Therapists in Evanston, IL

Have you been feeling 'crowded out', like there is no room for you to feel, to slow down and sort out what's right for you, and to enjoy your life? Perhaps self-critique, anger, sadness, physical tension and pain, or fear get so big on the inside that you feel crowded out that way? Perhaps you are so used to deferring to the wants, needs and ideas of others in your external life that it's hard to hear your own internal compass.

Do you feel stuck emotionally, financially, or relationally and the old strategies just aren't working? I integrate evidence based interventions to help adults of all ages break through limits like depression, anxiety, and trauma into a more abundant life. Since session space is somewhat limited, I've organized the most important knowledge I've come across in the last decade to create a website full of free videos, skills, and guides to resolve depression, anxiety, trauma and more. Feel free to use these resources whether or not you are a client. I hope you enjoy and reach out at any time to schedule a free 15 minute consult call.

Life is complicated and seldom straightforward. We are often left facing challenges that are surprising and difficult to navigate. It may be a new role, a disappointment at work, a problem in a relationship, or some lasting echoes from the past that still show up, that causes us to feel anxious, angry, sad, confused and “stuck”. We try our best to manage by using coping strategies that turn out to be more problematic than helpful. We are then left thinking, what happened? Will I ever feel like my old self? Why can't I just get over this? If you are anxious, struggling to focus, overwhelmed by work or family, I am trained to help

My approach to psychotherapy is to create a safe space where you can explore and heal the difficult and painful issues that are showing up in your life. Together we will move beyond problem-solving into releasing the deeply held mistaken beliefs and core unresolved issues behind your symptoms. My body-centered and somatic approach allows me to work directly with your nervous system to address symptoms like anxiety, racing thoughts, and irrational fears as well as feeling stuck, depressed and unavailable or unresponsive to life and relationships.

This summer, take the courageous step towards self-discovery and growth. Let's work together to uncover the insights and transformations you seek, building a brighter, more fulfilling path forward. I know that starting or restarting therapy can be intimidating and finding the right fit is important. In my practice I take time to work with clients to feel understood without judgement while building meaningful insight. Building communication, understanding, compassion, and confronting difficult patterns are important components to consider when looking for a therapist and these are hallmarks of my work with clients.

My way of doing therapy involves insight-oriented exploration and problem solving, and an invitation to make deeper contact with core issues and inner healing potential via somatic experience and "parts work." I'm trained as an IFS therapist and can be an especially good fit for those with established mindfulness practices and an ability to tune into inner experience. While working with me you may find yourself looking at problems in a new way, with more curiosity and self compassion. Less judgement.

You matter. I seek to highlight & build upon your unique strengths with a focus on overall wellness in mind, body, spirit & community. I believe we all have the tools to reach our highest potential. I aim to understand what might be getting in the way of you being your most authentic, talented self. I specialize in helping others access & heal their pain by engaging the nervous system to unlock trauma & emotions to release them. Body integration allows us to feel alive & open to get more of life. I blend evidenced-based practices such as somatic, breathwork, mindfulness, EMDR, CBT, & EFT under a psychodynamic therapy lens.

I welcome all kinds of clients to my practice, and I'm lucky to work with clients from 19-89 (so far!). My clients are often focused on feeling and functioning better through an exploration of their identities, histories, current situations and goals for the future. I particularly enjoy working with people on issues of depression and/or anxiety, changes in body size and/or ability, chronic pain, trauma, gender and sexuality issues, work and life transitions, aging, stress management, and parenting challenges. My work centers around fostering awareness of and compassion for yourself in moving through everyday life.

I'm passionate about supporting multicultural individuals, immigrants, and other marginalized populations to deal with life challenges associated with acculturation, life transitions, and trauma. I have extensive experience working with children, adolescents, students, adults, and their families who have been going through life transitions and stresses together. I’m specialized in working with individuals to address depression, anxiety, ADHD, perinatal issues, grief, stress management, intergenerational conflicts, complex trauma, communication, relationship issues, etc. I incorporate multiculturalism into my practice.

It is common to feel like the wheels have fallen off after life hands you the unexpected. It is my passion to help adults who have been contending with stressful, often traumatizing, life experiences to heal, restore and transform. I look forward to providing you with a safe place to explore, find solutions and move forward.

Accepting New Clients! I believe you have the power within yourself to change. Together we will tap into your strength, courage, and insight to achieve your goals. I specialize in treating trauma through the use of EMDR, IFS, traditional talk, and other treatment modalities. I often work with busy professionals and college students-or anyone suffering from trauma, relationship issues, low self-esteem, depression, stress, and anxiety. I am non-judgmental and professional, although when appropriate, I've been known to crack a joke because sometimes laughter really is the best medicine.

I am a relational therapist working with individuals, couples, and those in non-traditional relationships. Seeking support from psychotherapy is a sign of inner strength and hope, even when it feels as if ones world has turned inside-out. Life rarely allows any of us a free pass; births and deaths, personal crises, relationship troubles, childhood trauma, etc. may meet any one of us head-on at sometime during our lives. Seeking help from psychotherapy is a worthwhile path to take when ways of coping no longer seem effective. I nurture the possibility of deeper understanding and self-knowledge by creatively engaging the whole person.

When difficult emotions or experiences interfere with our ability to enjoy life, it can be hard to figure out what to do. You might feel stuck in patterns of thoughts or behaviors that are stopping you from fully engaging in the life you want to live. I work with you to process what may be contributing to your pain and to recognize your many strengths within. We each deserve to be seen for all that we are by someone who cares. Honoring your unique personality and needs, we will determine how the therapeutic relationship can best serve you.

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.

Congratulations on taking this step toward healing. You are not alone. I have experience working with adults of all ages struggling with trauma, addiction, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, co-dependency, relationships, and life transition issues including young adulthood, marriage, pregnancy, postpartum, parenting, separation, divorce, and grief.

I mostly work in an Internal Family Systems (IFS), relational way. To me that means working in therapy towards having good enough internal harmony. Life is hard and life is amazing. Because life can be hard, we often have to get into intense, protective relationships with ourselves. Then parts of us can be pushed into the shadows. So we can wind up feeling "out of whack" and living our daily lives can be harder. Therapy can help us work with our multifaceted psychology so that we then have greater internal friendship and harmony. That can then translate into our relationships, our work, and our lives in the world.

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), certified IFS therapist (level 3 trained), and certified IFS clinical consultant who provides individual and couples therapy and consultation. I understand that it takes a lot of courage to begin the process of therapy, so I work to create a safe and non-judgmental space for my clients to explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I appreciate the uniqueness of each client's experience and strive to meet each client where they are at. I collaborate with them to create a treatment approach that is flexible, effective, and aligned with their goals for change and healing.

Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or a mood disorder such as bipolar disorder? These are areas I specialize in and will collaborate with you to facilitate healing. If you woke up tomorrow and your life was exactly the way you wanted it, what would your life look or feel like? Let's see how close to that vision we can get. Clients I work best with are those who are motivated to change and looking to evolve their perspectives and life. We will work together to get you to that place where you are confident, full of self-love and attract fruitful opportunities to your life..

I listen to you. This may sound simple – but for many, feeling heard is the very first step towards positive change. I am warm, welcoming, and approachable. Patients and friends alike, have always noted that I am easy to talk to, understanding and nonjudgemental - always eager to make everyone feel comfortable. I tailor my approach to each patient – matching you with actionable tools to take with you outside of our sessions.