You are the expert on your own life, and I see my role as a supportive partner in helping you navigate it.  

Beginning therapy takes courage, and I want to honor the strength it takes to ask for support. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, navigating a major life transition, struggling in your relationships, questioning your next step, or simply feeling stuck, you don't have to figure it out alone.  I view therapy as a collaborative process built on care, curiosity, and trust. My role is to walk alongside you, offering support, perspective, and guidance as we work toward your goals. Together, we'll explore the experiences that have shaped you, better understand the patterns that may no longer be serving you, and build on the strengths you already have so you can move forward with greater confidence and self-trust.  

I especially enjoy working with teens, young adults, and women as they navigate periods of growth and change. Whether you're adjusting to high school or college, starting your career, navigating changing relationships, building confidence, or figuring out who you are and what matters most to you, therapy can offer a space to slow down, gain perspective, and reconnect with yourself. I also welcome individuals of all ages who are experiencing periods of transition, uncertainty, or personal growth.

My approach is person-centered, collaborative, and flexible because I believe therapy should meet you where you are. I often begin sessions by asking, "What's most top of mind for you today?" From there, we'll decide together what feels most helpful. Some days we'll process a difficult experience. Other days we'll explore your values, strengthen communication through role-playing, build practical coping skills, or incorporate mindfulness into your daily life. I draw from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness practices, tailoring each session to your individual needs and goals. My goal is to create a supportive environment where you feel comfortable showing up authentically, exploring difficult emotions, and celebrating both the small and significant steps forward.  

My hope is that you leave therapy feeling more confident in yourself, more connected to your values, and better equipped to navigate life's challenges with greater self-compassion. Above all, I want therapy to be a place where you feel heard, supported, and empowered to make decisions that feel authentic to you. Wherever you are in your journey, I'd be honored to walk alongside you.

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 navigating a variety of mental health concerns.

Prior to becoming a therapist, I worked as a case manager at Thresholds and Journey Mental Health Center. These experiences deepened my understanding of the many factors that influence mental health and strengthened my commitment to providing compassionate, person-centered care. My background has given me experience supporting individuals through life transitions, emotional challenges, relationship concerns, and personal growth, while recognizing the resilience each person brings to the therapeutic process.

Licensure

I am a Clinical Fellow at Balanced Awakening, completing the final steps toward LCPC licensure. I have several years of clinical experience and I am currently accruing additional supervised practice to be eligible for the LCPC credential in Illinois. I am supervised by Zana Van Der Smissen, LCPC, PMH-C.