Growing up, I was a very curious kid. I always wanted to understand the why behind things that were happening in the world, especially human suffering. This natural inclination inspired me to pursue a career in academia, where I was able to research and make sense of the human condition in a meaningful way. It wasn't until the second year of my doctoral training that I found my true passion and calling was helping people. With this realization, I devoted the remainder of my training to refining my clinical skills while helping veterans and their families navigate complex mental health concerns. This work was especially meaningful to me given my family history of military service.
After working in the VA Healthcare System and Rush University Medical Center for several years, I decided to pursue private practice, which I saw as an opportunity to improve the quality I provided clients. I established Evolve Healing and Wellness Center with the intention of reaching a broader population and having more autonomy and flexibility in how I delivered mental health services to individuals in need.
My approach to therapy is heavily influenced by my background in counseling psychology, which embraces cultural diversity and individual differences in understanding personal challenges humans experience over their lifespan. Throughout my career, I have worked with clients from all walks of life and a variety of mental health concerns. My areas of expertise include post-traumatic stress, mood, and anxiety disorders, as well as anger management, emotion dysregulation, chronic pain, and substance use related issues.
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As a psychotherapist, I adopt an empathic, non-judgemental, and inquisitive approach to understanding my clients lived experiences. I am trained in a variety of evidence-based treatments, which I tend to draw from in my work with clients. I also believe in empowering clients with information so they can make informed decisions about the care they receive, and tailoring treatment to meet their individual needs, backgrounds, preferences, and goals. I believe collaboration is crucial to the success of therapy.
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Whether you are reliving past traumas, plagued by worrisome thoughts, concerned about your substance use, or feeling generally dissatisfied in life, I will provide a listening ear, support, and guidance to help you meet these challenges and make the life changes you desire. I am committed to providing a safe space for my clients to discuss the problems they are facing and develop strategies to promote healing and growth.