Do you ever feel like everyone has expectations for who you should be, but you're still trying to figure that out for yourself?

Between school, friendships, relationships, and decisions about your future, there's a lot to navigate. You might replay conversations in your head, worry about disappointing people, or compare yourself to others who seem to have everything figured out. Even when things are going well, it's hard to shake the feeling that you're falling behind or not quite measuring up.

And if you're a parent, you might be noticing some of these struggles in your own child. They've become more anxious, frustrated, or withdrawn, and conversations that used to come easily now end in arguments, tears, or silence. You want to understand what's going on, but you're not always sure how to reach them.

I work with children, teens, college students, and young adults through age 30 navigating anxiety, depression, perfectionism, self-esteem, body image concerns, identity exploration, and life transitions. I especially enjoy supporting LGBTQIA+ and transgender young people as they explore who they are, navigate relationships, and become more comfortable expressing themselves.

Whether you're seeking therapy for yourself or your child, I like to start by getting to know the person beyond the challenges that brought them here. Understanding their personality, interests, and experiences helps us figure out what kind of support will be most helpful.

Finding Your Way

It's hard to trust your own decisions when you're constantly wondering what everyone else thinks.

You might find yourself saying yes when you really want to say no, avoiding difficult conversations, or being especially hard on yourself when you make a mistake. Perhaps you're struggling with how you see yourself, feeling disconnected from friends or family, or adjusting to a change you weren't prepared for. Losing someone important or experiencing a shift in a relationship can also bring up feelings that are difficult to understand or express.

I enjoy helping teens and young adults explore how these experiences affect their relationships, self-esteem, and everyday decisions. We'll work on understanding difficult emotions, communicating needs, and setting boundaries, especially when anxiety, perfectionism, or comparison makes those things harder.

For younger children, those same struggles can look a little different. Anxiety might show up as frustration, emotional outbursts, difficulty with friendships, or withdrawing from family. I enjoy connecting with kids through their interests and personalities, helping them recognize their emotions and practice ways to express what they need.

I also know how challenging it can be for parents to watch their child struggle. When appropriate, I collaborate with parents and caregivers to better understand what's happening at home, talk through difficult moments, and explore ways to support their child's emotional development. I want parents to feel included in the process while giving their child room to build trust, independence, and confidence.

My Approach

Therapy shouldn't feel like another place where someone is telling you what to do.

I'm naturally curious, and I genuinely enjoy getting to know the person sitting across from me. I'll ask questions, share my perspective, and sometimes gently challenge you to consider something differently. I also want you to feel comfortable asking questions, disagreeing with me, or telling me when something doesn't feel helpful. I see therapy as something we figure out together.

I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and person-centered therapy. Depending on what you're experiencing, we might explore how your thoughts influence your emotions, work through difficult decisions, or practice ways to manage anxiety, frustration, and overwhelming feelings.

I'm also not big on assigning a long list of homework. I'd rather spend time practicing coping skills together during our sessions, talking through real situations, and finding approaches that make sense for your life. With children and teens, that might also mean finding age-appropriate ways to explore emotions, build communication skills, and navigate challenges at school or home.

One of my favorite parts of this work is seeing those moments when something starts to click. It might be recognizing a pattern you hadn't noticed before, speaking up in a conversation you would normally avoid, or responding to a difficult situation differently. For parents, it might be noticing that your child is starting to express their feelings or handle frustration in a new way.

Those moments matter to me because they show how the things we work on in therapy are beginning to make a difference in everyday life.

Experience

I've worked with children, teens, and young adults in school-based and private practice settings. These experiences have taught me that two people can face similar challenges but need very different kinds of support. I enjoy taking the time to understand each person's experiences, personality, and what helps them feel comfortable.

I earned my bachelor's degree in Psychology from DePaul University and my master's degree in Forensic Psychology from The Chicago School. My background in forensic psychology deepened my interest in understanding people whose experiences may have been misunderstood or overlooked, something that continues to shape how I approach my work today.

If you're tired of second-guessing yourself, struggling with changes in your life, or feeling unsure about what comes next, I'd love to hear what's been on your mind. We can start there and see where our conversations take us.

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.