I am a Doctor of Clinical Psychology and Licensed Clinical Psychologist. My expertise is in the clinical assessment and treatment of children, families, and couples. In my clinical work andresearch, I’m particularly interested in what leads people to form their families the way they do and their reproductive decisions. I’m an active researcher and frequent national and international presenter in the areas of reproductive and family formation psychology, as well as Family and Couple Therapy. I received the international Graduate Student Prize from the Society of Reproductive and Infant Psychology. I maintain a strong commitment to scholarly activity and involvement in professional organizations.
I’ve also received specialized training in Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I earned both my Doctoral Degree and Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology and my Bachelor’s Degree (Honors) from the University of Illinois at Chicago. I have extensive experience working with individuals, families, romantic partnerships, and children in a diverse array of settings. I also have a wealth of experience helping clients who have experienced traumatic events and have been involved in many research projects, including research exploring new treatments for clients who have experienced trauma.
Do you struggle with feelings of emptiness? Sadness? Apathy or anger? Are you worried about the path you’re on in your career, your relationships, or your sense of self?I am passionate about helping people to live fuller, more satisfying lives. I believe that people are complex and as a result, I work with clients from anintegrative perspective. I pay close attention to the many parts of each person, couple, or family, and seek to understand how these parts work together to move the client towards or away from the change they seek. My clients often tell me that they feel safe with me, supported by me, and appreciate the perspective I offer them on themselves, their lives, and their challenges.
“And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years,” (Abraham Lincoln). If any quote captures my philosophy on life, it is the aforementioned one. I strive to help clients to live life which is not controlled by their difficulties. I am deeply moved by the experience of helping my clients to overcome their challenges and helping them to really live.
I strongly believe in work-life balance. In my free time, I enjoy crafts, cooking, running with my Huskies, hiking, traveling and immersing myself in new cultures, reading, and watching movies. My life is enriched by the laughter shared and memories made with my husband, close friends, and family. I feel strongly about social justice and volunteering to serve individuals and communities that have less access to resources, such as orphaned/foster children, widows, and those that live in poverty.
