Healthy Starts Here.
Turn Over A New Leaf.

I use a patient, gentle, person-centered approach to therapy; in private practice, community mental health and the justice system. Some of my specialties are CBT, DBT and Sand Tray.  My passion lies in social justice.  I have experience with court mandated, incarcerated and anger management clients. In my free time, you will find me enjoying the outdoors, exercising and loving animals.  I am licensed to practice in both Illinois and Wisconsin.

If you are a parent struggling with an emotional or behavioral concern with your child/adolescent or an adult who has experienced trauma, depression or anxiety I would love to work with you to find your own strengths and move past this difficult time to a place where you can experience happiness and fulfillment.

​

​

​

My goal is to help clients reach a sense of understanding and compassion for their own battle with mental health. Through the use of positive regard, mindfulness therapy, and humanistic approaches, I can support you during your journey to health and serenity.

​

​

​

​

I believe therapy is a powerful tool to help us achieve our goals and lead fulfilling lives. My hope is to provide an accessible and welcoming space where clients feel supported on their journey of mental wellness. I look forward to helping each client develop the skills they need to navigate the challenges that life brings.

If you are struggling with social or emotional confusion and pain I can come alongside you and support you as you build resources and capacity to understand and manage your situation.  I am licensed to practice in both Illinois and Wisconsin.

I use cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing to empower patients to change and improve their relationships. With over twenty years of experience working with substance abuse and mental health patients.  My purpose in life is to help them learn new coping skills, problem solve and change their lifestyle. I am a non-judgmental, genuine, empathetic therapist who has compassion for those struggling with substance abuse and mental health.

I know that approaching therapy can be intimidating.  You may be feeling isolated, overwhelmed, or lost. Being human is complicated, we all are made up of different genes, upbringings, cultures, and stories. I make it my responsibility to see all of who you are and what has gotten you to where you're at today. I know a person can thrive when they feel understood and accepted by others. My goal is to create an environment in which you feel safe, supported, and heard without the fear of being judged. Together, we will identify what your strengths are and how those can be utilized in the therapeutic process.  

I am dedicated to providing evidence-based counseling rooted in both cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) to empower my clients to take strategic and practical steps. With years of experience working with mandated teens and families, I strive to give each client an experience tailored to their individual needs.

My client centered approach is interactive, warm, and accepting.  I make it my job to help give my clients their voice back and provide a safe space to express themselves. This gives me the ability to build strong relationships with my clients so that I can guide them through solutions / situational responses, and the tools needed to help them with their problems.  Nothing makes me happier than helping my clients feel better, so they can live better!

It takes strength and courage to seek out help in addressing concerns that arise in life. Recognizing this, I have made it my mission to provide a safe and encouraging therapeutic environment, along with the guidance and support that best fits each person. Over the years, I have worked in social service and school settings that demonstrated the positive impact therapy can have and provided me the opportunity to work with people from a variety of backgrounds, age ranges, and life circumstances. Currently, I am working on obtaining my master’s degree in social work to continue assisting those who are striving to initiate change within their lives.

Much of my work focuses on the relationship between thoughts, feelings and behavior (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). I also use trauma-informed techniques such as the Trauma Narrative and Mindfulness when working with clients who are dealing with depression, anxiety and a history of trauma. My goal is to be a consistent, caring presence in your life so you can experience a positive emotional experience. This may be a “corrective experience” to overcome inadequate ones from the past.

I am always seeking to identify the many strengths that clients bring to the clinical setting. I like to help clients recognize what is going “right” in addition to what is going “wrong”. I use humor (when appropriate), and believe that with a caring, supportive relationship the clients I work with can find hope, peace, and joy. 

I believe we all have it in us to overcome barriers and become our ideal self. I believe with guidance and support one can accomplish their desired goals. I graduated from Benedictine University in 2006 with a masters of science in clinical psychology; with experience in Psychosocial day programs, as well as, many years in private practice. I am extensively trained in DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) and specialize in trauma work.

​

​

Here to help you start a new leaf by navigating you to the counselor that will be the best fit to accomplish your goals. To do this, I make my focus on our counselors - their specialties, qualities, availability, insurances they take, and schedule, so that our clients are matched with the right person! Please don’t hesitate to give our office a call or text to discuss options and get you set up so you can start living a better, fuller life!