About
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Why I Became a Therapist
I began my career in journalism, but realized that I was most inspired when bearing witness to the lived experiences of others - their rich cultures, dynamic relationships, moments of joy, and seasons of grief. Following my own quarter-life crisis of sorts, I finally gave myself permission to ‘go deeper’ and pursue my passion of mental health. I believe therapy gives clients a space to show up fully, without judgment. As a therapist, I meet clients where they are, while also sharing some insight to help them move closer to where they want to be. I believe that everyone deserves to feel seen, heard, and held in a safe environment.
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Who I Work With
I work with individuals and couples striving to feel safe and heard in their relationships with themselves and with others. I enjoy holding space for clients to face difficult or painful parts of themselves, or their past, in order to discover healthy solutions based on their unique values and goals. I particularly enjoy working with LGBTQIA+, TGNC clients moving through various stages of transition and identity development, as well as first-generation Americans. I am passionate about working with clients who have experienced complex/developmental trauma within their families of origin and adults who are exploring ADHD diagnoses for the first time. I also work with folks who experience disordered eating in order to help improve their relationships with food and their bodies.
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"Anna helped me find confidence that my needs and boundaries matter. She really shows her passion and love of helping people work through life's adversities and live a fulfilling life."
Working With ME
I aim to build a solid foundation of trust and rapport with clients by offering a warm and empathetic approach. To that end, I utilize strengths, acceptance, self-compassion, and humor. Aligned with social work’s person-in-environment perspective, I use a feminist-relational approach/anti-oppressive approach. This means that I think about each client as a whole being and consider the impact that each of their identities has on how they interact with society. I also see my relationship with clients as an equal partnership, rather than an “expert-client” relationship. I appreciate that you - as the client, are the expert of your own experience. I like to integrate various therapeutic modalities, including (but not limited to) internal family systems, attachment-based therapy, emotionally focused therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and a modern psychodynamic framework.
My Qualifications & Trainings
- I received my Masters in Social Work from UIC’s Jane Addams College of Social Work;
- I have completed a fellowship at Chicago Center for Psychoanalysis (CCP), where I receive advanced training in psychoanalytic theory & practice;
- I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR);
- I am an Independent Clinical Social Worker with the Alabama State Board of Social Work Examiners;
- I am an EMDR Trained Clinician;
- I am a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor from a Health at Every Size (HAES) approach
- I have completed Level 1 Gottman Method Couples Therapy, which is based on 40 years of research