About Me

I was raised in St. Charles, Illinois. I earned my undergraduate degree at Eastern Illinois University, where I developed a deep passion for psychology and a stronger understanding of the field. While at Eastern, I gained hands-on experience working with individuals with severe mental illness at a local community mental health center. I also studied abroad in Maastricht, Netherlands, and traveled to eight neighboring countries—an experience that sparked my enduring interest in multiculturalism and international perspectives. I received my Master of Arts and Doctorate degrees from Argosy University/Illinois School of Professional Psychology. In graduate school, I specialized in clinical psychology with a focus on health psychology. My training included work with diverse populations across a wide range of clinical settings. During my predoctoral internship at the Chicago Area Christian Training Consortium, I gained valuable experience providing services in a faith-based community. As a licensed Clinical Psychologist, I am trained in multiple therapeutic orientations, including Psychodynamic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), and others. This broad foundation allows me to tailor treatment to each client’s unique needs, circumstances, and goals, which enhances the potential for meaningful and lasting outcomes. We all experience periods of distress that can range from intense grief and suffering to milder feelings of sadness or agitation. Regardless of the stressor, I believe therapy can be beneficial at various points in life. In my practice, I work to create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel comfortable and understood. Once trust is established, we can collaboratively implement therapeutic interventions best suited to support healing and growth. I provide therapy to adults ages 18–65 addressing a variety of concerns, including relationship difficulties, grief and loss, trauma, abuse, stress management, life transitions, perinatal and postpartum mood disorders, depression, anxiety, cancer, chronic illness, and chronic pain. 

Areas of Specialty Health Psychology
Health psychology is a central focus of my practice and the primary emphasis of my graduate training. I have extensive experience supporting individuals with cancer, as well as their families and loved ones. A cancer diagnosis often involves a complex journey filled with emotional ups and downs, and I consider it both a privilege and a responsibility to help clients navigate these challenges. I assist individuals and their support systems in developing the skills needed to cope effectively and improve quality of life. My specialized work in psychosocial oncology includes four years of dedicated training. Since then, I have expanded my expertise in health psychology to include chronic pain, diabetes, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), stroke, POTS, fibromyalgia, celiac disease, IBS, interstitial cystitis (IC), pregnancy-related concerns, infertility, stillbirth, pelvic floor pain, and other gynecological conditions and disorders. 

Depression
Major depression can arise from many factors, including unresolved trauma, significant loss or life changes, chemical imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, seasonal patterns, environmental stressors, genetic or biological influences, or substance use. I integrate Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Psychodynamic techniques, selecting and combining approaches based on each client’s history, biopsychosocial factors, and the specific etiology of their symptoms. This tailored, integrative method is highly effective in reducing depressive symptoms and decreasing the likelihood of recurrence. 

PTSD and Trauma

For the treatment of trauma and PTSD, I primarily use Eye Movement Desensitization and 

Reprocessing (EMDR), an empirically validated approach known for producing rapid and effective results. As a therapist certified in both EMDR Level 1 and Level 2, I continue to be impressed by the transformative outcomes this modality can facilitate. 

Perinatal and Women’s Health Concerns

After working in the behavioral health department of a large OB/GYN practice, I developed a strong interest in supporting women through reproductive and perinatal challenges, including postpartum depression, infertility, multiple miscarriages, stillbirth, and pelvic or sexual health disorders. Although these issues are quite common, relatively few therapists have extensive specialized experience in this area. I utilize a range of evidence-based psychotherapy techniques, carefully tailored to each woman’s personal history, biological factors, current circumstances, and individual goals.

Certifications & Training

– EMDR Training, Chicago, IL
– EMDR Psychotherapist Trained in Level 1 & 2