Therapy can be an enriching, comforting, transformative experience. However, it may also feel intimidating, vulnerable, and exhausting. These feelings are normal and understandable, and as a psychotherapist, I am here to support you through it all. I believe in nurturing an honest and trusting relationship between therapist and client to cultivate a safe, open, and effective healing space. I also recognize, especially as a white, cisgender, heterosexual therapist, that trust is not a given; it must be earned and it is not owed. I value creating equitable and collaborative relationships with my clients that always center and validate their lived experiences. In working with me, you will find that empathy, patience, curiosity, and maybe a little bit of humor when appropriate, are consistently centered in helping my clients progress toward their goals. Thank you for taking the time to pursue therapy services. I am grateful and privileged to hold space with you and bear witness to your journey.
In my work, I believe therapy is not one-size-fits-all and must be tailored and adapted to honor each client’s needs, identities, and comfort levels. I believe in acknowledging and validating where clients are at, while also consistently supporting them in developing and accomplishing goals. I work with a number of different presenting therapeutic concerns, yet I am most passionate about working with perinatal and reproductive mental health struggles (high-risk pregnancy, pregnancy loss, postpartum anxiety and depression, and pregnancy termination), trauma (violence and abuse), grief and loss, and identity concerns/exploration (sexuality/gender). I also enjoy working with folks navigating challenging relationship dynamics (dating, break-ups, boundary-setting with loved ones). I work with adults (18 years of age and up) and I see clients for individual and couples therapy.
I hold a bachelor’s degree in psychology from DePaul University, as well as master’s degrees in social work and women’s and gender studies from DePaul University. I completed my master’s research thesis on maternal health disparities across the intersections of race, class, and gender and explored how antiracist feminisms may guide health care practitioners in transforming their biases and practices as well as in combatting maternal health inequity. With a women’s and gender studies background, I ground my therapy practice in feminist politics, values, and theories. I often incorporate intersectional, culturally-informed, anti-oppressive, and societal systems-based perspectives into my practice. I am also skilled at incorporating evidence-based treatment modalities including ACT, DBT, and CBT into treatment. I am sex-positive, LGBTQIA+-affirming, and BDSM/kink friendly. I am deeply passionate about perinatal health and reproductive justice, as well as about how systemic and institutional oppression, including within health care fields, impacts mental and physical health across the intersections of race, class, gender, and sexuality.
- IL LCSW License Number: 149026252
- Type 1 NPI Number: 1245982024
- Accepts: BCBS PPO and BlueChoice plans, self-pay and out of network clients
Selected Training & Affiliation
- 40-Hour Sexual Assault Crisis Intervention Training
- Trauma-Informed Care
- Mindfulness Training
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Training
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Training
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Training
- Member of Postpartum Support International (PSI)
- PSI Maternal Mental Health Certificate
- Gottman Method Level 1 Couples Therapy Training
- Trauma and grief/loss trainings
- Trauma-Informed Sex and Intimacy Education (Queer-inclusive, Kink/BDSM-inclusive)
Key Beliefs
- Healing takes time and is not linear. You are not a failure if you notice you are not reaching your healing goals as planned. Healing is a process, not a destination.
- You are more than a diagnosis or your trauma.
- Everyone deserves to seek out and embrace moments of joy, safety, and comfort.
- Everyone deserves compassionate support and validation when experiencing mental health struggles.
- “Be curious, not judgmental – Walt Whitman” – Ted Lasso
More About Me
- I was a musical child (instrumental and vocal) and continue to find solace through music. One of my favorite self-care activities is taking long walks while listening to my favorite music.
- I have an insatiable sweet tooth. Cupcakes and cheesecake are my favorites.
- I love dogs, and I am that person who will point out and pet every dog on the street.
- Nothing brings me more happiness than spending time and laughing with the people I love.
