“Change is hard at first, messy in the middle, and gorgeous at the end." – Robin Sharma

Admitting we need help, or simply someone to talk to, can be very hard to do. Whether struggling with a trauma, a high stress job, problems with our kids, our relationships, perfectionism, or trying to fit in as a teenager, there’s a natural tendency to think we’ll figure it out on our own eventually. I’ve done the same many times in my life.

The truth is we can figure it out, yet sometimes working through the confusion with an open, empathetic, nonjudgmental person is what we need to get there. And, that therapist can take us to a better place a lot faster than we could on our own.

I hope to be that kind of counselor for you, your kids, or anyone you think needs support.

What I bring to the table… I’d like to think my greatest strength is life experience. I’m a wife and mother of four adult children, ages 29 to 18, and this is my third career.

Prior to counseling, I worked for 10 years as a staff writer for the Chicago Tribune. I was also a contributing writer for Crain’s Chicago Business, The New York Times, Northwestern University publications and several non-profits, including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Big Shoulders Fund. Following the Tribune, I worked as a senior thought partner and speechwriter for The Grossman Group, an award-winning, Chicago-based communications consultancy that specializes in organizational development, strategic leadership development, and employee communications.

In my past roles, I’ve interviewed hundreds of people of all ages and written profiles on subjects as diverse as a 13-year-old child prodigy in medical school to college presidents and corporate CEOs. My career experiences have helped me to listen deeply, ask insightful questions, and better understand the complex emotional challenges we all confront in life. Carrying those lessons with me into counseling is a true privilege, one I don’t take lightly. I'm honored to be part of the Back to Balance Counseling team as a Masters Level Clinical Intern as I complete my second Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Concordia University.

Why and Who I Serve

Relationships have always been incredibly important to me, so naturally building a strong bond with clients is my top priority. I recognize how intimidating therapy can be, particularly for adolescents, introverted personalities, and for many men (I have three boys).

I enjoy working with children and adults of all ages. Here’s some perspective on what I bring to each group:

Parents. I’m a mom who considers that my most important role. I truly enjoy working with other moms and dads facing questions about how to raise good kids. My own challenges (and mistakes) in this area and my work experience gives me insight into the many stressors for parents, from balancing work and home responsibilities to navigating a crisis when our kids make a poor choice or experience a trauma. 

Teens. Because my youngest child just finished high school, I have a very recent sense for how challenging those years can be. Social media, cliques, low self-esteem, body image issues, demanding teachers and coaches, societal expectations — the list goes on and on. I’ve also helped dozens of high school students write their college essays, which has given me a special view into the competitive pressures and anxieties that accompany a significant period of transition. So much of a teen’s self-worth can be attached to getting into a “dream” school, not always a smooth process for many. Having helped lots of students navigate this stage, I can help bring perspective and peace to the experience. 

Professionals. Most professionals today experience an incredible amount of change in their careers, more so than any generation before us. The average employee sees constant company re-orgs, layoffs, and an ever-evolving set of demands. Truly talented people are let go for situations far beyond their control. Or, they’re left to pick up the pieces, with bigger workloads, after their colleagues are laid off. It’s a lot to manage when so much of our lives are spent at work. Talking through these challenges can make a real difference in your quality of life, sense of purpose, and enjoyment at work.

How I Help

My most important focus is on our relationship and building an environment where you can feel comfortable to share your thoughts, feelings and concerns without judgment. I also want you to feel that our sessions are productive and give you effective strategies and techniques that fit your specific needs. I believe in many cases, particularly for teens, the best approach is to focus on solutions, not the problem. I find men especially like this approach, too.

Having said that, each client is unique. I use an eclectic approach, applying a variety of counseling techniques tailored to the goals that you define. That includes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention (ERP) for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). I’m a big believer in evidence-based approaches and have focused in my studies on therapies with a track record of success for specific mental health challenges. For instance, ERP and CBT are best practice for people with anxiety disorders. Talk therapy alone – without real skills and tools to help people work through obsessive thoughts – is not as effective as CBT and ERP for specific types of anxiety.

Key Thoughts and Beliefs:

·     My take on change: Yes, change is hard. But if you’re thinking about therapy, there’s something in your life that you truly want to change, or at least you’re ready to explore the possibilities. That’s all you need to enter therapy; this is not a lifelong commitment

·     Myth: I don’t have time for therapy. The reality is not all therapy is created equal, and the time involved is up to you. Some strategies are quite short-term, with the biggest progress made in the first month or two

·    Therapy works. People do change with the right support, and their lives often get dramatically better. There’s no point in staying stuck in the present state when there are so many effective approaches for improving your life

·   Indisputable truth: The best dog on the planet is my goldendoodle, Reggie

I'm looking forward to getting to know you. 🙂