About Counseling
Sessions are tailored to focus on you and the changes you aspire to achieve.
Throughout our sessions, you’ll have the opportunity to center on yourself without feeling self-centered. Within a secure and nurturing environment, you’ll have the freedom to delve into your thoughts, emotions, and objectives, feeling both understood and heard.
I aim to create a supportive space that acknowledges and affirms your authentic self. Adhering to ethical and multicultural counseling practices, I warmly welcome individuals from diverse cultural, ethnic, and racial backgrounds, gender identities, sexual orientations, abilities, neurodiversity, and faiths.
Despite the diversity among my clients, they all share a common aspiration—to initiate positive changes in their lives. In the therapeutic process with me, they discover how to tap into their inherent creativity, resilience, and aspirations.
Counseling isn’t a one-size-fits-all endeavor. Therefore, our sessions will be tailored to address your specific needs and concerns.
As a counselor, I embrace several guiding philosophies:
- Affirming your worthiness of love and care.
- Recognizing that self-care is essential for healing.
- Understanding that individuals are not defined by their past traumatic experiences.
- Acknowledging that emotions find healing through acknowledgment and validation.
- Encouraging self-love and acceptance, acknowledging our strengths and vulnerabilities as acts of bravery.
Helping people gives my life fulfillment and meaning.
Guiding individuals towards positive transformations and witnessing their lives flourish is an honor as a counselor.
The most fulfilling aspect of counseling is witnessing my clients undergo transformation, gaining new insights and skills. It’s akin to the joy a parent feels when teaching their child to ride a bike and then watching them ride independently. It’s truly magnificent!
Similarly, my commitment lies in empowering you to instigate meaningful changes and relish the satisfaction of purposeful growth and renewal.
Let’s embark on this journey together.
Take the first step towards reclaiming your life. Schedule a free phone consultation where you can freely discuss what’s happening for you, and together, we can explore how I can assist you.
About Me
Embarking on the path to becoming a counselor was a result of my personal journey.
Intrigued by understanding people’s thoughts, emotions, and actions, I’ve always held a deep curiosity about the human psyche. Above all, I’ve harbored a genuine desire to contribute to others’ wellbeing, helping them lead more fulfilling lives.
Despite initially being dissuaded from pursuing psychology and English during college—a decision influenced by a now-resolved misunderstanding with my mother—I spent five years studying architecture. While I found it intellectually stimulating, my aspirations leaned more toward a counseling career.
The opportunity arose when I was laid off during the 2008 recession. This prompted me to pursue a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of San Diego. It’s important to note that my mother became my most significant supporter during this transitional period, offering unwavering encouragement.
Allow me to share some insights into my clinical training.
I’m a licensed and nationally certified Clinical Professional Counselor, specializing in trauma and life transitions among adults. My mission is to guide individuals in regaining control of their lives, relieving feelings of being overwhelmed, and empowering them to foster the changes they seek.
My professional experience spans counseling homeless veterans in San Diego, serving underprivileged and severely mentally ill populations in Las Vegas, and working with urban professionals in a private group practice in Chicago. Additionally, I hold the credential of a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois.
Beyond my counseling practice, my life is rich and fulfilling.
I reside with my husband, a talented graphic designer and exceptional cook, alongside our three adorable cats, Babbitt, Stello, and Lucille.
Our lives are graced with shared custody of my 15-year-old stepdaughter, whose fascination with horror films challenges my predisposition against them, opening my mind in unexpected ways. I find joy in strolling through my neighborhood and nature reserves, engaging in board games with friends, and exploring new destinations through travel.
