Finding Balance In Relationships
I understand how deeply you care about others, often putting their needs before your own because it feels natural to you. It's challenging when you find yourself worrying about potential outcomes, wanting everything to be safe and secure, yet sometimes feeling overwhelmed by the uncertainty. You value peace and harmony, often trying to avoid conflict, but that can sometimes leave you feeling unseen or unheard. I’m here to support you in finding balance—nurturing yourself as much as you care for others, learning to trust your instincts while managing those worries, and finding your voice in a way that honors your need for peace. Together, we can explore ways to help you feel more centered and confident in who you are and how you navigate your relationships and the world around you.
Complex Trauma
It's common to feel like parts of yourself are disconnected or that you’re triggered by things you don’t fully understand, especially after experiencing deep, long-term trauma. You might feel like certain parts of you react in ways you can’t control, or you might feel numb and detached at times. This can be confusing and overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be something you face alone. In our work together, I’ll help you explore and understand these different parts of yourself and how they came to be. We’ll work on building a sense of safety within yourself and your relationships so you can start to heal those wounds and bring all parts of you into alignment. I understand the importance of teaching and implementing stabilization skills, and I believe in going at a slow, steady pace that feels safe for you. My approach is informed by EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and the insights from Coping with Trauma-Related Dissociation by Kathy Steele, Suzette Boon, and Onno van der Hart, Ph.D. By incorporating these approaches, we can address and process those traumatic memories that continue to impact your life, helping you find relief and move forward with a greater sense of wholeness and peace.
Overcoming Unhelpful Patterns
Navigating your relationship with substances, behaviors, or other process addictions can be challenging, especially when they've become a way to cope with difficult emotions or situations. I'm here to support you, whether you're looking to make changes at your own pace or explore new ways of managing those tough feelings. With my experience as a certified alcohol and drug counselor and years of work within Chicago's LGBTQ community, particularly with crystal meth and alcohol use, I understand the unique challenges you might be facing. My approach is grounded in harm reduction, focusing on what you want to achieve and helping you find the motivation to create a life that feels more in control and aligned with your values. I also work with friends and family members, informed by approaches such as the CRAFT method, to help them support their loved ones effectively. Together, we can work toward a healthier, more balanced path forward.
Mental Health For The Music Industry
Life in the music industry is filled with unique challenges—whether you're a musician, tour support, venue staff or record label employee. Touring, financial instability, and the constant pressure of a career that can feel uncertain are just a few of the hurdles you might face. It’s not always easy to find someone who truly understands the intricacies of your world. Having been rooted in music communities from a young age and working at a record label as a publicist, I know firsthand the struggles and joys of being in the industry. For musicians, I’ve seen the pressures of balancing creativity with public perception and understand how deeply personal and vulnerable your work can be. In our sessions, I offer a space where you can be understood without needing to explain the nuances of your life in the music industry. Together, we’ll navigate the challenges you face, help you find balance, and support you in building a sustainable, fulfilling career that aligns with who you are.
LGBTQ+ Experiences And Empowerment
I have been working as a therapist within the LGBTQ community since 2011, and over 50% of my clients identify within the community. This extensive experience has given me a deep understanding of the unique challenges and complexities that this diverse community faces.
Queer and Lesbian-Identified Women
I understand that, as a queer or lesbian-identified woman, you may face unique challenges in your relationships. There’s often a deep hope for unconditional understanding—expecting that your partner will provide the ultimate care, acceptance, and support. When these high expectations aren’t fully realized, it can lead to significant disappointment and strain in your relationships. Finding a balance between connection and maintaining your own individuality can be particularly challenging. In our work together, I provide a supportive space to explore these dynamics, helping you navigate the complexities of your relationships in a way that honors both your needs and those of your partner.
Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Folx
With extensive experience supporting transgender clients, including assisting with gender-affirming surgery letter writing, I approach each person with a client-centered focus. I encourage you to explore your gender at your own pace, without any agenda or pressure. My goal is to provide a safe and comfortable space where you can openly discuss the complexities of internalized transphobia and the challenges of defining your identity in a world that often pushes for labels. I understand how confusing and overwhelming these pressures can be, and I’m here to help you navigate them in a way that feels authentic and affirming to who you are. For some people, a deep sense of insecurity and lack of safety can cause serious obstacles to feeling you have the ability to move freely in the world. I’m here to help by working with you to carefully distinguish between genuine safety concerns that require strategic planning and the anxieties or fears that can be addressed and worked through. Together, we’ll develop practical strategies for navigating real-world challenges while also helping you build the internal resilience needed to manage and overcome the fears that may be holding you back.
