Hello, I’m so glad you’re here! Simply by reading this page, you’re already taking a big step toward growth and healing. I firmly believe that no one knows your life better than you, and my role is to walk alongside you with support, insight, and tools that can help you continue taking steps forward. Together, we’ll create a safe and collaborative space where you feel heard, understood, and empowered.

I am passionate about working with teens and adults who are navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, and the impact of past negative experiences or trauma. For many people, trauma can show up in ways that are confusing or overwhelming. You might experience intrusive memories or flashbacks, difficulty sleeping, feeling constantly on edge, feeling disconnected from yourself or those around you, or doing whatever you can to avoid reminders of what happened. Trauma can affect the way you see yourself and your relationships, leading to feelings of guilt, fear, detachment, or trouble trusting others. These responses are common and understandable, and together we can find ways to ease their impact and help you feel more grounded.

Additionally, sometimes the effects of trauma show up in ways that go beyond words. For this reason, I like to use somatic interventions that strengthen the mind–body connection. In sessions, I like to focus on understanding how the nervous system works and explore ways to calm it like vagus nerve exercises, grounding techniques, breathwork, and other tools for managing emotions.

I also have a special passion for helping people build healthier, more compassionate relationships, both with themselves and with others. Because so many of our struggles are connected to relationships, healing in this area can be especially powerful. 

My therapeutic style is relational, compassionate, and collaborative. I strive to meet you where you are and tailor therapy to your unique needs and style of communication. If talking isn’t always the most comfortable way for you to express yourself, that’s okay - we can explore other forms of expression such as music, writing, or art, or whatever feels most natural to you. As a trauma-informed therapist, I draw from a variety of approaches - including CBT, DBT, ACT, polyvagal theory, and Internal Family Systems - to support your healing and growth. I am also pursuing additional training in Imago therapy to better support couples in strengthening their relationships.

If you’re ready to take the next step toward healing, I’d be honored to walk alongside you.

Experience

I have experience working with individuals of all ages from 6-50+ with varying backgrounds and challenges. Previously, I have worked in community mental health agencies, providing outpatient and school based therapy. This has helped shape my approach and appreciation for human resilience. Throughout my time in these roles, I have helped clients recognize unhealthy and abusive relationship patterns, develop self compassion and understanding, and practical tools to manage emotions.

Licensure

I am a Licensed Social Worker at Balanced Awakening. I have several years of clinical experience, yet require additional supervised practice as I await confirmation of clinical licensure in the state of Illinois. I am supervised by Lauren Schmalbruch, LCPC outside of appointment times.