I am going to say something unusual in a therapist bio: nothing is wrong with you. You have everything you need. The path to achieving your goals and feeling happy is not doing more, it’s doing less. Therapy should be a place where we uncover what makes you exceptional and make it even brighter.
As a strengths-based practitioner, I believe that each person’s mix of strengths and challenges is as unique as their fingerprint. My approach is rooted in the belief that when we focus on identifying and enhancing strengths, we reduce shame and empower ourselves to achieve our goals.
I specialize in working with neurodivergent individuals and couples most of whom are in the kink and non-monogamy communities and identify as LGBTQIA+. My work is not about “fixing” ADHD or Autism; instead, I help clients leverage their neurotype as an asset in every area of their lives. My approach is informed by the social model of disability, attachment theory, and trauma healing.
I am a person-first therapist who believes that no single therapeutic technique fits everyone. I have extensive training in trauma therapies such as somatic experiencing and EMDR, as well as mindfulness practices that aid in executive functioning. My therapeutic toolbox also includes narrative techniques, DBT & CBT interventions, and insights from my own experience as a neurodivergent individual. While I am Level 2 Gottman trained, I adapt this approach to be more neuroaffirming, ensuring it meets the unique needs of my clients. Additionally, I am trained in a variety of career counseling and executive functioning techniques to support neurodivergent individuals across the lifespan.
In therapy, I believe in a collaborative process that distributes power equally. You are the expert on your life and experience; my role is to help you achieve your goals. I show up as a real, flawed, and authentic person—anything less would feel hypocritical given the vulnerability you bring to our sessions. I am candid and will hold you accountable to your goals, but always with humor and deep care.
I bring diverse life experiences into the therapy room, with a career that has spanned classroom teaching, technology, and therapy. I hold Master’s degrees in Education, Business Administration, and Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and I draw from these experiences to make therapeutic theory and practices more relatable and effective.
As a queer mother of four neurodivergent children, one of whom is trans, I have lived the experience of navigating a society that isn’t designed for us. Discovering my own neurodivergent identities later in life was a transformative journey that not only boosted my self-esteem but also reduced my anxiety and depression, allowing me to craft a life I truly love. Paying this forward through my work is my life’s passion.
I am a voracious reader and lifelong learner, constantly expanding my skillset to better serve my clients. Because neuroaffirming research is relatively new, I am always reading current studies and attend 6-10 trainings annually on topics relevant to neurodivergent individuals. I am a member of the Kink and Poly Aware Chicago Therapists.
I am deeply committed to creating a therapeutic space where you can explore and embrace your true self without fear of judgment. My journey, both personal and professional, has been dedicated to understanding and advocating for those who live in a world not always built for them. Together, we’ll work to harness your strengths, overcome challenges, and craft a life that aligns with your values and aspirations. My mission is to support you in thriving authentically, with confidence and resilience, in every aspect of your life.
