My clients frequently tell me that they feel heard and understood in sessions, even when they’re feeling their most uncertain. I make sure to paraphrase and reflect what is being said as well as what may be more difficult to put into words. When clients feel heard and have a chance to listen to their thoughts reflected back to them through a non-judgmental perspective, therapy can be an empowering soundboard to reach awareness, discoveries, and decisions.
A genuine sense of understanding is an excellent starting point, including knowing the therapist with whom you’ll be sharing a therapeutic relationship, and some of the influences that have inspired my professional identity. While I was working on my Master’s degree in school counseling, my life partner was diagnosed with terminal cancer. I became widowed a year after completing my degree. I worked in the educational setting a little longer while I healed. The pandemic ensued next, bringing a sense of loss all around. I found that the grief skills I had learned were useful and I wanted to share them with others; children, adolescents, and families.
Through these experiences, I added to my scope of practice the belief that life is not as linear as society suggests it should be. Some things we experience earlier on, while other events happen later.
In addition to grief counseling, I also use client-centered approaches that put the therapeutic relationship first. It’s so important for clients to feel comfortable with a therapist to achieve the best outcomes. Once that is established, other modalities are possible such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to address the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. I commonly integrate Dialectical Behavioral Therapy as well to address relationships, emotions, and effective coping skills.
With children, my primary modality is play therapy, as play is a child’s natural way to communicate. With couples and families, I often use Gottman based methods, solution-focused approaches and models of family therapy rooted in the works of Virginia Satir.
“We get together on the basis of our similarities;
we grow on the basis of our differences.”
— Virginia Satir
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Illinois. I received my MS in School Counseling from Eastern Illinois University.
I began my career as a School Counselor in a K-12 academic setting where I also taught classes. I provided mental health services through the school and followed my passion. I genuinely enjoy working with children, adolescents, and families. I have hobbies and coping skills that were firmly established in my own youth.
I came out as female to male transgender in 2023 when I began my medical transition.
I am a published poet who writes fiction. I love creating collages, paintings, and various crafts. I own an entire tub of legos that I frequent as well! I also have a dinosaur collection and like working on cars!
Accepted Insurances: BCBS, HAMP, Aetna, U of I Student Insurance, Private Pay