Specialties
Anxiety
I see many clients who are diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder. When developing treatment plans, I find it is best to identify triggers and develop coping mechanisms that work best for the client. I believe anxiety is a condition that presents on a spectrum. It is a human condition which can become debilitating if it is on the moderate to severe side of the spectrum. I approach the issue by recognizing how hindering it is to the client's daily lifestyle and then exploring strategies to manage anxiety. Some things I include in the treatment progress are : morning routine, nighttime routine, meditation, mindfulness techniques, thought tracking, and other CBT activities that help the client manage their thoughts better. It is important to remember that different interventions work for each client because each person responds to their anxiety differently. Therefore, it is important to understand their environment and their triggers first.
Depression
I see a wide range of presentations when treating people with depression. Some individuals are suffering from severe depression and poor functioning, while others appear to be high functioning, but are suffering quite a bit internally. It is important for a therapist to do a thorough, individualized assessment of what symptoms are bothering a client the most, and then focus their approach on what each individual client needs. I approach a depressive episode by utilizing CBT activities that require thought challenging and reframing. It is important for the client to take control of their thoughts and release them somehow. In many cases, figuring out how to be motivated to do simple daily tasks is very tough. For such clients, I include their support systems in our routine to keep them motivated and accountable. Depending on whether the client is on antidepressants, the treatment plan may be different. Overall validation and support is very important when treating depression.
Relationship Issues
There are many different ways to approach relationship issues, but one of my primary goals when working with relationship issues is to define expectations. I approach relationship issues by initially doing a lot of listening so I can understand as much as possible what a client is experiencing, then validating the client with support based of my understanding of their feelings, and then helping them establish realistic expectations from their partner. Communication is key in relationships so I often use an intervention called interpersonal resolutions to help clients improve communication with their loved ones. I also use DBT-based interventions to help clients learn to be more assertive in expressing their needs to others. For relationship issues, I find that therapy can be very beneficial in helping the client clarify what they actually want, and then figure out how they can attain what they want, whether it be more attention, understanding, compassion, intimacy, or support.
Trauma
I am a trauma informed therapist and I recently completed training in EMDR therapy.
Insurance & Finances
Accepted Insurance Providers
- Aetna
- Blue Cross Blue Shield Choice
- Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO
- Cigna
Accepts Sliding Scale
No
Patient Focus
Alternate Languages
Age Preferences
Prescribe Medication
No, I cannot prescribe medication
Office Locations
9007 W. Cermak, North Riverside, IL 60546
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Qualifications
Education
Benedictine University
License
License No. 180007277
708-522-4009