About me
I was born and raised in Belvidere, IL, and I obtained my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from Northern Illinois University. My passion for psychology began in high school because I was fascinated with the processes of the human mind, and I wanted to learn more about the causes and symptoms of the various psychological disorders. During college, I worked as a research assistant in two separate labs: one that focused on OCD and anxiety and the other on trauma. These experiences inspired me to pursue a graduate degree, so I could continue learning, researching, and connecting one-on-one with clients.
I earned my Master of Arts Degree in Clinical Psychology from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 2021. Through my graduate program, I trained in an intensive outpatient setting at a behavioral health center in St. Louis, MO. This opportunity allowed me to help individuals with severe anxiety-related disorders regain functioning and develop more adaptive coping methods, and it also solidified my commitment to help individuals facilitate change and live a more meaningful life.
Areas of Specialty
Through my work with adolescents and adults, I believe it is important to first establish an environment that is warm, accepting, and hopeful. I also serve as a guide, providing clients with information to help them understand their unique experiences and make informed decisions about their treatment. Treatment is individualized and collaborative, as the client and I work together to identify therapeutic goals that align with their values. I feel truly honored to share space with clients as they open up about such personal and vulnerable parts of their lives.
My training with anxiety-related disorders during graduate school emphasized evidence-based clinical care, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). I also received training in various therapeutic approaches after graduation. Based on the client’s presenting problems and preferences, we decide which interventions will be most beneficial and proceed at their desired pace.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive compulsive disorder is often debilitating for clients and can negatively affect their engagement in a valued life. I frequently use exposure and response prevention (ERP) to help clients manage their obsessions and compulsions, as this is one of the most established psychological treatments for the disorder. Additionally, adjunctive or substitute treatment approaches that I use for OCD include ACT, DBT, inference-based cognitive behavioral therapy (I-CBT), and metacognitive therapy (MCT).
Anxiety Disorders
I have experience working with a variety of anxiety-related disorders including generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and specific phobias. In treating anxiety, I aim to help clients quiet self-doubt, face fears with courage, and reconnect with what matters most by using the following approaches: CBT, ACT, ERP, and DBT. I am currently a member of the Anxiety and OCD speciality team.
Depression
Depression can be experienced as a primary disorder or secondary to anxiety, trauma, and other presenting problems. In treatment, I apply techniques from CBT, DBT, and ACT to help clients address and challenge self-critical thoughts, as well as increase their engagement with routine, valuable, and enjoyable activities.
Posttraumatic Stress
I approach trauma work with compassion and care, helping clients regain a sense of safety and control in their lives. The main therapeutic interventions I use include cognitive processing therapy (CPT), prolonged exposure (PE), internal family systems (IFS), and somatic techniques.
Other Areas of Clinical Focus
In addition to the specializations listed above, I also provide services for adolescents and adults who may be experiencing difficulties with emotion regulation, life transitions, daily stressors, ADHD, self-esteem, and perfectionistic tendencies.
Professional Affiliation
