My Approach to Helping

Often, emotions, especially strong ones, are difficult to express with words alone. As a result, they may be expressed in defiant or withdrawn behaviors creating distance and disconnection in family and social relationships. I am an emotionally focused and attachment centered psychotherapist utilizing creative and expressive processes to help bridge communication gaps within relationships. I believe in the importance of a therapeutic relationship that fosters collaboration and communication as well as empathy and support. In my practice I incorporate a combination of techniques that are tailored to each individual client or family. These techniques include: expressive therapies, EFT, role play and verbal processing. I help my clients achieve higher self-esteem, develop positive communication and coping strategies and improve social, professional and intimate relationships.

 

More Info About My Practice

I accept and directly bill to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois PPO and provide clients with thorough documentation to assist them with insurance reimbursement for all other insurance companies.
Fees and co-pays for all sessions are due at the time of service.
A small number of clients will be accepted monthly for services at a reduced rate. Clients qualify based on demonstration of need.

 

Specific Issue(s) I'm Skilled at Helping With

I am an accomplished counselor and expressive therapist with 12 years of experience as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Board Certified Art Therapist. I hold a BFA in Fine Art/Art Education and MA in Art Therapy from the University of Illinois at Chicago. I specializes in emotionally focused and attachment oriented therapies with children, families and couples experiencing communication struggles, physical and emotional trauma and/or attachment disruption having sought comprehensive training in Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy. I am also a trained Divorce and Family mediator and provide multiple support services to families experiencing separation, divorce and transition. Additionally, I often consult with schools and act as an advocate for children and parents with school service personnel in order to effectively implement strategies for children experiencing emotional and developmental disabilities. I have presented nationally and locally on the use of art therapy in the treatment of trauma as well as the use of art therapy to foster emotional expression and effective communication. I strive to use traditional counseling methods as well as expressive therapy approaches to assist clients in self-exploration, effective emotional expression and resolution of relationship conflict.

Services I Provide

• Individual Therapy & Counseling
• Marriage, Couples, or Relationship Counseling
• Family Therapy
• Mediation
• Clinical Supervision

Ages I Work With

• Children
• Teens
• Adults

Languages I Speak

• English

Groups I Work With

I specialize in working with children, adolescents and adults navigating family and life transitions. I have particular expertise in trauma informed and attachment focused therapies and often help individuals and families navigate the successful expression of intense emotional experience.

Therapy Approaches I Use

• Art Therapy
• Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy
• Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy
• Expressive Arts Therapy
• Family Systems Therapy
• Humanistic Psychology
• Narrative Therapy
• Parent-Child Interaction Therapy
• Play Therapy
• Relational Psychotherapy
• Solution Focused Therapy

Concerns and Issues I Help With

• Abuse / Abuse Survivor Issues
• Adoption / Reunion Issues
• Anxiety
• Attachment Issues
• Blended Family Issues
• Child and/or Adolescent Issues
• Communication Problems
• Divorce / Divorce Adjustment
• Family of Origin Issues
• Family Problems
• Parenting
• Post Traumatic Stress / Trauma
• Relationships & Marriage