I believe in a collaborative approach to therapy and seek to empower my clients through collaboration in treatment. My worldview and theoretical approach is rooted in a trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and holistic framework and utilizes interventions from methodologies such as Somatic Experiencing, existentialism, psychodynamic, and person-centered psychotherapy.
I have a wide-variety of interests working with individuals, but some enthusiastic interests of mine are working with individuals with trauma-related concerns, LGBTQ+ clients, depression, panic, grief/loss, individuals experiencing psychotic symptoms, anxiety, self-harm, racial justice and social justice concerns, sex-positive, mood swings, chronic suicidal thoughts, impulsive behaviors, unstable sense of self, feelings of emptiness, spirituality/existential concerns, and working with individuals with substance abuse from a harm reduction approach.
Therapy can be a powerful tool to hold space for clients and I come from a place of empowerment to help give clients space to process and dialogue through thoughts and feelings. As a trauma-informed clinician I prioritize safety, choice, and collaboration in our work together. You are the expert of your personal experiences and are capable of growth and healing, as well as deserving of happiness. I truly enjoy being a witness to clients’ journeys to growth, healing, and exploration of self – and I know that process may not always be linear or an easy journey.
I aim to create a safe, accepting, and non-judgmental environment for you to experience and explore your feelings and all parts of yourself. Life unfolds in complicated, beautiful, and sometimes immensely painful ways. I know it’s not always easy navigating big feelings and difficult times alone – sometimes we need support and that’s okay! We often need support navigating the terrain of our inner world so that we can show up more fully to all that is happening in our outer world. It’s my honor and privilege to work with you and help navigate ways to cope, heal, and process. I know therapy, life paths, and individual experiences are not going to be the same for any one person and I am attentive to the intersecting identities and social contexts that shape each individual’s experience and am committed to providing culturally responsive care.
Experience
I’ve worked in a variety of settings including residential settings, community mental health, intensive outpatient, and inpatient hospital settings. I’ve worked with a wide age range of individuals including children, adolescents, adults, and older adults. I have experience with trauma-focused treatment, somatic experiencing, Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), mindfulness-based therapy, psychodynamic, and narrative therapy.
THERAPIST SPECIALITIES
Anxiety
Depression
Social Justice
LGBTQIA+
Substance Abuse
Complex Trauma/PTSD
Bipolar Disorder
Sex Positive and Sex Worker Positive
Feelings of Emptiness
Spirituality/Existential Concerns
Client focus
Adults
Teens (15+)
College/Emerging Adults
Location
Telehealth (IL)
Insurance Accepted
Aetna
BCBS PPO
Blue Choice PPO
Licensure
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, IL, 180.014180
Education
Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, 2019, Valparaiso University
Bachelors in Psychology, 2016, Valparaiso University
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Availability and Scheduling:
Mx. Blankenship sees clients online over video (telehealth) Tuesday through Saturday. They also see clients in-person at our 5215 N. Ravenswood Ave. (Andersonville) location on Thursday and Saturday. Mx. Blankenship is currently accepting new clients. If you’re interested in working with them, book an appointment below!