Restoring the Self
Individual Therapy on the North Side of Chicago
Step away from the busy pace of your life…
Much like a spa provides comfort to the body, therapy offers a healing balm for your mind and emotions. Reaching out for help when you are most vulnerable or uncertain is a bold act of self-care that takes courage.
I promise to create a safe space for us to work together while respecting your needs and especially your vulnerability.
You will be met by my warm compassion, keen listening, and genuine interest, as I get to know you… your present situation, your past, and your future hopes.
I welcome hearing what has unraveled, what wall you may have hit, or what now feels impossible. By knowing that, we can identify a starting point to address what parts of your life need healing the most.
We’ll call these your goals…. But then what?
Lasting change can and does happen
I offer a powerful, yet gentle therapy called Internal Family Systems (IFS) that opens the door for you to see how your struggles developed from your past hurts, trauma, or painful experiences. You will learn to befriend these troubled aspects of your personality (we call them parts), as we explore the stuck issues or negative patterns that prevent you from your full expression.
Notice I that I said ‘we,’ because our work together is collaborative. I help you harness your inherent wisdom and clarity, and then we facilitate the changes that await.
“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself as I am, then I can change.”
– Carl Rogers
My acceptance of you is contagious, because soon you will notice that you are more accepting and caring toward your most troubled emotions or behaviors. Self-compassion and loving acceptance are the foundation for lasting change.
Pause to reflect
It is my deep honor to accompany you on your healing journey. Choose to make a lasting connection to your inner self – every part of you awaits the change.
Contact me at (773) 580-2940 to discuss and explore what is next for your life.
About Me
My calling and values as a therapist
It seems my true nature is to be of service to others, for it makes me feel alive and warms my heart. Being of service feels more holistic than helping, more soulful and relational… qualities that fit me perfectly. So, being a therapist feels like my calling… and a privilege.
My values in life are many, but my main ones are to be compassionate and kind. I cherish authentic, interesting, and fun conversations. I treasure nature, am intuitive, and seek the sacred in everyday moments. I am a spiritual seeker, have done my own therapy, and participate regularly in retreats for my growth and restoration.
Certified Internal Family Systems Therapist
Professional background and training
I started my college studies in the field of speech pathology, because I liked science and wanted to help people communicate better. I soon realized that speech disorders were not the type of communication I really wished to improve, so I shifted my master’s degree to counseling and have never looked back.
After working in community mental health for several years in crisis management and addictions counseling, I changed my focus to work in the hospice field. The experience of working with those at end-of-life and counseling loved ones in their grief touched me and expanded my consciousness.
I now view life as an enormous gift, time limited, but with many opportunities to find and express that which gives us most joy and purpose.
My clinical skills were deepened with the study of a mindfulness-based, body-centered psychotherapy called the Hakomi Method.
This led me to my current specialty and passion – being a Certified Internal Family Systems Therapist. This evidence-based, transformative model was developed by Richard Schwartz, Ph.D., a family therapist formerly from Chicago.
During the early days of this model’s development and growth in the Midwest, I completed several levels of training, as well as assisting in the therapist training programs. Being a part of this now large global Internal Family Systems (IFS) community sustains and nourishes me in ways that are creative, supportive, and empowering.
Life outside of therapy
When not enjoying my clinical practice, I love to sing harmony in my Irish choir with performances throughout Chicagoland.
Connecting to nature with walks along our beautiful Lake Michigan or to a state or national park feels awesome… but the best vacation includes soaking in natural hot springs for as long as possible.
While at home, I enjoy cooking new recipes and dinners for family and friends; a good board game; and, in times of solitude, knitting and reading.