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 welcome individual adults 18 and older, as well as couples, from all backgrounds, identities, professions, and stages of life. People come to therapy for many reasons—sometimes because of anxiety, depression, relationship distress, painful experiences, or major life changes, and sometimes because they simply know that something in their lives no longer feels right. You may feel overwhelmed, disconnected, stuck in familiar patterns, or uncertain about what needs to change. Therapy offers a place to slow down, understand what is happening beneath the surface, and begin developing a more secure relationship with yourself and the people who matter most. Whatever has brought you here, we can work together toward greater clarity, emotional stability, meaningful connection, and a life that feels more authentic and sustainable.
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 work with individual adults ages 18 and older, as well as couples, across a wide range of backgrounds, identities, experiences, and stages of life. You may be seeking support for anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, life transitions, emotional disconnection, or a general sense of feeling stuck. My goal is to provide a confidential, supportive space where you can better understand what you are experiencing, strengthen important relationships, and move toward meaningful change. I offer in-person sessions in Vernon Hills and secure telehealth throughout Illinois.
Specialty Treatment Areas
- 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
- EFIT: Relational Patterns, Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, Self-Worth
- EFT for Couples: Rebuild Trust, Meet Attachment Needs
- Service Members & Veterans: Reintegration, Survivor’s Guilt, Injury
- Older Adults: Bereavement, Late-Life Adjustment, Sadness, Lack of Purpose
Additional Treatment Areas
- 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)