About

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois as well as possess a PhD in Applied Ecology. I have extensive experience working with adults, adolescents, and children in individual, group, in patient and out patient environments. I created by own counseling clinic and conducted business for over 10 years. I enjoy my time working one-on-one with clients looking for healthy changes as individual, couples and as families. My greatest strengths as a clinician is helping in the areas of depression, anxiety, stress management and career counseling. I lean heavily on the evidenced based practices in ecotherapy and align work in nature driven activities.
My philosophy of treatment is to develop a team approach between myself and my client. I am supportive, directive, empathetic and strive to give clear steps in developing a plan for healthy life management. As a team, I want feedback on not only how my clients are doing, but how they feel about the direction provided in treatment. My main focus in my treatment is establishing a therapeutic relationship with the person. We will set goals, small and large, and will engage in consistent dialogue to be sure that the road to success is paved with clear steps and doable and manageable actions. I draw from a strengths based approach to care and believe that everyone possesses many gifts that will lead them to better lives. I apply many techniques found grounded in CBT (Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment) and Brief solution focused interventions.

I also believe in the ecological perspective and will introduce skills and techniques to increase a person's connection to others and their environment. I promote connections to nature and have found that constructive use of time with natural elements can speed the process of healing for emotional, physical and mental challenges.
My style of communication is positive, supportive, directive and spirited. I am very approachable and will often weave humor, observations and friendliness into my communications.
I welcome you to join my team and look forward to helping you define and live the life you were meant to.
Peace.