Personal Statement
Although I now live in the USA, I was born and raised in Zimbabwe, Africa, and also lived in the UK for 19½ years.
I have worked with clients from diverse backgrounds, ranging in age from 14 to 75, addressing PTSD, childhood trauma, bereavement, adjustment issues, relationship concerns including infidelity, anger, and various types of loss.
I am particularly interested in working with older clients, women and men above the age of 50. I provide support to anyone processing trauma, loss, and adjustment challenges related to relocation, relationship breakdown, immigration, or life stage changes.
I believe in collaboration, working together to meet identified goals, and celebrating the positive outcomes that follow. I also believe in providing a safe, nonjudgmental space for clients.
Who I Serve
I work with adults, couples, families, and I have served clients from a wide range of backgrounds, age groups, and faiths.
Having lived on different continents, I have a vested interest in working with clients who have relocated from other countries and are settling in the USA while navigating the various challenges of adjusting to a new home. I also have experience serving multicultural clients through my work in education and social work.
I also work with clients who wish to incorporate their faith into their sessions if this is an important part of their identity. I am also equally committed to working with clients who prefer that spirituality not be included in their sessions as well.
I completed my MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a concentration in Trauma-Informed Counseling, and I serve clients who have experienced different types of trauma, walking alongside them as they move from being victims to becoming healthy survivors.
Specialty Treatment Areas
- Seniors 55+
- Trauma recovery
- Life transitions
- Grief and loss
- Multicultural concerns/racial identity
Additional Treatment Areas
- Depression
- Divorce support
- Career planning/transitions
- Death and dying
Theoretical Approach
My approach to therapy is integrated, as different people have different needs and respond differently to treatments. As a result, I use techniques and psychotherapy tools that work best for each client and for the specific problem or issue that brings them to therapy.
My initial focus is person-centered, encouraging dialogue, inviting clients to share their concerns, and their perceptions of what is happening in their lives. This approach can shift in later sessions to include resources from other theoretical perspectives.
I also incorporate aspects of cognitive therapies such as CBT and ACT to help clients identify and address thinking patterns that may be affecting their view of themselves or the issues that bring them to counseling.
Goal setting is an important part of sessions, and these goals are collaboratively developed, giving clients ownership of their healing journey. They are then incorporated into the client’s treatment plan and help track progress or lack of progress.
As part of therapy, I also recommend self-care strategies that target different aspects of a client’s life, providing a pathway to holistic healing by helping them consciously care for the various parts of who they are: physical, emotional, financial, environmental, intellectual, career, social, and spiritual.
Lastly, I believe it is important to build a collaborative working relationship with clients—one that emphasizes safety, confidentiality, and attentive listening.
Insurance Networks
- Private pay
- Aetna
- Aetna Medicare
- BCBS PPO
- Cigna (Evernorth)
- Medicare
Education/Certifications
- MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling From Moody Bible Institute
- MA in Social Work from University of Leeds, UK
- Gottman Level 1
- Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Illinois
- Licensed Social Worker in the state of Illinois
Affiliations/Memberships
- American Counseling Association