ABOUT

I began my career in Mental Health over twenty years ago when I was working as a manager and buyer for a clothing store. My undergrad degree was in textile and apparel technology because I love working with textiles and fabric. I was unsure what to do after graduation and I came to Chicago to visit a college roommate. I loved the energy and diversity of the city and moved here 3 weeks later.

I spent the next few years working at the Apparel Center in the wholesale side of the industry and then trying my hand at the retail side. I did, however, find myself talking to the customers about their issues and offering ideas and feedback probably a lot more than normal. One of the customers was a woman attending graduate school at Loyola University School of Social Work. I didn't know this was the type of degree to become a therapist and discovering this was like a light bulb went off, as they say. I went back to Graduate school and have been in this field ever since.

I have been working in Community Mental Health since 1996 and it has been extremely gratifying being allowed to help people on their journey to wellness. I have training in DBT, CBT, Motivational Interviewing and best practice models for psychotherapy. My approach is systemic, eclectic and personalized to the client. Though I have worn many different hats at the clinic where I work, I have a passion for individual therapy and couples counseling. 

I will never forget the first time a client told me, "I think I'm ready. You gave me the tools and now I think I can try it on my own."  It is such a mutually rewarding relationship, that of the therapist and client. I can't imagine doing anything else.

Specialties

• Anxiety Disorders
• Depressive Disorders
• Adjustment Disorders
• Relationship Issues
• Family Dynamics
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Sexual Abuse and Trauma
• Personality Disorders
• Eating Disorders
• Health and Wellness