Sexual Abuse Therapists in Avondale, Chicago, IL

I specialize in working with adolescents and young adults (average age 13 to 25) who struggle with anxiety symptoms related to Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. I have extensive experience in treating survivors of sexual abuse. I utilize exposure-based interventions, which are designed to help confront fears, expand comfort zones, and extinguish avoidance behaviors. I help to achieve trauma resolution by processing traumatic incidents, reducing the associated anxiety and anger, and assisting in therapeutic corrective experiences.

Accepting new clients of all ages with immediate availability! I pride myself on setting a space that permits you to take an inspired role in your healing journey, and it is my job to provide support and empowerment. I understand that therapy is not a one-size-fits-all practice, which is why I tailor my approach to each client depending on the nuance of the situation. It gives my life meaning to participate in a healing community, working one-on-one with people, offering a safe space to process whatever is needed: life, relationships, triggers, and other obstacles, and develop useful and pragmatic coping tools.

I enjoy working with clients on a variety of issues and concerns. From depression and anxiety to life transitions and complex trauma. I thrive on working with you to bring a greater awareness of your needs, as well as compassion for yourself as you are working, growing, changing and transcending the issues that are causing stress or dysfunction. I have experience working with children, adults and couples; all of who come from diverse backgrounds, ethnicity, sexual orientation and socioeconomic status.

Maybe you have tried traditional talk therapy, yoga, or self-help apps but you haven't found that sense relief from stress, anxiety, depression or grief. Grounded in the use of mindfulness and the creative arts therapies - art, movement, music, and drama - we believe the steps towards clarity, growth, and empowerment are about much more than talking. We are constantly thinking, feeling, sensing, expressing, interpreting, and responding to daily experiences. Your sessions will holistically explore all of these parts of your experience while gaining new skills to cope with stress, trauma, relationships, loss, or a new life change.

We are all in a perpetual state of changing and growing throughout our lives; it is my belief that we may as well pay attention and guide our growth in a purposeful way. I truly believe that psychotherapy changes lives by creating opportunities for people to become who they should have been all along. By illuminating and examining your viewpoint in a very genuine and thoughtful manner, new perspectives arise naturally through the psychotherapeutic process. It is our job in therapy to together seize upon a new understanding and incorporate it into who you are becoming.

"Be what you are becoming, without clinging to what you might have been, what you might yet be." Our relationship is an opportunity for you to take up space and fill concert halls.  It is easy for us to view our lives like a piece of sheet music and get caught up in the theory. As a result, we end up missing the beautiful symphony all around up. I want to create a space with you where you don't have to worry about being too much. Our space will be warm, protected, and healing. I want us to create a space where you get to live your life on your own terms.

It's normal to have difficulty with communication in relationships from time to time. Couple's therapy can help you get unstuck. I teach mindfulness and Emotionally Focused Theory to help my clients get unstuck whenever they find themselves feeling blocked in their relationships. This can look like feeling anxiety when approaching certain topics, or a lack of trust in your partner's words and actions. Sessions include psycho-education, emotional processing, and structured exercises to support you in developing new ways to communicate.

Life is difficult enough to navigate with support. Welcome to a space where you can find support, understanding, and guidance on your journey towards healing and personal growth. It takes courage and resilience to confront and address our struggles. I am here to provide a non-judgmental environment where you feel empowered and supported to search within and gain clarity about things that haven't made sense. By taking the first step of seeking help, you have started the journey to a deeper understanding of yourself, healthier coping mechanisms, and ultimately a more fulfilling life. I work with adolescents and adults.

A certain level of disillusionment exists when your external world doesn't match your internal one. Restless and intrusive thoughts may be hindering your everyday joys or harsh flashbacks affecting your presence and sense of safety. A certain level of growth is wanted, but the pathway how to get there may seem unclear or too difficult. I can help by building upon your already-existing skills and resilience to decrease your shame-narrative with a healthier mental paradigm. I incorporate somatic and experiential techniques into sessions to aid in addressing and processing chronic and pervasive trauma.

Please check out our website to learn more about our clinicians and the scheduling process. We look forward to working with you.

You are here and you are ready to explore all the parts of you, perhaps more than ever, those which have been dismissed and shamed. You are ready to deepen the relationship with yourself and to feel emotions fully without guilt or shame, on your own or perhaps with your partner. You desire a space to explore the parts of you that feel unknown, “unacceptable,” "too much," or taboo. You are ready to show up and be completely you while someone holds space for you in your bravery and vulnerability. You are craving at least one space in your life where you can work toward being genuinely you. You long to be seen as who you are.

You get a pit in your stomach when you think about, discuss, or engage in sex; you no longer or never enjoyed it. You have pain, erection, arousal, or orgasm issues and feel stuck. You're curious about trying on a sexual identity or playing in kink/BDSM. You have out-of control or shameful behaviors, dilemmas, porn use, or masturbation problems. You don’t know how to talk to your partner(s) about sex, let alone pulling their load more at home. Religion or the feeling of shame greatly limits you. You just can’t communicate. You can’t trust or forgive them – you’re too hurt and angry. Let me engage you in sex and relationship therapy.

I believe that every person possesses all the strengths and tools to achieve their healing goals, and that it is my role to assist in identifying and utilizing those strengths. Despite our innate strengths we all need help at one time or another. If you are looking for someone to accompany you through a rough patch, I'm available.

My approach to therapy is interactive, collaborative, and reflective. Individuals often seek counseling when they have reached an impasse in life. Problems of depression, anxiety, or negative behaviors frequently reflect a loss of purpose or meaning. Stress and insecurity may affect how one handles day-to-day interpersonal and work situations. I work with individuals to explore their current life issues in the context of their past experiences and help them to develop new ways of being or interacting in relationships.

We specialize in the treatment of: complex trauma/CPTSD, adult-onset trauma/PTSD, dissociation/dissociative disorders, depression/anxiety, attachment/relationship issues, ADHD (adults, adolescents, children), OCD (adults, adolescents, children), shame/perfectionism, anger management, life transitions/adjustments.

It is my sincere belief that the relationship I build with my client serves as the most critical part of therapeutic healing. Overwhelming, painful, and traumatic experiences can leave us feeling insecure in ourselves and the world. My goals are to create a space for you to be seen and heard, to be a first-hand witness to your story, and to move us towards the changes you want to see in your life.

Life can bring great challenges, and also incredible joys. Sometimes the challenges can feel overwhelming. In difficult times, it's critical to create a solid emotional foundation to allow you identify your path. My goal as a clinician is to restore balance when you are struggling with tough emotions, or a difficult situation. I believe that as with physical pain, emotional pain is a clear message that something in your life needs attending to. By taking time to reflect and heal, you can regain a sense of clarity, purpose and peace.

Life is unpredictable and can bring stressful and life-altering situations. It makes sense that these situations may be difficult for you to understand, process, and adjust to. I am here to support and assist you with challenges related to the past or present, processing any past painful experiences in a paced way, and creating a coping plan best suited for your needs. Helping you and/or your family return to a place of connection and cohesion is one of my primary goals. I utilize a trauma-informed psychodynamic approach, incorporating CBT, DBT, and mindfulness techniques as needed always meet each client where they are.

I love working with clients (age 16+) who are seeking support healing from trauma; who are diagnosed with anxiety, OCD, and/or mood disorders; who are struggling with substance use; and who are looking for support with managing their chronic illness(es). Additionally, I have a strong commitment to working with individuals who are a part of the LGBTQIA+ community. My goal is to provide my clients with a chance to feel heard and to offer a supportive environment in which they can truly express themselves. I am here to be a part of your support system and to offer guidance through any path you choose to take in life!