by therapists and other mental health professionals to create strong relationships with their clients and promote better therapy outcomes. Cultural humility is the process of being open, having self-awareness, and committing to self-reflection and critique when interacting with others. Having cultural humility…
When the Word “Family” Causes Distress
Source: Photo by Oleg Illarionov on Unsplash “Are you visiting family for the holidays?” While almost certainly a well-intended question by the person asking, such a question can create painful emotions for those with strained or no relationships with members of their family of origin. When you think of words that cause pain, the word…
Therapist Spotlight: Jennifer Nemecek, JD
Jennifer is an advanced clinical social work intern at Wildflower and is passionate about creating a therapy space that is welcoming, safe, and effective. Her clinical areas of focus include depression, anxiety, sexual functioning, gender identity, communication, grief, trauma, and self-esteem. Jennifer is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in clinical social work at the University…
A Solo Thanksgiving in Chicago
Source: Photo by Erol Ahmed on Unsplash First and foremost, be sure to take care of YOU. Spending a holiday alone can bring up many different emotions from sadness or dread to excitement or relief. A missed flight, illness, job demands, or establishing healthy boundaries with family are just some of the many reasons people…
Navigating Miscarriage and Infant Loss: How to Get Support When You Don’t Like Asking for Help
Losing a pregnancy or an infant can be one of the most devastating events a person can experience. While human beings are wired to connect with other human beings, it can still feel incredibly uncomfortable to ask for help. This kind of loss creates a unique type of grief, and you deserve strong support. Here…
