MY STORY
Why I am a counselor
The careers we choose are often a reflection of who we are in our personal lives. As a person with lived experience with mental illness, I know how important it is to be treated with respect and compassion by providers. I aim to be a counselor that I would want to see myself and will never judge another person for the path that led them to needing counseling.
MY EXPERIENCE
I bring considerable education and experience with me into the counseling session. I have a Bachelors of Science in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin - Madison. I have a Masters of Education and a certificate of advanced graduate study (CAGS) from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. I am currently a doctoral candidate in Counselor Education and Supervision program at The Chicago School.
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Additionally, I have been trained and worked as an emergency medical technician in the United States, so I have a technical understanding of common conditions such as diabetes, chronic pain conditions, and multiple sclerosis.
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MY PHILOSOPHY
As a client-centered, humanistic mental health counselor, my philosophy is grounded in the belief that every individual has the capacity for growth and change. I approach counseling as a collaborative process, working together with my clients to develop a deep understanding of their unique experiences, needs, and goals.
Central to my philosophy is the belief that each individual is the expert on their own life, and as such, they are the best resource for their own healing and growth. I believe that my role as a counselor is to provide a safe, non-judgmental space in which my clients can explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and to help them tap into their own inner wisdom and strengths.
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My approach to counseling is grounded in the principles of empathy, authenticity, and unconditional positive regard. I believe that it is essential to create a warm and accepting environment in which my clients feel seen, heard, and valued, and in which they feel empowered to take ownership of their own healing journey.
I draw from a range of therapeutic modalities, including person-centered therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and mindfulness-based practices. I believe that each client is unique and that the most effective counseling approach is one that is tailored to their individual needs and preferences.
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Ultimately, my goal as a counselor is to support my clients in discovering their own inner resources and developing the skills and insights needed to live a fulfilling and meaningful life. I am committed to creating a space that is free from judgment, stigma, and shame, and to supporting my clients in building a life that is aligned with their true values and aspirations.
WHY "NINE LIVES"?
My Practice
Connections to life come in all shapes and sizes. For me, my cats have always been my tether to life. Caring for them and being cared for by them has helped me through my own dark times, and has really proven to me that nothing is too small to make a difference.
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Connected to that, I live by the idea that no trauma, no mistake, no catastrophe really is the end of it all, even when it feels like it at the time. Trauma certainly puts its mark on us, but with proper care we can rise above it. Like cats with their nine lives, we have the opportunity to reset and find joy after the hardest of times.
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I currently have three cats; Sirius, Remus, and Charlie. And yes, they can be available for sessions if you need a little furry support!
