Values and Philosophy
I believe that we are greatly impacted by our family histories, what we learned in very early relationships, our environment, and society at large. While these are powerful forces that tend to shape who we are, I also believe that we each have an innate wisdom available to guide us. Sometimes it helps to be accompanied by another caring person as we learn how to tune into this wisdom and start living in accordance with our values and authentic self—even if those may at times feel at odds with the world around us. With some gentle guidance in psychotherapy, many people can see why they are repeating old, unhelpful patterns, and how it no longer serves them.
Indeed, we often enter therapy at a point when unhealed wounds and existing coping methods become too painful to continue on our current path, and we must find another way to exist. To be clear: therapy, while I truly believe it’s a gift, is not always easy. Undergoing change is often messy, labor intensive, and usually requires the right timing and conditions…but it can be among the most rewarding challenges we undertake in life.
I view my job as helping you to create the conditions wherein new possibilities start unfolding before you. Life can start to feel a little more hopeful, and you can move through the world with more ease. I view our sessions as a place to try new ways of being and interacting. I will encourage you to explore and make mistakes, and to figure out what you’d like to take with you when you leave the office. You are deserving of this opportunity, and I would be honored to walk alongside you on your journey.
Psychotherapy Areas of Passion and Expertise
- Addictions & Substance use disorders
- Attachment & relationship issues
- Codependence
- Depression, anxiety, & mood disorders
- EMDR (including intensives)
- Family of origin issues
- LGBTQIA+ & GNC affirming
- Neurodiversity affirming
- Polyvagal theory
- Trauma recovery
- Therapy Intensives: half day or multiple days
- Yoga informed therapy
Degrees & Credentials
MSW, Loyola University Chicago School of Social Work, Leadership & Development in Social Services specialization
BA, English, University of Texas at Austin
RDDP (Registered Dual Disorder Professional), Illinois Certification Board, 2018
LCSW, Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, 2016
Certificates
PDA Autism (PDANA) Level 1 Certificate, 2024
Certified Provider, Safe and Sound Protocol, 2023
Certificate of Completion, Training in The Flash Technique, 2022
Certified Yoga Teacher – 200 hr (2020)
Certificate, Treating Complex Trauma with Internal Family Systems, 2018
EMDR (Basic Level Training), 2018
40 hour Domestic Violence training certificate, Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 2013
40 hour Domestic Violence training certificate, National Domestic Violence Hotline, Austin, TX, 2008
