Services
About My Clients
If you are reading these words, it is likely that you, or someone you care about, is grieving. You may be looking for help. You may not know what to do. Losing someone you love, or something very important or precious to you, may be the most difficult thing you will ever experience. The pain of your loss can feel unbearable and sometimes grief gets complicated. We provide a safe place for you to process your emotions and explore concerns and challenges as you journey through grief.
My Background and Approach
My goal is to help those who have suffered a loss to regain their footing, restore their sense of self, and instill a sense of hope as they integrate this loss into their lives. My approach is compassion focused, strengths based, trauma-informed, person-centered, humanistic, and culturally sensitive. I believe in the importance of allowing grief to unfold at its own pace. I provide you with knowledge, tools, and support to help as you walk along this journey. I have been a practicing social worker for over two decades. I earned a PhD in Social Work from the University of Iowa (2007) and am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in both Iowa (LISW) and Illinois (LCSW). I am also recognized as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) and hold Advanced Certification in Hospice and Palliative Care Social Work (ACHP-SW).
My Personal Beliefs and Interests
I have served in many roles throughout my career, including academia, nonprofit administration, and direct practice. In my latter years I wanted to work exclusively with bereaved individuals and spent six years working in a hospice prior to founding Grief Counseling & Therapeutic Services. I have been privileged to support grieving individuals and families in many environments, from persons living in homeless shelters to persons involved in hospice care. Outside of my work, my greatest joy is spending time with family and friends (both two-legged and four-legged), enjoying the outdoors, and generally embracing life and love. I look forward to meeting you.