As a psychotherapist, Hillary believes therapy should be a collaborative process and considers her clients to be experts on themselves. Hillary is passionate about working with adolescents and adults with a variety of presentations, including anxiety, mood disorders, personality disorders, psychosis, and trauma. Hillary obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Michigan State University and both her Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Clinical Psychology at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Read Hillary’s full bio here.
What inspired you to pursue a career as a psychotherapist?
I knew I wanted to pursue a career in psychology when I took my first psychology class as a sophomore in high school. I was very intrigued by human behavior and wanted to support people in becoming “better” versions of themselves. When I began college I described my ideal job to my counselor without knowing what the job title would be, and quickly learned what I had always envisioned was a career as a clinical psychologist.
As a psychotherapist, what part of your job is most satisfying?
My favorite part of being a therapist is when I teach a client a new skill and upon trying it, they come back surprised the skill actually works.
How would you describe your therapeutic approach?
I consider my clients to be the experts on themselves and therefore approach therapy as a collaborative process. I also emphasize teaching clients skills and empowering them to handle current and future struggles without needing therapy for the rest of their lives.
Why do you believe that psychotherapy can help?
I believe simply sharing your struggles with another person can be such a relieving and normalizing process which is helpful in itself. I have also personally seen it help many people and the research supports it!
What are some of your specialties and what drew you to them?
I specialize in working with adolescents and using dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). I have always enjoyed working with adolescents, as I think they bring such unique difficulties to the therapeutic space that are characteristic of their developmental period. I also appreciate their openness to treatment and that any maladaptive behavior patterns are often not as solidified in younger populations. I love DBT because I think the therapy really gives clients “tools” for their “toolbox” and is effective with even some of the most difficult presentations.
What is one thing about psychotherapy you wish everyone knew?
More people attend therapy than you think.
What is your motto or personal mantra?
I am capable.
What are your favorite self-care activities?
Recently my favorite thing to do after a stressful day is bring my dog to the dog park. I love how excited the dogs get and think it is one of the happiest places.
