“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” (Anais Nin)
As a seasoned therapist who has worked in the mental health field for over 14 years, I believe that all individuals have the capacity to heal, change, and grow. Life is not always easy, and there are times when we are faced with the unexpected such as a loss or trauma. There are also times in life when we feel stuck, or times when we just find ourselves overwhelmed with the everyday stress of life in a way that impacts our mental health. Whether facing life challenges, or a mental health concern an outside perspective can help us gain new insight, heal, and overcome any barriers that appear to be holding us back in our life. It is my goal to help you heal, grow, and connect to the internal wisdom that is already within you.
My philosophy and training are rooted in both traditional psychology theories as well as body centered therapies. Depending on my client’s needs and preferences I can work solely through traditional talk therapy and/or incorporate my work as a dance/movement therapist to include body-based interventions. Our bodies hold a great deal of wisdom. The way we move our body can be a metaphor for the way we move through life through life emotionally and psychologically. Even the way we hold our posture can say a great deal about how we are feeling. We also hold memories in our bodies, both positive and negative. Hence, we can use our bodies as an avenue for healing.
My style as a therapist, is collaborative and culturally sensitive. I understand everyone is unique and that one size does not fit all when it comes to therapy. I am flexible and open minded and will work with you in a way that aligns with your preferences, comfort level, and needs.
Specialties:
My specialties include the following areas:
- Past or Recent Trauma
- Domestic Violence (and/or emotional & psychological abuse in relationships)
- Grief and Loss
- Mental Illness (any and all diagnosis)
- Addictions and/or Codependence
- Autism and Asperger’s
- Cultural and Systemic Oppression
I work with adults of all ages, teens, and children (7 and up). I welcome all races, ethnicities, religions, genders, gender expressions, sexual orientations, socio-economic status,’ and cultural backgrounds. I also offer BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) mental health support.
Modalities:
- Humanistic
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Psychodynamic
- Attachment-Based
- Internal Family Systems (not certified)
- Strengths-Based
- Dance/Movement Therapy
- Expressive Arts Therapy
- Mindfulness
- Spirituality (upon request)
- Authentic Movement
- Group Therapy
- Emotion Focused Therapy
Training:
Ph.D. in Counselor Education from the University of Toledo, OH
MA in Dance/Movement Therapy and Counseling from Columbia College Chicago, IL
Previous Clinical Experience:
- Adult Therapy Coordinator and Clinical Therapist, Zepf Center, Toledo, OH, (adult outpatient therapy), 2016-2019
- Doctoral Student Intern, Zepf Center, Toledo, OH, (adult psychological testing), 2016
- Substance Abuse Counselor, Harbor Light-Salvation Army, Monroe, MI, (adult outpatient substance abuse treatment), 2015-2017
- Lead Expressive Therapist and Clinical Therapist, Loretto Hospital, Chicago, IL, (adult inpatient therapy), 2007-2013
- Resource Therapist, Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital, Hoffman Estates, IL (adults, children, teens, inpatient and partial hospitalization program), 2006-2007
- Therapy Intern, Community Counseling Centers of Chicago, Chicago, IL, (adult outpatient therapy), 2004-2005
- Therapy Intern, Streamwood Behavioral Health at St Mary’s, Chicago, IL (children and teens, inpatient therapy), 2004
Licensing and Certifications:
- Licensed Professional Counselor (Oregon, LPC-C5201)
- Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor/Supervisor (Ohio, LPCC-S-E.1500291)
- Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (Illinois, LCPC-180.008395)
- Licensed Professional Counselor (Michigan, LPC-6401015982)
- Board Certified Dance/Movement Therapist (Certified through American Dance Therapy Association)
- Graduate Laban Certified Movement Analyst (Certified through Columbia College Chicago)