Personal Statement
Beginning a therapeutic journey is an act of courage. As Carl Jung said, “who looks outside dreams; who looks inside awakes.” Looking inward can feel daunting, but my role is to stand beside you—without judgment—as we navigate the path toward growth and healing.
I care deeply about couples, families, those who serve or have served, and older adults. I also welcome first responders, educators, healthcare workers, artists, and others whose work or life circumstances require them to carry a great deal—whether in the public eye or behind the scenes. Some come accustomed to caring for others, keeping up appearances, or holding themselves together through difficult seasons. Others feel stuck, unseen, or unsure how to begin again. Here, we can lay it all out: the residual shock of hard experiences, the weight of responsibility, the ache of disconnection, and the hope that relationships and self-worth can be renewed. Given my life experience, I’m especially drawn to clients navigating high-responsibility roles, major transitions, or new chapters in life. I’ve seen partners on the edge of walking away discover a different way to connect—one that’s hard-won, new, and real.
Clients often tell me, “thank you for believing in me,” and leave with “pearls” to consider between sessions. Before becoming a therapist, I spent years in the private sector—leading teams, teaching, solving complex problems, and supporting people across industries including construction, healthcare, technology, and education. I also understand the demands of creative work, having trained and performed as a vocalist and worked alongside musicians and artists. These experiences taught me how to adapt, connect with people from all walks of life, and stay grounded in the midst of complexity. Discovering my calling later in life propelled me to take a risk, start a new career, and become a therapist. I value relationships at every level and find meaning in helping people shed shame and move toward freedom.
Who I Serve
I serve adults ages 18 and up, with a special focus on couples, families, service members and veterans, and older adults. I also work with those in caregiving, service, creative, or leadership roles who need a confidential space to step away from the demands of the day and focus on their own well-being. I welcome those navigating life transitions, feeling stuck, or seeking new purpose. I offer in-person care in Vernon Hills and secure telehealth across Illinois.
Specialty Treatment Areas
- EFT for Couples & Families: Rebuild trust, meet attachment needs
- EFIT: Relational patterns, trauma, anxiety, depression, self-worth
- Service Members & Veterans: Reintegration, survivor’s guilt, injury
- Older Adults: Bereavement, late-life adjustment, sadness, lack of purpose
- Anxiety & depression; shame, perfectionism, overthinking
- Men’s Issues: Isolation, anger, self-worth, roles, sexual concerns
- Substance use disorder
- Life transitions, career change, spiritual/existential questions
Additional Treatment Areas
- Communication and conflict patterns
- Divorce/separation support
- Parenting and family relationship dynamics
- Work/career stress and burnout
- Anger and emotional regulation
- Grief and loss
Theoretical Approach
My approach is strengths-based and grounded in the dignity and worth of every person, using a holistic lens. I draw from Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples, Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT) for individual work, CBT, and mindfulness to build practical, repeatable skills clients can use between sessions. Together we identify triggers and name the emotions that surface. We also explore the meaning you make about yourself or others, and the protective strategies that try to keep you safe. By slowing this down, I help uncover the attachment longings underneath and guide you in practicing new, more connecting responses—both in and out of session. My goal is to create a space where you feel seen and heard, boundaries are respected, and progress continues to build over time. I have completed the EFT Externship and Core Skills and am currently under supervision toward ICEEFT certification.
Insurance Networks
- Private pay
- BCBS PPO
- Medicare
- TriCare
- BCBS Community Health (Medicaid)
- Meridian (Medicaid)
Education/Certifications
- Licensed Social Worker in the State of Illinois
- Masters in Social Work, Western New Mexico University
- Bachelor's Degree, University of Texas in San Antonio
- Externship and Core Skills in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
- In supervision toward Certified EFT Therapist (ICEEFT)
Affiliations/Memberships
- National Association of Social Workers
- International Center for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT)
- Chicago Center for Emotionally Focused Therapy (CCEFT)