Have you ever felt like you're spending so much time trying to be okay with yourself that it's getting in the way of actually enjoying your life? Maybe you're constantly thinking about food or how your body looks, replaying conversations in your head, or worrying about whether you're doing enough. You might know that being so hard on yourself isn't helping, but figuring out how to stop is another story.

Maybe you've also spent years feeling like you have to adjust who you are depending on who's around you. You push through overwhelm, hide parts of yourself, or try to meet expectations that don't really fit. Whether you're navigating anxiety, ADHD, questions about your identity, or a big life change, it can be exhausting to feel like you're always working so hard just to get through the day.

I work with teens 16+, young adults, and adults navigating disordered eating, body image concerns, anxiety, neurodivergence, LGBTQIA+ identity, and life transitions. I know it isn't always easy to put what you're experiencing into words, especially when you're still trying to make sense of it yourself. You don't have to come in with a clear explanation or a plan for what you want to work on. We can start wherever you are.

I'm curious by nature, so I'll ask questions, listen closely, and help you explore things you may not have considered before. Sometimes that means looking at where certain beliefs or behaviors came from, and other times it means finding practical ways to handle what's happening right now. I draw from IFS-informed parts work, ACT, somatic therapy, DBT, and CBT, but I'm not going to hand you a list of things to fix about yourself. We'll figure out what feels useful together, and I'll offer honest feedback and gentle challenges when I think they might help.

I want therapy to be a place where you can be yourself without worrying about getting it right. You can show up feeling overwhelmed, unsure of what to say, or even frustrated with the process. We'll make room for all of it. My hope is that, over time, you feel more confident understanding yourself, trusting what you need, and building a life that feels like your own.

Disordered Eating & Body Image

It's exhausting when food and your body are always on your mind. Maybe you replay what you've eaten, compare yourself to others, or feel guilty for enjoying something you love. Even when you know these thoughts aren't helping, they can be hard to quiet.

I'm not here to tell you what you should eat or how you should feel about your body. I want to understand where these patterns come from, what keeps them going, and how they're affecting your life. Together, we'll work toward a relationship with food and your body that feels less overwhelming, so you can spend more time enjoying your life instead of constantly questioning yourself.

walk-and-talk therapy

Does talking feel easier when you're moving? Maybe sitting face-to-face makes you feel uncomfortable, or you find yourself thinking more clearly when you're out for a walk.

I offer outdoor walk-and-talk therapy for clients who prefer a little movement and fresh air during sessions. Walking side by side can take some of the pressure off conversation, especially if sitting still or maintaining eye contact feels uncomfortable. For some neurodivergent clients, movement can also make it easier to focus and process thoughts.

We can explore whether meeting outdoors feels like a good fit for you. There's no right way to show up for therapy, and I want our time together to feel comfortable and natural.

couples therapy

How did you go from feeling like a team to feeling like you're on opposite sides? Maybe the smallest disagreements turn into the same exhausting arguments, one of you shuts down while the other tries harder to be heard, or you've stopped talking about certain things altogether because you already know how the conversation will end. You love each other, but lately, finding your way back to that connection feels harder than it used to.

I enjoy helping couples understand what's happening beneath those familiar patterns rather than getting caught up in who's right or wrong. I'm not here to take sides. We'll slow things down, explore what each of you is experiencing, and work toward communicating in ways that help you feel heard and understood. I'm also currently training in Imago Relationship Therapy, which focuses on deepening understanding and connection between partners. Whether you're working through ongoing challenges or simply want to strengthen your relationship, there's room for that here.

Experience

I've worked in inpatient, partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient (IOP), and outpatient settings, supporting clients through eating disorders, substance use, anxiety, mood concerns, relationships, and identity exploration. I'm especially passionate about creating an affirming space for LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent individuals.

My training includes IFS-informed parts work, digital wellness, and Gottman Method-informed couples therapy. Across my work, I bring curiosity, collaboration, and a genuine interest in helping you better understand yourself and feel comfortable showing up as you are.

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 Jaleesa Pirtle, LCPC.