About
Why I Became a Therapist
Hi, I am the Founder of Sage Therapy Chicago. I became a therapist because I love hearing the stories of people’s lives and their experiences. I believe that we all have experiences and relationships that influence our thoughts, behaviors and ultimately how we feel about ourselves and our environment. So many of the struggles and pain that bring people into therapy are based on these influences, which can even go all the way back to childhood. My goal is to help clients tell their story, develop better self-awareness and facilitate meaningful change.
Who I Work With
I work with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship challenges or life transitions and couples. My area of expertise is working with young adults who are experiencing a quarter life crisis, which is characterized by feelings of uncertainty about employment, relationships or the future. My other areas of interest include working with individuals who are ready to heal from trauma and experience more safety within themselves and in relationships. I also enjoy working with couples to help increase trust, intimacy and connection in their relationship.
"I am passionate about helping clients uncover the unconscious patterns and limiting beliefs from their past that influence and shape decision making and even our most intimate relationships."
Working With ME
With a goal directed approach, I tailor treatment to the needs of the individual by incorporating a variety of therapeutic methodologies. The interventions that I use are informed by evidence-based practices that include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Narrative Therapy, John Gottman’s method to couples therapy and Motivational Interviewing. In my trauma work I also apply Bessel van der Kolk’s groundbreaking research on the effective pathways to healing. My work has also been highly inspired by Brené Brown’s influential research on vulnerability, courage, shame and empathy. Together we will uncover your strength and resilience and work to overcome barriers and create different patterns that will help you achieve your goals.
My Qualifications & Trainings
- I received my BA in Psychology from the University of California Berkeley, and my Masters in Counseling from Adler University with a specialization of Forensic Psychology;
- I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation;
- I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Indiana from the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency Behavioral Health and Human Services Board (PLA);
- I am a member of the American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA);
- I have conducted research on a number of different topics at the Berkeley Institute of Personality and Research (ISPR) as well as the Emotion, Health and Psychophysiology Lab (EHPL) at the University of California, San Francisco. Research topics included social hierarchy, inequality, emotion, schizophrenia, narcissism, racism and oxytocin, and emotion contagion between mothers and children;
- I have completed the Living Brave Course from Brené Brown focusing on Vulnerability, Courage, Shame and Empathy based on Daring Greatly and Rising Strong programs;
- I have completed the Dr. Bessel van der Kolk’s Intensive Trauma Treatment Course based on his groundbreaking book The Body Keeps the Score;
- I have completed Level 1 Gottman Method Couples Therapy, which is based on over 40 years of research on couples and relationships;
- I am a certified Clinical Supervisor through AMITA Health.
