I am a dually licensed clinical mental health and substance abuse therapist in the State of Wisconsin and the State of Illinois with 15 years experience in the mental health field. I work with a wide range of concerns, though I specialize in addressing relationship conflict (couple’s counseling), stress management, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, gender/identity concerns, and addiction.. The experience that I have gained working in management and leadership roles, as well as community agency and hospital settings, has helped me to understand the various challenges that people face as well as the best approach to treating them. 

I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology Degree from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, where I was able gain understanding of the human psyche and internal drives. I obtained my Master of Science in Counseling Degree from Northern Illinois University which furthered my understanding of human behavior as well allowed me to appreciate the connection between internal drives and cognitive schemas with outward behaviors and interactions (relationships). I believe that thoughts influence behaviors and that feelings invoked from thoughts and behaviors solidify the propensity to engage in continued patterns. Therefore, I utilize a cognitive behavioral approach to identify and address troublesome areas - though to the client this will look and feel much like a regular discussion.  

Although most people enjoy and even look forward to coming to therapy once they are accustomed to it, most people feel fairly uncomfortable in the beginning stages. It is important for clients to understand that effective therapy takes time and committment, and the timeline is generally proportional to the readiness of the client to engage as well as the magnitude of the concern being addressed.