My Practice
A grounded, relational approach.
I draw from psychodynamic and relational frameworks, EMDR, IFS-informed parts work, and a stubborn belief that you are the expert on your own life. The work is collaborative, often funny, and not at all about me telling you what to think.
Therapy for Artists & Musicians
The industry normalizes instability and puts wellness on the back burner. I work with creative people on the parts of their lives that touring schedules, late nights, and a complicated relationship with attention don't make easier.
Before becoming a therapist I worked as a publicity intern mailing piles of indie rock CDs to press and college radio, a music director at a college radio station, an admin for the graphic designer behind the nutrition facts label on your food, and a publicist at one of Chicago's many independent record labels. I know this world from the inside.
Complex Trauma & EMDR
For experiences that have settled into the body and won't leave through talking alone. EMDR is a structured, evidence-based way to actually move things, not just describe them.
Trauma is often at the core of mental health issues. I define it as the thing that happened to us that changed us. I noticed early in my career that people needed more than talking, and I've been an EMDR practitioner for 10 years. I also specialize in working with people who had parents showing traits of Cluster B personality disorders (Narcissistic, Borderline, Histrionic, Antisocial) and those with a complicated history with substances.
Codependency & Relationships
When you've spent a long time being the person who manages everyone else's feelings, learning to have your own takes some practice. We'll do that practice.
Through my work in addictions and with people raised by parents with personality difficulties, I've seen how often the impulse to take care of others comes at the cost of self. As a healing professional I understand this from both sides. It's a genuine gift as a clinician, and something that requires tending.
LGBTQ+ Affirming Care
Affirming as a baseline, not a selling point. The work doesn't center your identity unless you want it to, and we don't waste time educating me on the basics.
For close to a decade I practiced at the Midwest's largest LGBTQ health center, specifically working with people impacted by trauma and substance use. I have a deep understanding of gender identity in all its forms and have supported clients through every kind of identity exploration and medical decision-making process, including those who pursued transition, those who didn't, and everyone figuring it out somewhere in between.
Neurodivergence
ADHD, autism, AuDHD, and the people who suspect something but were never told. Sensory-aware, structured when helpful, and zero interest in fixing you into someone you aren't.
Neurodivergence runs in my family and I have lived experience of my own. I'm also attuned to the comorbid conditions that often travel with it: GI disorders, neurological and sleep conditions, connective tissue and joint issues, POTS, and metabolic and immune system issues.
Substance Use & Recovery
I'm a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor in Illinois. Harm-reduction friendly, abstinence-friendly, and judgment-free about whichever path makes sense for you.
I have a high level of specialization around the intersection of crystal meth and sexual behavior among cisgender gay men.
