Narrative Therapists in 60093

As a firm believer in the power of genuine human connection, the dynamic between my clients and I is of my highest priority. A professor and mentor once said, “The question should not be, ‘What’s wrong with you?’ But rather, ‘What has happened to you?’” This quote shapes every conversation I hold with my clients. I am dedicated to breaking down the stigma of traditional talk therapy, particularly for young folks, by empowering my clients to rewrite their own narrative and understand their neurological roots, to become the best version of themself, for themself, their relationships, and their future.

My Doctorate is in Clinical Psychology from Alder University, Chicago. I bring to my practice the experience of a first full career in education. My area of expertise was Reading and Learning Disabilities emphasizing thought, language, the process of comprehension and meta-comprehension. This influences my therapeutic work in using the power of narrative. I collaborate with each client in an environment of respect, dignity, and compassion. I provide pathways to understanding positive changes: with experiencing personal distress; in personal growth; with interpersonal and family relationships; and, in school or career development.

Facing life's difficulties can be experienced as a combination of confusing, scary, and at times outright overwhelming. Many of these difficulties arise when our approach to the world, while adaptive at one time, is no longer effective in our current life situation. Because emotional distress is often related to dynamics we are unaware of, we can find ourselves unable to break free from unhealthy, self-defeating patterns that prevent us from leading fulfilling lives.

I believe in everyone's uniqueness, authenticity, resiliency, and strength. I will guide you through the process of self-discovery, self-growth, self-love, and clarity. I assist individuals in setting personal goals and visions and working toward desired results and healthy life. Also, I work with couples who may need some guidance and support while navigating their relationships. My goal is for these couples to leave therapy feeling more connected and secure in their relationships. When working with families, I look at the family as a whole, and address transitions, divorce, trauma, grief, and marital/financial problem.

It is my belief that everyone deserves the privilege of living their best life as their most authentic self! I work with all people; adolescents into adulthood to help understand the root cause of the issue. I am an affirming therapist welcoming all people where they are in their lives at this moment.

Life is filled with sorrow and joy, frustration and wonder, stagnation and growth, obstacles and openings. At times, our skill set and resources are not optimal for helping us adapt to the shifts and movement in our lives. I believe that art therapy and counseling can support understanding of our skills and resources that better equip us to adapt to life's changes. Art therapy allows opportunities to imagine the best, healthiest version of ourselves and permit clarifying moments where we perceive possibility and potential. My goal is to support clients in becoming active agents in developing positive, purposeful ideas towards wellness and good health.

As a licensed clinical psychologist, my goal is to make therapy a rewarding process that allows individuals to lead fulfilling lives. Oftentimes, people struggle to make decisions about their future, cope with a loss, question their identity, or feel conflicted in their closest relationships. Others grapple with ongoing difficulties, such as recurring depression and anxiety, that overwhelm and impair their ability to engage in their everyday life in a manageable way. No matter the challenge you face, when working with me, you will have a warm, nonjudgmental, and collaborative partner to address your concerns and support you as you take your next steps.

I am accepting new clients- Some of the topics commonly addressed in my work with adults are Anxiety (negative self-talk, social, fears, perfectionism), Navigating Young Adulthood (new city, balancing school alongside life, navigating the workforce, identity development, interpersonal relationships), Grief (death, end of relationships) Depression (difficulty participating in the day to day, feelings of sadness), Identity Development (LGBTQIA+ allied, multicultural therapy, identifying values), Life Transitions (new job, moving, parenthood, chronic illness), and Artist Mental Health.

In my 45 plus years of practice, I have found that most patients, before coming to see me may have tried to the best of their abilities to solve their problems. They may have consulted other psychotherapists or other allied professionals before coming to see me. The central task is for us to identify the nature of their psychological puzzle, and to find ways to collaborate in finding solutions to them. I have a particular interest in people who may have neurocognitive deficits. Also, I have an interest in children and adolescents whose parents are in the divorce process.

