Structural Family Therapy in Lake Forest, IL

I utilize an eclectic approach to treatment. I primarily treat depression, anxiety, and trauma. I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral and Dialectal Behavioral Therapies. I graduated from the University of Michigan with a Master's in Social Work. I additionally underwent an intensive training program to help children, adolescents, and young adults heal from sexual assault. I managed an Adolescent Outpatient Mental Health and Substance Abuse Program. During this time, I developed several community and school-based adolescent groups. I conduct forensic evaluations for child sexual and physical abuse.

Life can present us with significant challenges. As a therapist, my goal is to assist you in identifying the obstacles that may be in the way of you experiencing life as you want it to be and to develop strategies that result in an increase in acceptance, contentment and success. My expertise is in providing individual and family therapy. Additionally, I have a specialization in addiction recovery, trauma work and working with mood regulation (depression, anxiety).I treat adolescents, families, couples and individuals. I see patients 18 years of age and up.

I am a licensed clinical psychologist with experience working in schools, community mental health centers, forensic and private practice settings. I have worked with individuals presenting with mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety, attention difficulties and behavioral concerns. I provide individual and family therapy as well as comprehensive psychological evaluations.

"I am equipped to assist you in developing new coping strategies to reduce your suffering, effectively adjust to challenging realities in life, and help you gain a sense of healing and adequacy as you move forward in your life. Using an integrative therapeutic approach, I quickly adapt to your needs and personality. I will connect with your story to develop an understanding of your unique circumstance rather than imposing my beliefs or perspectives on you. My highest values in counseling are a nonjudgmental understanding and a nuanced compassion for you and your circumstances. Through these skills and principles, we can achieve fresh perspectives and transformation.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I provide a nonjudgmental and safe therapeutic environment for my clients and I value client-therapist alliance above anything else. I have a direct yet empathetic therapy style, collaborating with my clients to help achieve their goals. I love working with couples who struggle with communication and connection, who want to learn how to reconnect or "fight better". I also love empowering partners to find their voice and express their needs in a relationship.

My approach to new patients is one of teacher and guide. I create a safe and accepting environment that allows for an ease of conversation. I focus on creating a trusting and respectful relationship honoring this very personal journey. As a therapist for over 30 years, I enjoy working with patients who are committed to the process and want to learn, grow, and expand their understandings of themselves and others. Patients can awaken to new possibilities, discover internal strengths and create new successes in their lives.

When it comes to mental health treatment, our approach is simple and unique: our accomplished team of physicians and therapists work together to diagnose and treat your body, mind and spirit as a whole. We are one of the few practices combining traditional treatment with evidence-based alternative therapies, all under one roof. We are privileged to have changed the lives of many families in Chicago's North Shore, as well as out-of-state and foreign visitors. Our "whole body" approach to treating mental health conditions is supported by clinical studies. These include but are not limited to: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), diet and exercise, spiritual/social evaluation, yoga and art therapy. Many still focus only on the brain, treating symptoms, not causes. In many cases they over-prescribe medications. While our physicians do prescribe medications as needed, what sets us apart is our commitment to explore all options. We search for root causes and provide the most appropriate treatment, not merely the most convenient one. When we do prescribe, we go the extra mile to customize a plan that minimizes side effects. You and your family deserve the best in healthcare!

Do you long to have more fulfilling relationships? Is pain from your past or worry about the future stealing your joy to live in the present? I am here for you during difficult seasons and hold a safe space for healing and growth.

“Focus attention on the feeling inside you. Know that it is the pain-body. Accept that it is there. Don't think about it - don't let the feeling turn into thinking. Don't judge or analyze. Don't make an identity for yourself out of it. Stay present, and continue to be the observer of what is happening inside you. Become aware not only of the emotional pain but also of "the one who observes," the silent watcher. This is the power of the Now, the power of your own conscious presence. Then see what happens.” ― Eckhart Tolle, The Power of Now. I am honored to join you in Present Space to "see what happens."

i Have Immediate Daytime Availability! I see you. It takes courage, commitment and love to start counseling - all of which may seem in short supply some days. I'm passionate about healing and attunement. My clients are primarily individuals who have a history of trauma and couples that have trouble understanding and connecting, but I also work with parents and their children to reset. My clients regain confidence in their relationships, parenting, and ability to flourish.

In-person & telehealth available: Brighter Pathways, PLLC is a small group practice currently offering individual, couples, family, and group therapies. Our therapists value collaboration, education, and transparency because treatment should make sense to you. In order to best meet your needs, your therapist will strive to understand your unique circumstances. We believe in a team approach to treatment. We will work with you to develop a treatment plan that addresses your personal goals and struggles. We offer a safe, supportive, and open environment for you to explore your struggles and strive for personal growth.