Personal Statement
I am passionate about walking with others through the challenges that life can hold. In my own life journey I have discovered the value and importance of secure relationships in the healing process. Fear, shame, or wounds frequently become life-dominating issues that are difficult to process alone. I love to create an environment in the counseling relationship that is marked by high levels of trust, grace, and acceptance that I refer to as “hospitality of the heart.” It is my sacred honor and privilege to share an experience with clients through the counseling relationship where they heal, learn, explore, and grow, experiencing new levels of peace and freedom.
Who I Serve
I work with adults, couples, families, and groups. I have a special heart for working with women through life transitions and other issues unique to women’s reproductive events such as infertility, pregnancy/infant loss, birth trauma, abortion grief/shame, perinatal/perimenopausal mood disorders, adjustment to parenting, and maternal/infant bonding. To support this specialization I have an advanced certification in Perinatal Mental Health (PMH-C) through Postpartum Support International. Additionally, I am certified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy with perinatal trauma. Through my previous work and life experiences I also know that parenting can be tough at times and I love to support individuals and couples on the journey of parenting. Fathers/birthing-partners are often overlooked in care settings which I believe is a flaw in the support of families during this transition. I aim to have a partner-inclusive practice in my treatment philosophy for the perinatal population, because I believe it is the best model for the flourishing of babies, mothers, fathers, and the couple’s relationship.
I’m passionate about working with couples to create healthier and more secure marital relationships, both emotionally and physically. My approach with couples is to work to understand the perspective of each partner, creating a strong therapeutic alliance with both, and then to assist couples with exploring, understanding, and changing relational patterns through increased empathy, vulnerability, and trust.
EMDR Consulting
As a Consultant-in-Training with EMDRIA, I’m currently offering EMDR consultation services to fellow clinicians pursuing certification. It’s a joy and honor to support other therapists in deepening their skills with this powerful model of healing. If you’re working toward EMDR certification and looking for a thoughtful, relational space to grow your practice, I’d be glad to walk alongside you in this part of your journey. Therapists interested in scheduling a consultation with me are invited to fill out my contact form, and I will respond with information about my current availability.
Specialty Treatment Areas
- Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples, families, and individuals
- Perinatal mental health and the transition to parenthood
- Life transitions (emerging adulthood, career, divorce, parenting, empty nesting)
- EMDR for all types of trauma
- Anxiety/Depression
Additional Treatment Areas
- Mood disorders
- Family relationships/conflict
- Grief and loss
- Infertility
- Faith-based/spiritual concerns
- Pregnancy or infant loss
- Perimenopausal Mood and Anxiety Disorders
- Moral Injury
- Health/medical crisis
Theoretical Approach
My theoretical approach is tailored to the individual needs of my clients but is firmly grounded on the foundation of a secure client-therapist alliance. Once a strong therapeutic relationship is established, interventions are selected based on current empirically supported treatment options and the unique needs of the individual client(s). I am certified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) for trauma. When working with couples or families, my primary treatment approach is Emotionally Focused Therapy. Faith-based counseling is an additional layer that I provide for clients that desire this as a part of their counseling experience.
Insurance Networks
- Private pay
- Aetna
- Aetna Medicare
- BCBS PPO
- Medicare
- Optum/UBH
- BCBS Community Health (Medicaid)
Education/Certifications
- Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the State of Illinois (LCPC)
- Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Wisconsin
- Florida Telehealth Certified
- Perinatal Mental Health Certification (PMH-C)
- EMDR certified through EMDRIA
- EMDR CIT (Consultant in Training)
- Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy Level 1 Certificate
- Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples and Families advanced training
- MA in Mental Health Counseling from Trinity International University
- MA in Secondary Mathematics Education from DePaul University
Affiliations/Memberships
- America Counseling Association
- EMDR International Association (EMDRIA)
- International Center for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy
- Chicago Center for Emotionally Focused Therapy
- Association for Spiritual, Ethical, and Religious Values in Counseling
Certification Logos
