My Journey to Becoming a Counselor
For as long as I can remember, this Chicago native has been fascinated by why people think and behave the way they do. I took my first psychology classes in high school, and as my eyes glazed over with excitement, I knew I was hooked. Alongside my obsession with psychology was a deep love for animals, helping others, and performing. I was often found rescuing random animals, competing in dog sports, riding horses, or acting on stage.
While psychology made me giddy, life had a few side quests in store before leading me to where I truly belong. I earned my bachelor’s degree in theatre with a focus on acting and worked as a veterinary assistant, caring for animals and their humans. I discovered a passion for stage combat that eventually led to stunt work. I also served as a board member and vice president of a large dog obedience and training club, once again happily supporting animals and their humans. (No surprise here: My dog became a certified therapy dog, and we regularly visited hospitals and nursing homes.)
Throughout this time, the universe gently nudged me along a path I hadn’t fully recognized yet. One day, I found myself on the client side of a counseling room—and the experience changed my life. I knew I wanted to help others in the same way.
Life is hard. (What an understatement, right?) And it’s also beautiful. I want to collaboratively help people live the life they dream of and to authentically be themselves.
My Approach to Counseling
As a counselor, I strive to create a safe and consistent space where clients can lay down whatever they’ve been carrying. I believe humor is healing and that each person is completely unique, with their own set of circumstances, needs, and wants. What works for one person might not work for another, and that’s okay. I invite collaboration with each client because no one knows you—or your story—better than you!
My Areas of Specialty
My counseling approach draws from Gestalt, Systems, Narrative, Emotionally Focused, Gottman, and Jungian theories. However, I believe therapy is most effective when it’s tailored to the individual. I strive to meet you where you are and use the approach that resonates best with you. I am passionate about working with those who have experienced developmental trauma. The experiences and narratives absorbed in our formative years shape our lives in profound and often unseen ways. That said, I’m honored to work with anyone for any reason! I enjoy working with kids, teens, adults, and couples who have experienced or are experiencing:
- Developmental Trauma
- Relationship Strife
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Life Transitions
- Self-Worth
- Shame or Guilt
Memberships and Degrees
- Completion of Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy externship
- Completion of Level 1 and Level 2 training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy
- American Counseling Association: Member
- Regis Chi Sigma Iota Honor Society: Member
- Student Representative with the department of counseling at Regis University
- Bachelors of Arts in Theatre focusing on Acting: Columbia College Chicago
- Masters of Arts for Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Regis University (CACREP) (in progress)