About Me
I strive to provide a compassionate, supportive space where you can safely explore how your life experiences have shaped the way you see yourself and connect with others.
My approach is rooted in evidence-based practices to help you move toward healing and growth. Together, we’ll work on healing past emotional wounds, strengthening relationships, setting healthy boundaries, managing stress, navigating life transitions, and creating meaningful, lasting change. My goal is to help you feel more grounded, confident, and authentic while building a life that feels fulfilling.
My Journey
I completed my Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2007 and then began my mental health career in Portland, Oregon, working with adolescents in therapeutic day treatment and behavioral rehabilitation foster care. Several years later, I returned to Illinois to pursue graduate training at The Illinois School of Professional Psychology, where I had the opportunity to train in diverse settings including private practice, community mental health, and university counseling.
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During that time, I also served as a Teaching Assistant for courses in Family and Couples Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, and Cognitive Assessment. My doctoral research explored the support needs of LGBTQ+ youth and their families during the coming out years. I completed an APA-Accredited Predoctoral Internship at Northern Illinois University’s Counseling & Consultation Services before earning my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. Since then, I’ve dedicated my career to private practice, where I feel privileged to walk alongside individuals and couples on their journeys of growth, healing, and self-discovery.
My Approach
At the heart of my work is the belief that therapy is not about “fixing” you, but about creating space to explore vulnerable feelings, gain self-awareness, and uncover your inner strength. I embrace the idea that “the only way out is through.” Avoiding painful emotions may feel protective in the short term, but real healing comes from allowing ourselves to face and process them. In this way, we create the possibility of new meaning and lasting change.
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My approach is rooted in the Humanistic perspective and deeply informed by Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) where we explore and process emotions and build empowerment and self-compassion. I integrate values-based care and aspects of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), tailoring the process to each specific client. Therapy works best as a collaborative process so I strive to walk alongside my clients with curiosity as we build self-awareness and achieve meaningful, healthy change.
My Values & Who I am
The values that guide both my personal and professional life are connection, trust, compassion, courage, kindness, and gratitude. I would describe myself as compassionate, patient, and curious which are qualities I bring into each session as I sit with clients in their most vulnerable moments. My intention is to provide a steady, empathic presence and to create a safe environment free of judgment, where growth can unfold.
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I truly feel honored to be in this role with my clients. It is such a privilege to witness transformation when people begin to see themselves as worthy, lovable, and capable of change. I am continually inspired by the courage I know it takes to seek support, to face painful truths, and to grow into a more authentic self. I am so grateful to be a part of this journey.
Outside the Therapy Room
My favorite place to be is with my family. Whether it’s sharing sweet moments with my children and loved ones, enjoying the playful company of our pup and kitties, or simply soaking in the little joys of everyday life, time with them grounds me. I cherish lighthearted silliness just as much as deep, meaningful conversations and find that both bring a sense of connection and joy to my life. I value self-care in many forms including quiet moments of reflection, a nice drive with music up and windows down, creativity, TV dramas or comedies, a good book, or the chance to unwind with a good meal and good company. Just as I might remind my clients, we are all doing our best to find that ever-changing, sometimes elusive balance in life.