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THERAPEUTIC APPROACH AND EXPERIENCE
My work with clients is grounded in a systems perspective and informed by more than fifteen years of experience with diverse adolescents, families, and adults. A systems-approach views "symptoms" and struggles within a context of ineffective relational dynamics, power imbalances, and systemic barriers, rather than as problems that exist inside of people.
I work best with clients that desire a laid back, collaborative approach. My style is direct and casual, balanced with non-judgment and respect for your autonomy to support your authentic exploration and work towards connection, change, and healing.
From my prior roles as a crisis worker, family therapist, clinical director, and organizational leader in community-based non-profit organizations and behavioral health hospital settings, I have extensive experience with adolescents and young adults ages 14-30, queer, trans and non-binary folks, parents, and adults dealing with mental health issues, family conflict, abuse, trauma, suicide, academic concerns, systemic oppressions, cultural issues, and navigating the general challenges of being a modern human in the 21st century.
In addition to a systemic lens, I use a blend of therapeutic orientations and care approaches, including:
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
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Attachment Theory
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
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Emotionally Focused Therapy
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Emotion Focused Family Therapy (EFFT)
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Family Systems
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Diversity, Equity, & Culturally Informed Care
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Gender Affirming Care
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Trauma-Informed Care
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Child Development and Family Studies
Master of Science | Northern Illinois University
Applied Family and Child Studies
Specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy
DISCLOSURE ON PRIVILEGE & OPPRESSION
As a white, cisgender, queer woman, I carry economic, educational, and able-bodied privilege. No matter how similar or different our backgrounds may be, your experience is uniquely yours. I am committed to listening and learning, as well as actively unlearning my own oppressive assumptions, biases, and practices.
I actively welcome conversations about how our shared or different identities affect our work together.
THERAPEUTIC APPROACH AND EXPERIENCE
My therapeutic style is candid, compassionate, and guided by over a decade of non-profit experience working with adolescents and families within their communities. Emotionally loud folks and not-so-helpful decision-making are welcomed! I hope to offer you insight without judgment while carefully walking the line of when to provide comfort or when to (warmly) challenge you.
Therapy should be a safe place and a collaborative environment that allows you to explore, name, and address your concerns and challenges with sights set on finding strength and opportunity in your journey.
I am often a good fit for individuals struggling with trauma and the impacts of trauma. Whether an adult or adolescent, we can work to connect the dots of how experiences, stressors and systems may impact your relationships, emotional regulation and decision making.
For those without trauma-related concerns, I enjoy working with life transitions and adjustment, family systems, irritability or anger as primary emotion response, and making sense of adolescent brain development (past or present).
I approach interventions with flexibility. We’ll utilize a combination of evidence-based approaches, including:
● Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT)
● Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
● Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
● Family Systems
The foundation of my clinical work is to provide:
● Diversity, Equity, & Culturally-Informed Care
● Gender Affirming Care
● Trauma-Informed Care
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts | Knox College
Psychology
Master of Arts | The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Clinical Counseling
DISCLOSURE ON PRIVILEGE & OPPRESSION
I am fully committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in my practice. As a naturally curious extrovert, I embrace the richness of diverse backgrounds, interests, hobbies, and life philosophies. At the same time, my role as a therapist is to actively engage with, reflect upon, and challenge my own beliefs, privileges, and biases. I am dedicated to creating a safe and affirming space for all clients, regardless of their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or background.
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