As a therapist, my goal is to affirm my clients’ unique experiences and to support them in living more empowered lives. Everyone has the tools within themselves to flourish, but life experiences can make it challenging to connect with those strengths and abilities. The impact of trauma and oppression can move us into places of isolation and self-doubt. I respect how people adapt in order to survive, and I deeply honor their resiliency. I also believe that people deserve more than mere survival. We all deserve joy, connection, and safety. Together, we will create a safe space and build a secure relationship to then be able to explore these darker places without shame or judgment.
Grounded in trauma-informed, relational frameworks, I believe that healing happens in relationships, so I work with my clients to collaboratively create a space that allows each of us to show up authentically. I use person-centered, psychodynamic, and narrative theories to explore the impact of trauma and systems of oppression and work toward cultivating self-compassion. Often the concerns that bring people to therapy, such as people-pleasing or perfectionism, were adaptations that helped them survive challenging situations. All parts of you are welcome as explore new ways of relating to yourself and your community.
My therapeutic style is warm, personable, and engaged. I believe therapy should be egalitarian, that the client and therapist share responsibility and power within the room. Vulnerability met with empathy can be transformative, so I meet all clients with non-judgmental care. Together we will create a therapeutic relationship that is attuned and responsive to your unique needs and strengths.
I enjoy working with adolescents and adults to address trauma, mood disorders, chronic illness/disability, and LGBTQIA+ identity development. I am passionate about working with neurodivergent and queer/trans populations. I particularly enjoy working with artists & creatives and the unique joys and challenges that come with that. I am sex-positive, kink/BDSM friendly, and practice from the tenants of fat liberation and anti-racism. I also specialize in working with individuals and couples navigating various challenges in their transition to parenthood and am certified as a perinatal mental health clinician (PMH-C).
I received my bachelor’s degree from Columbia College Chicago and my master’s from DePaul University in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. In addition to working with children and families in private practice, I have experience working in a multidisciplinary therapeutic day program. My training experiences include providing counseling services to homicide victims and refugee populations. I’m committed to ongoing education, deeply curious, and cherish any opportunity to learn.
- IL LCPC License Number: 180018366
- NPI Number: 1093434623
- Accepts: BCBS PPO and Blue Choice plans, Aetna PPO, self-pay and out of network clients
Selected Training & Affiliation
- LGBTQIA+ and Gender Expansive Care training
- Expressive Art Therapy training
- Narrative Therapy training
- Internal Family Systems
- Trauma-Informed Care
- Postpartum Support International
- Gottman Method Level 1 Couples Therapy Training
- Perinatal Mental Health-Certified (PMH-C)
Key Beliefs
- Emotions contain information –– we can learn so much from them!
- Healing happens in relationships with others.
- Everyone is doing the best they can with what they know.
- Through the unconditional acceptance of another, we can learn how to unconditionally accept ourselves.
More About Me
- My background is in the arts, so being creative is a big part of my self-care, whether writing poetry or journaling, crocheting, or going to the theater.
- You can usually find me lost in a good book, be it an ebook, physical book, or audiobook.
