As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) I provide therapy for adults, adolescents and couples who are seeking help to address difficult emotions, relationship issues, or academic/occupational concerns. I work with clients who may be struggling with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, ADHD, troubled relationships, divorce, parenting, or the uncertainty of life stage transitions. My goal is to provide the support and guidance clients need to feel happier, improve their ability to cope, and feel more connected in relationships.

I believe insight, self-awareness, knowledge, and confidence facilitate healthy change and growth. In our work together, I help clients explore the impact past experiences and relationships may have on their current thinking, emotions and behaviors. I also provide information on behavioral, cognitive, situational and relational factors that serve to improve or worsen symptoms. Armed with insight and knowledge, clients begin to recognize their unique strengths, what they can control, and what works best for them in relationships. Lastly, I work with clients to identify the coping, communication and/or conflict resolution skills – a customized tool box – that truly does work for them. 

I appreciate the courage it takes to begin therapy as it requires having to be open and vulnerable. In turn, I tailor my work to suit each client’s individual needs, with the aim to create a warm, empathic, non-judgmental and collaborative space where clients can feel comfortable sharing their personal stories and challenges. My approach is holistic and solution focused. I utilize a psychodynamic perspective, and incorporate components of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness, and the Gottman Method of Relationship Therapy.

Prior to becoming a therapist, I earned a Bachelors of Science in Packaging from Michigan State University and a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Michigan. I’ve worked in aerospace, and both the automotive and consumer packaged goods industries. In those roles, I worked in diverse areas including manufacturing processes, corporate strategy, market research, innovation and new product development. As a “left brain, right brain thinker”, I bring creativity, empathy, intuition, and at times humor, as well as inquisitiveness, logic, and problem solving skills to my work.

After taking time off to raise a family, I obtained a Masters of Social Work at Aurora University. In the mental health field, I’ve had the good fortune to work with diverse clients in a variety of settings including community mental health, a transitional shelter for homeless women and children, veterans programs, inpatient behavioral health, and in private practice. With a family member in the military, I am particularly interested in issues associated with military culture, training and deployment that impact “the worriers behind the warriors”: the families and loved ones of military personnel.

Life and people will never be perfect; my passion is empowering people to make each the best they can be. Every day I feel honored to be entrusted with clients’ personal stories, thoughts and emotions. I look forward to hearing from you and learning more about what I can do to provide the support and assistance you need as you embark on your journey toward growth, feeling better and achieving your goals.