When a woman gives birth, she births not only her child but also a new identity: that of a mother. This identity has been in the making since the moment she found out she was pregnant — and perhaps even before then — especially if her decision to start a family was an intentional one.…
I am a co-founder of Wildflower, a psychotherapist, a presenter and a consultant in the area of perinatal and reproductive mental health. Many other aspects of my personal identity shape my clinical work: chief among them is the family and immigrant background which has informed my attunement to the psychological upheaval that accompanies major life transitions and to the many sociocultural forces that impact our lived experience. In my clinical work, I am focused on helping people thrive and cope during periods of significant change, and particularly during journeys towards and through parenthood which may involve infertility, losses, depression, anxiety, and conflict. I work with people from all walks in life. Clients I work with are some of the strongest, most resilient folks I know. They don’t always feel this way, and they come to therapy feeling raw, maybe lost, and certainly quite vulnerable. It takes courage to confront your pain and struggle. I view psychotherapy as a deeply collaborative process that aims to help you discover and tap into your strengths and resources. You already have what it takes to feel better, be happier, face challenges – good psychotherapy basically helps you access all that. This can only happen if your therapist genuinely cares about and respects you and is invested in their own ongoing professional development and personal growth. I have extensive training in perinatal and reproductive mental health, evidence-based treatment of mood and anxiety disorders, sex therapy, and trauma. I earned my bachelor’s degree in international studies at the University of Chicago and obtained my master’s degree in clinical social work at the University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration. I often present on topics related to mental health. I am an AASECT-certified sex therapist and a certified perinatal mental health clinician. My most valuable learning experiences come from my clients: their experience, wisdom and perspective have shaped my clinical practice the most, something I am deeply grateful for. LCSW License Number:149016046 Type 1 NPI Number: 1841631132 Accepts: BCBS PPO and BlueChoice plans, Lyra, self-pay and out of network clients Pronouns she/her/hers Selected training and affiliation AASECT-Certified Sex Therapist Certified Perinatal Mental Health Clinician Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Training Bringing Baby Home Educator Training, Gottman Institute Circle of Security Parent Educator Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) training Gottman Method Level 1 training Dialectical Behavior Therapy Training Key beliefs People are stronger and more resilient than they often realize. Our culture teaches us to be fiercely independent. To thrive, we need to embrace being interdependent -- deep connection with others is essential for happiness. More about me I love the outdoors and hiking, camping, kayaking. I can’t live without chocolate. I feel grateful every day for getting to do the work I love.
The Loneliness of Perinatal Loss
October is the Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. This formal designation is meaningful and important as it lets parents who have experienced a miscarriage, stillbirth or infant loss know that their loss is not invisible. Grief can feel incredibly lonely — the whole world around you is still buzzing with its steady, everyday activity…
10 Tips for Postpartum Wellness
Source: Photo by Kevin Liang on Unsplash The first postpartum year is full of challenges, but there are ways to ease the transition. Trying to power through the many trials and difficulties of this period is never a good idea. Below are helpful tips to help you survive and thrive as you adjust to motherhood.…
Virtual Infertility Support Group Starting August 2020
No person feels prepared to confront infertility and the grief, isolation, and fear that may follow the diagnosis. COVID-19 created unprecedented disruptions in daily living and medical care, including fertility treatment. You may have felt even more uncertain and hopeless. You are not alone. We are excited to announce the launch of our virtual Infertility…
Wildflower Stands Against Racism
Dear Wildflower Community, At Wildflower, we condemn all forms of racial injustice. As human beings and mental health professionals, we are horrified and heartbroken by police brutality, racialized violence, systemic oppression, and injustice experienced by Black people. We vehemently oppose a system that continuously oppresses and traumatizes Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. We stand…
Anxiety during the Pandemic: When to Seek Help?
Is it possible to not be anxious when the coronavirus pandemic threatens our lives, health, and economic wellbeing while disrupting routines and relationships in ways most people until now associated with science fiction movies? Experiencing restlessness, unease, and worry about what is to come is understandable in the light of the sudden loss of control,…
Virtual Support Groups for Pregnant and Postpartum Women Starting April 2020
We are excited to announce the launch of virtual support groups for pregnant and postpartum women at Wildflower. Under the best of circumstances, the transition to motherhood is an unpredictable, all-encompassing, and often bewildering journey. Experiencing it during the coronavirus pandemic is an entirely uncharted territory. Let us support you in facing the challenges of…
Virtual Mindful Coping Group Offered at Wildflower Starting April 2020
Dealing with distress alone and without support is rarely effective or healthy. At a time when our world is being turned upside down by the pandemic and physical distancing creates an intense potential for isolation, it is important to seek connection and support. We are excited to announce the launch of our virtual Mindful Coping…
Finding a Way out of Fight, Flight, and Freeze Response
Our bodies and minds are experiencing the current global crisis as a serious threat to survival and all that feels familiar and safe. Living in a constant state of fight, flight, or freeze is exhausting. We must find ways to release this stress on a daily basis. Connect with friends and family, exercise, knit, scream…
Focus on Values, Not Resolutions
The hope of change and renewal accompanies most of us as we part with one year and enter another. Some people feel confident and energized as they vow to exercise more, spend quality time with their children, learn to play an instrument, be kinder, change jobs. Others voice their aspirations more timidly or not at…
