Acceptance • Compassion • Hope

My approach to therapy

I am a therapist working with teens and adults in the Chicago area.  My focus is on helping people continue their forward movement in life in ways that are personally meaningful for them.  My approach in therapy is collaborative, where we work together to identify goals and the best approaches for achieving them.  Clients will find an accepting and listening ear, with a focus on making positive change according to their own goals and how they want their life to be. 

I seek to understand people holistically, in terms of the physical, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions that make us who we are.  Some people experience issues that can be resolved quickly with counseling.  Others may choose a more in depth exploration through psychotherapy, where we seek to understand how formative experiences are playing out in current day relationships, decisions, and overall satisfaction in life.  

I have training and experience in a number of therapeutic practices, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Adlerian Psychotherapy.  One special area of experience for me is addressing mental health and substance use problems together in an integrated manner.  It is very common for people who have experienced depression, anxiety, or the psychological effects from trauma, to also use substances to the point where it becomes an issue they want to address.  I approach my work with clients experiencing such co-occurring issues with compassion, acceptance, and hopeful encouragement.  

Psychotherapy and Counseling:

Individual, Family, and Couples Therapy is available for  

  • Mental health and Substance Use Conditions

  • Family of Origin Issues

  • Parent - Teen/Young Adult Relationships

  • Life Transitions

  • Intimacy/Love Relationships

  • Enhancing Motivation for Making Life Changes

  • Anger Management

  • Stress and Wellness Management

  • Personal and Professional Growth

  • Specific mental health and co-occurring substance use conditions include but are not limited to anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, personality disorders, life adjustments, alcohol use disorder, cannabis use disorder, cocaine and stimulant use disorders, hallucinogen-related disorders, opioid use disorder, and tobacco use disorder.

Assessment

  • Mental Health

  • Integrated Mental Health and Substance Use