Everyone keeps telling you these should be some of the best years of your life, so why do they feel so overwhelming?

Maybe everything seems to be changing at once. You're making decisions about school, friendships, relationships, and your future, all while trying to understand who you are. There's pressure to become more independent, make the right choices, and somehow know what you're doing. Meanwhile, you might feel like everyone else is moving forward while you're still trying to find your footing.

You might replay conversations in your head, worry about disappointing people, or compare yourself to friends who seem more confident. Maybe you've been struggling with how you see yourself or your body, questioning your abilities, or realizing how much other people's opinions affect the way you feel about yourself. It can be exhausting to spend so much time wondering whether you're doing enough or getting things right.

I especially enjoy working with teens, college students, and young adults navigating anxiety, self-esteem, body image, identity exploration, relationships, and life transitions. Whether you're adjusting to high school or college, learning to be more independent, or feeling uncertain about your direction, I want to understand what life has been like for you and what you'd like to change.

You don't need to have a perfectly clear reason for starting therapy. Sometimes knowing that something doesn't feel right is enough to begin.

Walk & Talk Therapy

Sometimes it's easier to find your words when you're moving.

Sitting across from someone and talking about personal things can feel uncomfortable, especially when you're not sure how to explain what you're feeling. For some people, walking side by side makes it easier to talk without feeling like all the attention is on them.

Walking has always been one of the ways I reflect and sort through my own thoughts. I appreciate how being outside and moving can make conversations feel a little less formal. That's part of why I enjoy offering walk-and-talk therapy as another option for our sessions.

We might spend that time talking through something that's been bothering you, exploring a difficult decision, or simply noticing what comes up as we walk. There's no expectation to keep moving or talking the entire time. We'll find a pace that works for you, just as we would in the office or during a virtual session.

My Approach

I believe you're the expert on your own experience. My role isn't to tell you who you should be or what decisions to make, but to help you better understand yourself and explore your options. I want our sessions to feel like a conversation, not another assignment or something you have to get right.

Some days we might talk through something that happened during the week, work through an emotion that's been difficult to manage, or unpack a decision you've been avoiding. Other times, we might notice a pattern in your relationships, practice a conversation you've been nervous about having, or try a new way of responding to anxiety. I'll listen, ask questions, and offer another perspective when I think it might be helpful. You can also tell me when something isn't working for you. This is your time and I will always honor that.

I draw from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mindfulness, and person-centered therapy. What I especially appreciate about ACT is how it helps us distinguish between what genuinely matters to us and what we've come to believe we're supposed to want. When you're surrounded by expectations from family, friends, school, or even yourself, understanding your own values can help you make decisions with more confidence.

My hope is that, over time, you'll better understand your emotions, recognize your strengths, and feel more comfortable making choices for yourself. That doesn't mean you'll never feel anxious or question a decision again. It means learning how to handle those moments without being so hard on yourself.

I want you to feel more confident in who you are, rather than who you think you're supposed to be.

Experience

I earned my Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Adler University. During my graduate training, I completed my clinical internship at Clarity Clinic, where I provided individual counseling and facilitated therapeutic groups for adolescents and adults experiencing a range of mental health concerns.

Before becoming a therapist, I worked as a case manager at Thresholds and Journey Mental Health Center. Those experiences helped me understand how much our relationships, environments, and everyday circumstances can influence our mental health. They also shaped the way I approach therapy today, with curiosity about each person's experiences and an appreciation for the strengths they may not always recognize in themselves.

Licensure

I am a Clinical Fellow at Balanced Awakening, working toward my LCPC licensure in Illinois. I have several years of clinical experience and continue to develop my skills through supervised practice. I am supervised by Zana Van Der Smissen, LCPC, PMH-C.