ComPsych Therapists in Evanston, IL

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.

Feelings of anxiety and depression are signals. They are NOT your fault. They tell us about unresolved and repressed feelings originating from painful situations - past or present. They usually occur either in the work arena or in relationships or both. Unresolved events can block development and subsequently produce a sense of despair. I specialize in getting to the 'root' of issues; helping to resolve that which has not been adequately dealt with, thereby facilitating development to resume.

I view counseling and therapy as a conversation. It is my goal to help my clients identify and define what they value in life. Most negative emotions that we experience in life are due to frustrated efforts at achieving the things we value. Often we stand in the way of our own happiness due to unexamined expectations. I believe progress comes through increased awareness and understanding of one's core beliefs about self, others, and the world. I purpose to serve as a sounding board to this growth in awareness and understanding.

I have been a certified private practitioner since 1987. I believe in having a warm, friendly, and open approach to well-being. I have extensive experience with children, adolescents, adults, older adults, couples and families. One area of expertise is with special education and special needs children. I am certified as both a school social worker and a principal. Another area of expertise is with the caregivers of both older adults and children with disabilities. I am certified by Ross Greene, in his CPS approach. I currently have private practices in Arlington Heights and Evanston. I participate in several insurance panels.

I work with adults struggling with depression, anxiety, prolonged or acute grief, chronic pain or illness, caregiving, sexual orientation, and relationship issues. I do not subscribe to one particular modality but rather tailor my approach to each client's needs. I believe working in the here and now are great ways to address current stressors, and I'm always happy to work with clients to address deeper issues as appropriate.

I offer compassionate support and the chance to be truly heard and accepted just as you are. I work within a holistic framework that encompasses many different approaches (Person Centered, Behavioral, IFS, EMDR, Mindfulness, Body/Mind). Depending on your needs and preferences, your therapy may include exploring your inner world, getting feedback and support, healing past emotional wounds, obtaining clarity and insight, finding new directions, or trying on new behaviors and skills. We will work together to find approaches that are most effective for you.

I respect that coming to therapy is a choice a client makes to do something good for themselves, and that it can be challenging to choose you, or to open up to someone new. Social work strongly believes in the autonomy of the client, and I believe people are the experts on themselves. As a therapist, I'm present to meet you where you are at and to help with what is most important to you. My personality is laid back, and as a therapist I feel I'm open minded, easy to talk to, and accepting. I enjoy supporting people in defining goals and taking steps to achieve them.

Life can be an unexpected wave in the water that makes you feel unsteady, or it can be a giant wave that overwhelms you, and it keeps coming, and it is hard to regain your sense of balance. But when a helping hand reaches out, it can help you to find your strength and balance. Whether it feels like a big or small wave, I can be that support and guidance so when the waves come, you can brace them and keep going. I believe in providing empathetic care and guidance through a collaborative therapeutic relationship by navigating the unique experiences that influence each client’s life.

My passion for being a Psychotherapist stems from the desire to help others reach their highest potential, no matter the obstacles in life. Individual therapy creates a confidential, caring, and safe environment that promotes self-discovery and growth. My philosophy aims to meet you where you are and to guide and support you by building hope, resiliency, and self–love. I will empower you by using therapeutic strategies that instill aspiration, courage, and progress. Couples treatment provides a safe and trusting environment where we can identify issues and achieve growth.

Whether you are feeling overwhelmed, stressed out, confused, frustrated, discouraged, disappointed, lost, anxious, sad or angry, you are not alone. Most of us experience those feelings at some point in our lives. We care about the people we serve, and we believe every person is individual, authentic, and unique. We use evidence-based practice (EBP) methods for mental health to help children, pre-teens, teenagers, adults, couples, and families to live their best lives. We understand that therapy can seem scary and intimidating, though we know that finding the support you need is the key to starting the self- healing process.

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.

"Without a struggle, there can be no progress." ~ F. Douglass. It takes courage and strength for people to admit they are going through more than they can handle. If you are going through something difficult, you don't have to go through it alone. Therapy is a space where it's safe to share and reflect upon thoughts, feelings and challenges. My job as a therapist is to ensure my clients feel understood and learn to manage challenges that may come up in life. I am here to support you.

I believe therapy takes on many forms and is not a cookie-cutter process. That is the sort of approach I take with individuals who took the courageous step toward therapy for their healing journey. I believe that therapy should be a collaborative and therapeutic space for you and your goals. You know yourself and your life more than I do, so I value hearing your story and providing you with support and tools to get you where you want to be. To better tailor to those goals, I focus on an integrative approach of using a systems, strengths-based, or client-centered approach to therapy

It's a brave decision to seek therapy and the experience can be the greatest gift you give yourself. I offer a relaxing space where you can reflect and focus on personal growth and positive change. I provide positive feedback to help you address current life challenges and resolve long standing issues. Often the goal of therapy can be as simple as becoming aware of patterns and understanding how your motivations are linked to certain behaviors.

Sometimes even day to day activities can feel overwhelming. Whether you are a child just starting school, an adolescent going through changes, a young adult navigating being on your own for the first time, or a parent who is struggling with understanding your child, know that you are never alone. Taking that first step in asking for help and seeking out therapy is understandably difficult, even if it isn’t the first time, but can make a world of difference. Therapy is a way to better understand you and/or your child’s experiences, while also creating healthy coping skills, boundaries, and sense of self.

I have yet to learn your unique story, which I know matters. There are a million and one reasons that could have led you to be here. Your decision to reach out says more than you may think. I am committed to working with you to help meet your desired goals. I believe in meeting you where you are while ensuring you are equipped to get where you would like to be! I work with clients to address, explore, and better manage stress, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, grief, ADHD, PTSD, injustices, relationship/family, women’s and young adult issues, racial barriers, parenting challenges, and various unexpected life changes.