Gay Men
I enjoy working with men who find themselves at a unique crossroads in life. You’ve witnessed drastic changes in how society treats gay people, yet the trauma from the past—pressures to conform to straight masculinity and hide your true self—still lingers. This past trauma can lead to deep-seated anger, feelings of inadequacy, and the need to overcompensate in various aspects of life. At the same time, you might struggle with the weight of expectations within your own community, where age can bring its own set of challenges, such as navigating a world that often values youth and overlooks the wisdom that comes with age. These experiences can leave you feeling disoriented and questioning your sense of self-worth, identity, and what it means to live authentically. Together, we can explore these complexities, working through the anger and frustration, to help you find a path toward self-acceptance, authenticity, and a life that feels genuinely fulfilling.
Queer and Lesbian-Identified Women
I understand that, as a queer or lesbian-identified woman, you may face unique challenges in your relationships. There’s often a deep hope for unconditional understanding—expecting that your partner will provide the ultimate care, acceptance, and support. When these high expectations aren’t fully realized, it can lead to significant disappointment and strain in your relationships. Finding a balance between connection and maintaining your own individuality can be particularly challenging. In our work together, I provide a supportive space to explore these dynamics, helping you navigate the complexities of your relationships in a way that honors both your needs and those of your partner.
Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Folx
With extensive experience supporting transgender clients, including assisting with gender-affirming surgery letter writing, I approach each person with a client-centered focus. I encourage you to explore your gender at your own pace, without any agenda or pressure. My goal is to provide a safe and comfortable space where you can openly discuss the complexities of internalized transphobia and the challenges of defining your identity in a world that often pushes for labels. I understand how confusing and overwhelming these pressures can be, and I’m here to help you navigate them in a way that feels authentic and affirming to who you are. For some people, a deep sense of insecurity and lack of safety can cause serious obstacles to feeling you have the ability to move freely in the world. I’m here to help by working with you to carefully distinguish between genuine safety concerns that require strategic planning and the anxieties or fears that can be addressed and worked through. Together, we’ll develop practical strategies for navigating real-world challenges while also helping you build the internal resilience needed to manage and overcome the fears that may be holding you back.
Gay Men
I enjoy working with men who find themselves at a unique crossroads in life. You’ve witnessed drastic changes in how society treats gay people, yet the trauma from the past—pressures to conform to straight masculinity and hide your true self—still lingers. This past trauma can lead to deep-seated anger, feelings of inadequacy, and the need to overcompensate in various aspects of life. At the same time, you might struggle with the weight of expectations within your own community, where age can bring its own set of challenges, such as navigating a world that often values youth and overlooks the wisdom that comes with age. These experiences can leave you feeling disoriented and questioning your sense of self-worth, identity, and what it means to live authentically. Together, we can explore these complexities, working through the anger and frustration, to help you find a path toward self-acceptance, authenticity, and a life that feels genuinely fulfilling.
Honoring Diverse Minds
ADHD
I have a strong understanding of ADHD, and as someone with lived experience, I deeply empathize with the challenges it can present in your daily life and relationships. I know firsthand how attention issues can impact your ability to focus, stay organized, and manage tasks. In our work together, I can help you develop practical strategies to manage these difficulties in a way that supports your overall well-being.
Autism
I understand that each individual on the spectrum brings a unique perspective and set of strengths to the table. Recognizing that you might need support in other areas of life while taking this part of you into consideration, we focus on fostering an affirming, structured, and sensory-sensitive environment that respects your way of experiencing the world. I believe in clear and straightforward communication, and our sessions are designed to help you navigate social, communication, and executive functioning challenges effectively. Together, we’ll set meaningful goals and work collaboratively towards enhancing your well-being and helping you thrive in your daily life.
I have a strong understanding of ADHD, and as someone with lived experience, I deeply empathize with the challenges it can present in your daily life and relationships. I know firsthand how attention issues can impact your ability to focus, stay organized, and manage tasks. In our work together, I can help you develop practical strategies to manage these difficulties in a way that supports your overall well-being.
Autism
I understand that each individual on the spectrum brings a unique perspective and set of strengths to the table. Recognizing that you might need support in other areas of life while taking this part of you into consideration, we focus on fostering an affirming, structured, and sensory-sensitive environment that respects your way of experiencing the world. I believe in clear and straightforward communication, and our sessions are designed to help you navigate social, communication, and executive functioning challenges effectively. Together, we’ll set meaningful goals and work collaboratively towards enhancing your well-being and helping you thrive in your daily life.