I act as a facilitator of change for individuals who suffer from depression, anxiety, various traumas, panic, grief/loss, stress, postpartum blues and depression, low self-esteem, and who are going through life transitions and have parenting challenges. I believe that human birthright is to experience joy in life. Individual journeys in healing and growth are the ways to achieve that.

I primarily work with young children, adolescents and adults who are experiencing difficulties in school/work, social and family relationships, with self-esteem, focus, regulation, grief, divorce, trauma, depression, anxiety and challenging life circumstances. My approach is insight-oriented, psychodynamic, and relationship-based. I provide play and talk therapy for children and traditional talk-therapy for adults. Additionally, I provide reflective supervision and consultation for practitioners and trainees.

Helping others through difficult times is my passion, and we all go through difficult times. As a therapist, I try to become part of the situation, feeling the tough times with my client and helping them see things from a different perspective. Together we find ways to solve problems, tackle situations and create beneficial solutions. My style is direct without being overwhelming. I believe therapy can often be positive and fun. Knowledge is power and often therapy turns out to be a great learning experience, allowing clients to realize their strengths and achieve their lifelong goals.

Compassion and communication are the hallmarks of my unique approach to strengthening healthy relationships with children, adolescents and adults. I have been making a positive difference in the lives of young people for 16 years and utilize a wide variety of methods and techniques, including, but not limited to everything from play therapy to insight oriented therapy. My work strengthens and empowers people to face immediate and long term challenges independently and successfully.

Are you looking for a safe place to be heard, relax and discover your potential within your life, family, and community systems? Do your choices incorporate your dreams and aspirations? Are they reflective of the realities and responsibiliteis that tug you and yours in directions that require better communication patterns, thought restructuring and balance? Do you sometimes struggle to give yourself and others the grace to grow, learn from the past and move forward with dignity? Consider coming in to talk and be heard, or sit quietly and let things settle while we get to know each other. Every day is a new opportunity.

The human experience can be challenging at times. One can encounter situations leading to feeling powerless, in pain, or stuck. At times, this can look like an individual ruminating in the past or experiencing levels of depression. Or possibly, one can also be worried about the future or experiencing anxiety levels. I value the autonomy that people have and their ability to problem solve. Yet, I also acknowledge that a constructive and intentional space could provide efficiency for individuals maneuvering through various situations. As a counselor, I intend to help you within this space and support you on your healing journey.

My therapeutic approach is rooted in the belief in the healing power of authentic self-expression within a safe and nurturing setting.I offer a non-judgmental space for clients to explore their strengths and challenges. I employ trauma-informed care to facilitate recovery, and my practice is underpinned by a commitment to social justice and multicultural sensitivity. I recognize the complexities of identity and the unique challenges faced during acculturation. I assist clients in navigating these issues without re-traumatization, fostering resilience, and self-expression.

Experiencing too many thoughts and feelings? I help you regain control and forge a new path in life. I firmly believe that each of us possesses the capacity to conquer the challenges that confront us. Together, we will understand your thoughts, habits, and behaviors that may be hindering your progress. We can explore various issues, including relationships, self-esteem, past traumas, work or school-related concerns, as well as navigating grief, break-ups, or any other life transitions. We will first address your current most pressing challenges and equip you with new skills for more effective life management. As a mindful solution-

I specialize in helping clients holistically work through anxiety, depression, imposter syndrome, work-life balance, marital/relationship issues, communication, and family of origin issues. Whether it is managing anxious symptoms, navigating inhibiting conflict, or even just tackling the stressors that come up in the day-to-day, I work with you to uncover your inherent strengths, and help you leverage them with quality strategies to achieve healthy, desired change. Each session, I collaborate with you to lift your biggest constraints, offer quality guidance, and provide the tools to connect with yourself and others more freely.

I am a licensed clinical psychologist and I work with Children age 6 and older, Teens, Adults and Families. My approach to therapy varies based upon the needs of each individual. I am an in-network provider for BCBS PPO.