Meet Your Emotional Trauma Specialist in Illinois
​You feel stuck. You've tried to manage the weight of your experience on your own and it feels so heavy at times that it's paralyzing. Burdens were placed on you before you even had the chance to think for yourself. You've dealt with feeling unloved and unwanted by the people who were supposed to love you the most, and as a full grown adult- you're left picking up the pieces of your shattered self-esteem.
Maybe you've done therapy before and it felt like a waste of time... maybe you didn't feel truly understood- or maybe like you were just reliving pain without experiencing any closure.
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Or...
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maybe you've never done the therapy thing before. But you know something needs to change- because you've been carrying all this guilt around for too long without any support. Maybe you've considered giving up a time or two- and that's why you're here. Either way, you're exhausted. And that makes sense. ​
​I'm here to hold space for you to process and release the pain that comes between the life you want and the life you're living. The most important aspect of my work is to see you. To be curious about your story. To understand you... and for you to feel seen.
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Many of the clients I work with struggle with:
childhood trauma
complex PTSD
religious trauma
perfectionism
people-pleasing
family estrangement
burnout
anxiety & depression
I work alongside my clients to address the root of the overwhelm and shame by offering:
intensive EMDR
IFS-informed, holistic self-love practices
person-centered psychology
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This structure leads to experiencing true empowerment and connection to your intuition.
It all starts with a 15 minute phone call. (Consult)
I'll go over logistics, and get a snapshot of what you're hoping to accomplish in the next six to twelve months. We'll decide together if this feels like a good fit. Then, you'll complete some paperwork consisting of consent forms and dive a little bit deeper into your current situation.
Once your paperwork is complete, we'll schedule your first session, where we'll get to know each other even better and formulate a concrete plan and goals for your therapy treatment. If, at any point during this process, you feel unsure about therapy or my style, it is ok to let me know (you won't hurt my feelings! I promise). I want to help you find the therapist that is going to meet your needs, and I'm happy to offer additional support or referrals if I'm not that person.
As therapy progresses, we may achieve your original goals, or in the process we may even uncover something that is even more important for you to focus on than the reason you came in. Nothing is etched in stone, we're always able to pivot if needed. You'll find that I pull from eclectic modalities (always blending empirically supported treatment with evidence-based psychotherapy) because I know that healing is not a one size fits all.
My goal is to meet you in the middle of your hurt with genuine connection, curiosity and attunement. While we work together, we will implement treatment options such as CBT, EMDR, mindfulness, and even spiritual practices (such as crystal-work, tarot symbolism, dream interpretation) when clinically appropriate and with your consent.
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Therapy sessions can be held in person in Illinois or virtually across Illinois and Missouri. Together, we use the tools available that best suit your needs and personality.
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My clients describe our work as safe, empowering, and transformative, and I think that’s because in my practice, therapy is about remembering who you really are beneath the pain and growing in the ability to express your full, unique, and authentic self without judgment or criticism. ​
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If you're ready to begin the healing work, book a consult (that 15 minute phone call) today.
QUALIFICATIONS
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Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Illinois and Missouri
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Master of Social Work (MSW), Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
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Trained in Basic EMDR Therapy
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Training in Internal Family Systems (IFS)
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Advanced EMDR training within IFS and dissociation
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Specialized Training in Trauma and Childhood Adversity
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Personal, in-depth knowledge and understanding of religious trauma and the BITE model of authoritarian organizations
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Trained in Archetypal Imagery (Tarot)
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A decade of experience working with spiritual tools such as tarot and crystals
My Clinical Framework
As a clinician, I utilize an eclectic clinical framework, blending psychodynamic theory, somatic psychology, polyvagal theory, and transpersonal psychology, among others- as I am always eager to learn and understand psychology and social work from a multi-faceted lens.
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This allows us to tailor your treatment to fit your needs and personality. If the ability to engage in therapy with your mind, body and soul sound aligned to you, I may be just what you're looking for.
I will always strive to be attuned to your needs, whether you need someone to hold space for the tears or someone to laugh with. I will provide structure when you need it and flexibility when you don't. And through it all, you’ll be met with curiosity and empathy each step of the way.
