Services
About My Clients
Many of my clients on the outside look like they have it all together, but inside feel anxious and exhausted. For over 25 years, I have been working with perfectionists who often struggle with anxiety and depression. I offer a holistic, supportive, yet direct style, where we work together to navigate everyday challenges, life transitions, and grief and loss. My ideal client understands the vulnerability of coming to therapy, but is willing to trust that working with me will help them to grow.
My Background and Approach
Because so many of my clients feel that they have to present as "strong" and "capable" and "successful" in their day to day, I work hard to create a safe environment where they can let their guard down- or take off their "masks"- to more fully address the struggles in their lives. I integrate multiple techniques using CBT, Mindfulness, and ACT to help you find practical strategies to build skills to help you feel more confident and able. My approach is to be caring and compassionate, while also trying to be direct in guiding clients through their process. I believe that counseling can help individuals, couples and families move in new directions, fostering growth and a sense of well-being. I have supported a number of teens and their parents with the transition from high school, helping teens more successfully "launch" and giving parents the tools to help them give space in the transition. “Change is possible; what we long for is not beyond reach.”
My Personal Beliefs and Interests
I think many of us go through life unconsciously repeating unhealthy learned behaviors that we have picked up along the way. We trust that our often well-intentioned parents, schooling, and larger communities are guiding us well, when in fact we are not feeling it and would welcome help re-learning healthier strategies. From 2000-2016, I counseled at the Hotchkiss School, a competitive New England boarding high school, where I gained extensive experience in the treatment of depression, anxiety, trauma and loss, along with numerous other adolescent issues. As a result, a sizable portion of the work I have done is to address and diffuse "perfectionism" and its repercussions. I love to work with college students to support healthier and more connected experiences. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Illinois as well as a Licensed Professional Counselor in Oregon. I enjoy collaborating with educational systems and health professionals when supporting clients.