ABOUT ME

A professor in grad school told me to never apologize for wanting to save the world. I have made it my mission in life to save the world, one person at a time.
I have many life experiences from which to draw from and utilize when helping others. I was a non-traditional student and started my journey of helping others late in life. I received my Bachelor’s degree from Northern Illinois University when I was 30 years old and entered the work force, while raising my two amazing daughters. When they were grown, I began my journey of working on my Master’s Degree in Social Work at Aurora University. While there, I had the honor of working with the homeless population and learned a whole new respect for humankind. While interning with them, I realized I would need to know more about substance use and decided to get my certification in addictions, as well. I interned at a residential addiction program and learned a new respect for what people endure when they struggle with addictions.

I have worked in several settings, including a homeless shelter, a substance use program for court mandated treatment, and a dual diagnosis PHP/IOP program. I opened my own practice in March 2018. With covid, my practice grew too large for one therapist, I realized we needed more therapists in the community to help more people than I could do alone. Thus, began the journey of adding the most amazing people I have ever had the honor of working beside.

Therapeutic Approach

I believe in providing a client-centered, non-judgmental environment for you to grow and make your world into what you believe is the best solution for yourself. I provide genuine empathy and offer unconditional positive regard for all individuals. We are all unique and have a story to share. You know yourself best and should take the lead in your therapy session. I’d love to be a part of your journey.

Areas of Clinical Focus

I specialize in trauma therapy and it has a special place in my heart. I work with all types of trauma, from a single traumatic event to complex PTSD, which begins in childhood. I am certified in EMDR, trained in brainspotting and working on being certified. I use other forms of therapy to help with trauma, such as Internal Family Systems, Structural Dissociation, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, CBT, Mindfulness and more. Other areas of interest for me are anxiety, panic disorders and phobias, depression and bi-polar, borderline personality disorder and other personality disorders, substance use disorders, and dissociative disorders. I work with individuals ages 16 and older.