My Approach to Helping
Making the decision to seek help through therapy can be stressful and takes strength and courage. Whether you are at a crossroads trying to make a big decision in your life, struggling with anxiety, depression or low self-esteem, or want to improve your relationships with others, counseling can be very helpful. My goal is to help reduce your stress and guide you in learning new information and skills to resolve whatever issues or concerns brought you to counseling.
My approach is to work collaboratively with you to identify the barriers that keep you from leading a full and enjoyable life. Using your individual strengths and talents, together we will build on those and add new skills to help discover your true potential and become a healthier, happier you. Sometimes I assign "homework" between sessions to help bring awareness to issues or assist you in practicing new skills. I value your time and recognize the many other commitments in your life; therefore, my schedule allows flexibility for evening and Saturday appointments. I invite you to invest in yourself today!
More Info About My Practice
I have 30 years of experience in the mental health field in many different settings. I can honestly say I love my career even after all these years! It challenges me, inspires me and I continue to learn from each and every individual with whom I work. My husband and I moved back to the NW Suburbs in August 2019 after living in Houston where I had a private practice for 6 years. I'm grateful I was able to re-establish my practice in Chicago pre-pandemic! We have two adult sons, one who lives here in Chicago and one in Washington, D.C.
Specific Issue(s) I'm Skilled at Helping With
I enjoy working with adults of all ages who may be experiencing symptoms of anxiety, depression or struggling with low self-esteem or confidence. I also enjoy helping individuals clarify their values and needs in relationships and develop constructive communication skills. I am a Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP) and have many hours of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) training, which is a highly recommended and evidence-based treatment approach.
On the Fence About Going to Therapy?
People seek therapy for many reasons, usually when experiencing difficulty with coping or resolving some issue on their own. You may have already tried other strategies to 'fix' the issue but haven't seen enough improvement. You may be feeling discouraged, frustrated, overwhelmed or even hopeless that things can get better.
Counseling provides a safe and judgment-free environment where you can openly share your personal challenges, fears, hopes and goals. It is an opportunity to focus just on yourself. You can talk about whatever you want and you get to decide how much you want to share. Therapy is an investment in yourself and your future!
My goal is to connect with you on an emotional level and help you feel supported and understood. By learning to manage stress, develop healthy relationships and improve your mood, you can get back on track, achieve greater happiness and lead a more fulfilling life.