Women's Issues Therapists in Evanston, IL

My passion is to help people explore their challenges, work toward their life goals, and find peace. I use empathetic listening and a compassionate approach to help people process trauma, childhood abuse and neglect, women's issues , grief, depression, relationship challenges and life transitions. Through a variety of interventions, including EMDR therapy, I can help you work through a sense of being stuck, find your strength and grow into your best self.

Have you found yourself struggling with your relationship with your body and food? Do you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, sadness, self-doubt, or struggling to heal from painful past experiences? Perhaps you even desire more connection with others in your life, but find it difficult to show your authentic self out of fear that you may not be “enough.” If so, know that your experiences matter and that it is possible to live a life that feels meaningful to you. As human beings we all need support and guidance in our lives and deserve a sense of peace. Therapy can be a remarkable way to heal and live more authentically.

I work with individuals, couples, and families struggling with a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, addiction issues (substance abuse), troubled teens, school failure, LGBTQ+, and trauma and identity issues. As a lifelong allied and friend to the LGBTQ+ community, I work very hard to remain current to concerns that are specific to marginalized communities. I tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique needs. I will work with you to think outside of the box and build strength through our therapeutic relationship.

As a clinical psychotherapist in practice for almost 20 years, I understand how hard the first step can be in reaching out for help. I strive to provide a safe, comfortable and trusting environment to explore those issues that perhaps are leaving you feeling stuck, depressed, anxious and/or confused. I work with patients who are suffering from depression, life transition issues, relationship issues, fertility and parenting issues. I value your early life experiences and help you make connections on if/how they make impact your current life choices and relationships.

I believe therapy has a power to HEAL, enhance growth, and obtain inner peace. As a psychotherapist, I strive to empower my clients by building on their own strengths and encouraging insight within a nurturing environment. Together we can identify goals to facilitate growth and healing. My specialties include trauma therapy, domestic violence/sexual assault counseling, substance abuse, and empowerment training. I am experienced in working with clients struggling with trauma, depression, anxiety, self-esteem/body image concerns, women's issues , relationship concerns, and troubles with adjustment and life transitions.

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me! My ideal clients are looking for a strength-based approach where they are more than a "psychiatric diagnosis." My clients come from many backgrounds - they are children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families - and are dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, women’s issues, anger management, ADHD, autistic spectrum disorder, addiction issues, couples therapy, and working through LGBTQ+ issues. I partner with my clients in the change process and empower them through using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and other tailored approaches.

My unique training and background has uniquely prepared me to work with diverse clientele including teenagers, adults and geriatrics. I have advanced training both in clinical counseling as well as pastoral, faith-based counseling approaches. I am able to integrate these approaches in my work with my clients. I am ideally suited for clients looking for an inclusive counseling approach emphasizing acceptance of cultural diversity and its profound effect on health and well-being.

Now offering Telehealth! Are you unhappy in your life, or in your relationship with a partner, child, family member, or friend? Are you struggling with a challenging life transition, an unfulfilling job or with issues related to your personal identity? Are you feeling overwhelmed or stressed, or experiencing depression, anxiety, drug or alcohol problems? Are you are ready to make some positive changes in your life? Let me help you to reimagine and create the life that you want, to break out of old, negative patterns, and find peace, balance, meaning and value in your life.

“Everyone struggles” may sound like a generic thing for a therapist to say, but I believe it because I’ve lived it. I’ve been through my own dark times, and I’ve benefited from a compassionate, thoughtful, sometimes humorous therapist. That’s what I want to be for you. I'll take a warm, tailored approach to therapy. We will explore your past experiences, while also practicing specific techniques to give you power over your present. I have worked with many people who have experienced trauma in all its forms. Trauma can leave you feeling anxious, avoidant, and stuck in a behavioral loop that affects your whole life.

“Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise.” [V. Hugo] Are you feeling overwhelmed by the effects of trauma, by challenging circumstances, or just feeling stuck in life? Do you have a hard time putting your feelings in words? People often tell me I have natural gift for connecting with others, and that they find themselves able to open up to me about their most difficult hardships and struggles. My therapy is built squarely upon caring and trust. With compassion, understanding and guidance, I assist my clients to increase their self-esteem, and self-awareness so they may reconnect with their own inner strength.

Sometimes people aren't sure what to work on in therapy. That's okay! We will work collaboratively to identify core concerns, and decide together how to address them. Some issues I've helped people work through include depression, grief, pregnancy loss, life transitions, creative blocks, self-esteem, disempowerment, and spiritual alienation. My approach is insight oriented and relational, and while I am an art therapist, my work is not always art-based. However, as an artist, I've found that my understanding of the creative process illuminates many life situations that benefit from creative problem-solving.

Going through changes? Some are easier to navigate than others. Often experiences and patterns can limit your response to challenges and keep you stuck in unsatisfying relationships and situations. Together, in a safe and supportive environment, we can examine what has been working well for you and how your life might change by responding differently. We can work together to make the next stage of your life more fulfilling, empowering, and satisfying.

I’m here to help. We all experience stress, loss and pain in so many ways. But we are resilient and, with help, can overcome and enjoy life again. Using a trauma informed and culturally informed focus, I use a combination of compassionate talk therapy, mindfulness and body-based tools as your partner to wellness. In my 20+ years as a clinical psychologist I have been privileged to work with folks from all walks of life especially those in marginalized groups. If you need to sort things out in a safe place, you’ve come to the right place.

In my practice, I prioritize creating an environment that feels safe, respectful, and warm for each unique person. My goals as a therapist are to establish an authentic connection, to be aware and supportive of individual and cultural differences, and to identify strengths that can serve as a foundation for healthy coping. To facilitate the growth you'd like to see, we'll discuss your aspirations and collaboratively set goals toward finding balance. A prospective client might recognize the need for support or change in their situation and be brave enough to take the next step in connecting.

You haven’t even opened your eyes yet & there it is. That pit in your stomach, the tightness in your chest. Do you ignore it & rally - slipping into the put-together-on-the-outside boots + skirt persona you’ve perfected, grabbing a oat milk latte on the way? Or do you hide under the covers? If there’s a better way, you’d sure love the memo! Higher self keeps whispering, “Slow down, take a beat. Breathe.” Yeh, but higher self doesn’t have the world blowing up her phone 24/7, or friends+family asking why they haven’t seen her in weeks. Overwhelm much? You need to catch a break & preferably on a beach in the Maldives. ASAP.

My role as your therapist is to empower you with compassion and care that allows for healing. I guide you back to your inner voice to cultivate meaningful relationships. We are continually evolving because life is a creative process. I provide insight so that you better understand your relationship dynamics, allowing for the creation of new habits and patterns. Connection is essential, and it begins with the relationship to self. Increasing self-awareness, self-understanding, and establishing healthy tools for self-care empowers and equips you in navigating life's stressors.