I am a Health Psychologist who approaches clients with empathy. I primarily use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with an influence of Adlerian theory, to be goal-oriented and positive-focused in treating depression, anxiety, physical illnesses, sleep problems, weight management, recovery from substance use and other lifestyle conditions.
Currently, I am working toward becoming a Diplomate with The American College of Lifestyle Medicine and the Board of Behavioral Sleep Medicine. This will further my expertise in treating the six pillars of ‘Lifestyle Medicine’. Lifestyle Medicine covers the following areas which contribute to a healthy lifestyle and improved quality of life: (1) Healthy sleep, (2) Nutritious eating, (3) Stress management, (4) Balanced Social Life, (5) Reducing Negative Behaviors, and (6) achieving adequate activity on a regular basis.
I help people overcome their fears and resistance to change through the use of Motivational Interviewing (MI). This helps remove barriers to achieving goals and achieving them successfully. My purpose in my work is to help each client become the best version of their 'self'. In order to make this happen, I strive to create an individual and exceptional experience for every client. I am a ‘straight-shooter’ as necessary to help people overcome barriers to achieving their goals.
My doctorate degree was earned through the Colorado School of Professional Psychology which is now the University of the Rockies in Colorado Springs. In addition to practice, I have 10 years of experience as an adjunct professor at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. I support local organizations fighting for social justice reform. Most recently, I co-authored an Audiobook on Burnout (available on Amazon).
Additional areas of focus: LGBT, Relationship issues, Grief, Eating disorders, Career difficulties, Coaching, Compassion fatigue, Adoption and foster care, Avoidant personality, Blended family issues, Body image, Cancer, Caregiver issues and stress, Chronic pain, illness, and disability, Co-morbidity, Codependency, Communication problems, Control issues, Coping with natural or human-caused disaster, Divorce and separation, Drug and alcohol addiction, Eating and food-related issues, Fertility issues, First responder issues, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Hospice and end-of-life counseling, Immigration issues, Life purpose, Men's issues, Midlife crisis, Veteran and Armed Forces Issues, Mood disorders, Multicultural concerns, Postpartum depression, Prejudice and discrimination, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Self-love, Sexual dysfunction, Sexuality, Smoking / vaping cessation, Women's issues, Workplace issues
Clinical approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy
IL LCPC 180.008495