Therapists in Aurora, IL

All of us yearn for a sense of belonging, and it is human to feel lonely due to issues we may be facing in life. Feeling alone can have a detrimental impact not only to our mental/emotional health, but also physical health. I'm here to support you in your mental health journey and working towards a better quality of life. I strive for social justice and am attuned to the impacts and influences of society and culture. I approach therapy from a trauma-informed and harm reduction lens, meaning I’m sensitive to the past experiences that have shaped you into who you are today while working in a collaborative approach.

Our goal is to serve as your guide and walk with you on your life journey. We aim to help you overcome obstacles that may be holding you back from reaching your dreams, while providing you with healthy strategies to implement in your life outside of therapy. Whether exploring the past, present, or future; discussing coping strategies; processing stressful events; building resiliency; healing from trauma; creative problem-solving, or enhancing communication within your relationship. We serve an array of culturally diverse clients, including: children, adolescents, teenagers, college students, adults, couples, and families.

We have our own journey full of triumphs, struggles, and failure. Therapy is a perfect format to process and come to the understanding of where and why you are that brings you to seek the service. My belief is that therapy is the place for the person to process and discuss each unique experience without judgment and develop a healthy way to cope or come to terms with the consequences. Therapy also can be your opportunity to be seen and heard, which would help you move toward the acceptance of yourself.

I specialize in treatment of trauma, and working with children, adolescents, alternative lifestyles, LGBTQ, and have Jungian dream analysis training. I prefer open ended and free flowing approaches that will include multiple modalities in sessions such as movement, games and artistic expressions. I would describe my therapeutic approach as open, using humor, as I recognize therapy sessions should not solely focus on negative feelings. My clinical orientation is eclectic and I can fluidly merge multiple approaches such as behavioral, cognitive, relational, psychodynamic and Maslow theory.

How does one eat an elephant? "One bite at a time." I will assist with defining/understanding your elephant, with finding the best place to start and I'll support you along the way. I've worked extensively with and understand the issues of individuals/spouses/families of city workers (police, fire, etc.) and others dealing with anxiety, depression, anger management issues, addictions, trauma & situational stress, and life transitions. I specialize in individual therapy and I'm trained in CBT and as an art therapist who specializes in helping other tap their creative powers and in find balance in living creatively.