What happens when growing up feels harder than you expected?

Maybe you're a parent watching your child become more anxious, frustrated, or withdrawn, and you're not sure how to help. Or maybe you're a teen or young adult who overthinks conversations, worries about disappointing others, or feels like everyone else has life figured out. You want things to feel easier, but you're not sure where to start.

I'm Kayleigh, and I work with children, teens, college students, and young adults through age 30 navigating anxiety, depression, overwhelming emotions, perfectionism, self-esteem, relationships, and life transitions. I especially enjoy supporting LGBTQIA+ young people exploring identity, self-expression, and belonging.

I know talking about personal things isn't always easy. I'm not going to expect you to share everything right away or have the perfect words to explain how you're feeling. We'll start with what's going on in your life, get to know each other, and figure out what kind of support feels right for you.

Supporting Children & Adolescents

Maybe your child has been having more emotional outbursts, struggling with friendships, or shutting down when you try to talk. You've tried checking in, giving them space, or finding the right words, but you're still wondering what's going on.

I like getting to know kids beyond the challenges that brought them to therapy. What are they interested in? What makes them laugh? What helps them feel comfortable? Building that connection gives us a starting point for understanding their emotions, managing anxiety or frustration, and practicing ways to communicate what they need.

I also believe parents and caregivers have an important role in the process. When appropriate, we can check in about what you're noticing at home, talk through how to respond to difficult moments, and explore ways to make communication easier. I'll offer strategies you can try outside of sessions while respecting your child's privacy and growing independence.

You don't have to have all the answers as a parent. I want you to feel supported, too, as we help your child navigate what they're experiencing.

Navigating Your Teens, 20s & Everything In Between

Ever feel like you're trying so hard to get everything right, but somehow still feel like you're falling behind? Maybe you're adjusting to college, starting your career, navigating friendships or dating, or feeling caught between what you want and what your family expects. You might replay conversations in your head, struggle to say no, or compare yourself to people who seem further along.

I especially enjoy working with teens, college students, and young adults in their 20s, including LGBTQIA+ and transgender clients exploring identity, gender, self-expression, and relationships. I know these experiences can come with complicated feelings, especially when the people around you don't always understand.

In our sessions, we can talk through what's been weighing on you, explore where some of those expectations come from, and work on things like managing anxiety, setting boundaries, and making decisions that feel right for you.

You don't have to follow anyone else's timeline. I want to help you feel more comfortable trusting yourself and discovering what works for you.

My Approach

I want therapy to feel like a conversation, not another place where you have to get everything right. I'm naturally curious, and I enjoy getting to know the person sitting across from me. We'll talk about what's important to you, and I'll ask questions, share my perspective, and sometimes gently challenge you to look at things differently.

I'm not here to tell you how to live your life. I want us to work together, and there's always room for you to ask questions, disagree with me, or tell me when something isn't helpful.

I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and person-centered therapy. Depending on your needs, we might explore patterns in your thinking, get clearer on your values, or practice ways to manage emotions and communicate boundaries. I prefer trying these skills together during sessions rather than sending you home with a long list of homework.

Some days we'll work through something difficult, and other days we might celebrate a small win or simply talk through what's on your mind. My hope is that our sessions feel useful, supportive, and like a place where you can genuinely be yourself.

Experience

I've worked with children, teens, and young adults in school-based and private practice settings. These experiences have shown me how differently people can experience similar challenges and why it's important to understand what works for each individual.

I earned my bachelor's degree in Psychology from DePaul University and my master's degree in Forensic Psychology from The Chicago School. My forensic psychology background deepened my interest in understanding people whose experiences may have been misunderstood or overlooked.

Licensure

I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Clinical Fellow at Balanced Awakening, working toward my Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) credential in Illinois. I have several years of clinical experience and am completing additional supervised practice under the guidance of Jaleesa Pirtle, LCPC.