I’ve been told by my clients that I am authentic and direct during sessions. My clients appreciate that I am compassionate and non-judgemental. They feel safe with me and know that I can hold space for them and all of their emotions, thoughts and beliefs. I work with college students and adults and specialize in trauma, PTSD, phobias, and dissociative disorders.
It’s important to ‘click’ with your therapist, so it might be useful to know a little about me. I’m originally from Chicago, but joined the army after high school. People who didn’t know me back then find this almost impossible to believe, but I was military police. Being in the army was one of the most challenging and rewarding things I have ever done.
I bounced around for a bit after my honorable discharge. Eventually I ended up in Rantoul, Illinois, working at Lincoln’s Challenge Academy. I always describe myself as a cross between a drill sergeant and a mom during that time. Working with at-risk youth was incredibly rewarding. My time at the Challenge was what finally set me on my path to becoming a therapist.
During this time, I had my own path to find. While in the army, I got really good at drinking. Before I was able to help others, I had to learn to help myself. I have found my own journey in recovery to be immensely helpful for my clients.
The therapeutic relationship is the most important part of therapy. We all need extra support from time to time. I believe we are equal partners in the therapy process. My education and experience can help guide you on your healing journey, but you are the ultimate authority on your life and your goals.
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help shift negative thinking patterns, and find EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) invaluable in treating trauma, anxiety, phobias, and other issues. (You can read more about EMDR here)
“Each of you is perfect the way you are ... and you can use a little improvement.”
— Shunryu Suzuki
I received my Masters of Social Work from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I worked in a variety of community mental health settings before settling into private practice, including working in inpatient treatment at the Pavilion, with youth in crisis, and with all ages in community mental health agencies. Working with such diverse populations allowed me to really understand what areas of counseling I excel in.
I am also an active student of Zen Buddhism. Daily mediation time along with sustained periods of mediation at our local Zen Center has a deep impact on my work with clients, helping me to be fully present while in session. Buddhism is the foundation for many coping skills--from mindfulness to being present in the body to deep breathing exercises. Zazen (Zen meditation) is the ultimate grounding exercise.
Completing the 40-hour training for EMDR has had a profound impact on my work with clients. I was so impressed with the power of EMDR that I have continued my education by pursuing my certification in EMDR--a long, intense process which moves clinicians from being competent in EMDR to expert. EMDR can increase resiliency, decrease anxiety, and reprocess and put to rest past traumatic memories once and for all.
