My Approach

My approach to therapy is to first find out what the client is seeking, what it means to them to come to therapy, and what (if any) prior experiences they’ve had with therapy &/or art therapy. Then we can work together to set the course, and shape it to meet their needs. I like to give “assignments” in between sessions to enhance the therapy and help my clients gain confidence in getting where they want to be when they leave therapy. After all, the work of living is not done in a therapy office, so life skills need to be practiced and honed outside of therapy. My work is anti-oppressive and informed by a combination of mindfulness, existential, relational/feminist & client centered, and cognitive behavioral therapy (when applicable). I am committed to cultural humility which means I am actively learning, practicing courageous conversations and continually questioning the status quo, especially as it relates to systems of oppression/colonialism, racialized trauma, misogyny and all other anti/isms.

Therapy can be a piece of helping people resolve past issues, improve current situations, cope with every day life concerns, as well as identify and clear the way toward meaningful life goals. Art Therapy can help where words are inadequate means of expression and/or communication. A sense of belonging  within community is also healing. Being more comfortable with oneself can lead to increased comfort with others.

My own experiences have also taught me that self expression is necessary to be emotionally healthy. Keeping everything inside can be a recipe for trouble. Art therapy can assist people to express themselves in ways that sometimes talking can’t, or it can enhance verbal language by adding a creative and/or visual dimension. If you’ve ever cried during a movie, loved a book, related to (or been mystified by) a painting or been moved by a performance, then you know the power of the arts. I also firmly believe that creative self-expression is accessible to all people. No “special gifts” are required to do art therapy. It’s through the process of making something that we are able to tap into areas of the brain that promote creative thinking and problem solving. Healing, increased self-awareness and growth follow.

I have 18+ years experience in community mental health as well as several years in private practice. I am equally well versed in “talk” therapy and art therapy. I specialize in working with people experiencing depression, anxiety, adjustment/ life transition challenges, and creative block, although my current main focus is reproductive issues (infertility, miscarriage /recurrent pregnancy loss), perinatal and postpartum mental health, adoption and parenting. I welcome adult clients 18+.

Insurance

I’m in network with BCBS, Cigna, Aetna and UHC (Optum). PPO plans only. It’s always best to check with your insurance to verify extent of coverage, fees etc. I am committed to keeping therapy affordable and offer a limited number of self-pay spots. Please check availability using contact form.

Land Acknowledgment

The City of Chicago is located on land that is and has long been a center for Native peoples. The area is the traditional homelands of the Anishinaabe, or the Council of the Three Fires: the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi Nations. Many other Nations consider this area their traditional homeland, including the Myaamia, Ho-Chunk, Menominee, Sac and Fox, Peoria, Kaskaskia, Wea, Kickapoo, and Mascouten