Welcome!

I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in the state of Illinois.  I earned both my Masters of Arts (M.A.) and Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) from the APA-Accredited Clinical Psychology program at the Illinois School of Professional Psychology.  I completed my predoctoral internship at Pace University Counseling Center in New York and my postdoctoral hours at the University of Illinois Chicago Counseling Center.

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I practice from an insight-oriented, collaborative, and individualized approach to meet the unique needs of each person I work with. I strive to provide a supportive and accepting space for my patients to feel heard and understood while also feeling challenged to experiment with new ways of thinking, feeling and relating.  My hope is that therapy can be useful in providing tools to relieve immediate stress while also helping uncover the underlying meanings of unwanted or distressing symptoms, feelings and relational patterns in order to create lasting change.

I have extensive experience working with undergraduate and graduate students as well as early and mid career professionals.  I also specialize in women's mental health and work with women across the lifespan.  Additionally, I have specialized training in group therapy and am currently completing training in modern psychoanalytic group psychotherapy at the Center for Group Studies in New York.  

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Specialty Areas:

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Graduate and undergraduate student mental health

Early Career Professionals (psychology, law, medicine and business)

Career related concerns and professional growth

Women’s mental health; prenatal and postpartum concerns; fertility concerns

Identity exploration

Sexual, physical and emotional Trauma 

Family-of-origin concerns 

Coping with being a caregiver to parents who are aging and/or have significant medical needs

Relational concerns 

Life transitions (divorce, becoming a parent, changing career path)

Grief and Loss

Couples therapy 

I use a relational-cultural approach to therapy, meaning we will explore relationship patterns and societal messages that result in shame, self-blame, and disconnection. My work with clients often explores the traumatic impact of systemic oppression and the importance of gender, race, size, and sexual orientation (among many other identities) on our lives, mental health, and relationships. 

I am also a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP). Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a body-oriented approach to processing trauma. I utilize SE to create emotional and relational safety, facilitate nervous system regulation, and release emotions and trauma that are stored in the body. I have experience helping clients heal from medical/surgical trauma, car/plane accidents, near death experiences, sexual assault, and developmental/family of origin trauma. I may integrate concepts from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to increase your coping skills and create movement towards your values.

I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in the state of Illinois and I obtained my PhD in Counseling Psychology from the University of Akron in Ohio. I completed my APA-Accredited internship at Texas Woman’s University Counseling and Psychological Services and my Postdoctoral Fellowship at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago Counseling Services. As Director of Clinical Training at CCC, I am passionate about the training and development of pre-licensed mental health professionals, social justice advocacy, and feminist supervision.

Specialty Areas:

Early career professionals

Women’s mental health

Size/body/weight/fat acceptance

Cultural/racial identity exploration

Trauma and complex PTSD

Family-of-origin dysfunction

Medical/surgical trauma

Mind-body connection/disconnection

Near death experiences

Couples therapy and diverse relationship orientations

I provide individual counseling and group therapy at Chicago Counseling Collective. I have extensive experience working with undergraduate and graduate students, young adults, and early career/emerging professionals. I also have a strong personal interest and clinical competency working with middle-aged adults. 

My therapeutic style is warm, relational, psychodynamic (processing past personal and relational experiences and exploring their potential connection to current personal and interpersonal functioning), and collaborative. As a clinician, I believe that the therapeutic relationship is paramount to establishing a safe, trusting, open, and interconnected space, which sets the tone for personal and interpersonal awareness, acceptance, healing, growth, and change to occur. I continually strive to provide an empathic, supportive, genuine, and collaborative space with my clients in which they can feel understood, supported, valued, and challenged to express their true selves in my presence, eventually (should they choose to do so) even those aspects of themselves that they generally hide from the majority of others in their life. I also believe that the focus of attention and discussion in a particular therapy session as well as the overall pacing of therapy varies by person with some clients preferring and benefiting from a more active therapeutic approach early in treatment, while other clients needing and/or preferring more time before they feel secure enough to delve deeper into their presenting concerns. As a result, I use my extensive clinical experience and strong intuition along with a collaborative approach to discern, discuss, and ultimately decide how to most effectively serve my clients in our therapeutic work together. If you feel like we could be a good therapeutic match, please do not hesitate to contact me. 

I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in the state of Illinois. I earned both my Masters of Arts (M.A.) and Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) from the APA-Accredited Clinical Psychology program at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. I have spent the past twelve years working and training in several different university counseling center settings. Specifically, I have spent the past eight years at the University of Illinois at Chicago Counseling Center as a staff clinician and more recently as the Center’s Assistant Director for Group Therapy for the past five years. In addition, I completed my postdoctoral fellowship at Princeton University Counseling and Psychological Services and my predoctoral internship at American University Counseling Center in Washington, D.C. I also previously trained for two consecutive years as an advanced practicum extern at DePaul University Counseling Services in Chicago.

Specialty Areas:

College Students (undergraduate and graduate) and Young Adults

Middle-aged Adults

Relationship/Interpersonal Issues

Family of Origin Concerns

Depression

Grief and Loss

Anxiety

Identity Development

Phase of Life Transitions and Concerns

Career and Professional Concerns

Low Self-Esteem/Self-Worth

Women’s Issues

Men’s Issues

Group Therapy

I'm delighted to be part of the Chicago Counseling Collective team. After receiving my B.A. from Boston University in Psychology, I attended The Family Institute at Northwestern University for my M.A. in Counseling, specializing in working with children and adolescents. I'm currently pursuing a PhD in Counseling Psychology at Fordham University in New York City. Along with children and adolescents, I treat across the lifespan working with individuals, couples, and families. I specialize in working with people of color, with particular attention to youth and Black mental health wellness.  

My therapeutic approach is holistic and eclectic, including a mix of modalities attuned to my clients and their needs. My therapeutic work is centered upon cultural humility and empathy, and I believe a strong therapeutic alliance is integral to successful treatment. Overall, my therapeutic work is highly collaborative and I work diligently to help my clients achieve wellness. I view myself as a very encouraging and validating therapist and my goal is always to help my clients gain insight and make the changes they wish to see. 

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Specialty Areas:

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ADHD

Adolescent Mental Health

Anxiety

BIPOC Mental Health

Black Individual Mental Health

College, Graduate Student, and Young Adult Mental Health

Communication Difficulties

Cultural/Racial Identity Development

Depression

Family Therapy and Family-of-Origin Issues

Life Transitions

Relationship and Couples Counseling

Self Esteem/Compassion

Therapists in Therapy

I like working with people to help figure out what keeps them stuck in certain patterns in their lives, and flexibly and collaboratively explore opportunities for change. I strive to establish a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship, tailoring the space to each unique individual by taking the time to understand the multiple layers of someone’s identities, experiences, and environments. My approach to therapy draws from multicultural, relational/interpersonal, psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and mindfulness perspectives, and I ground the therapy in a humanistic and affirmative core. I aim to help people find greater understanding and compassion for themselves while also fostering new ways to cope and navigate challenges. I provide individual and group therapy at CCC, and am humbled by the opportunity to join people in their lives in meaningful and authentic ways.

I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in the state of Illinois. I received my Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Temple University in Philadelphia. I completed an APA-accredited internship at the University of Pennsylvania’s Counseling & Psychological Services and a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Delaware’s Center for Counseling & Student Development where I received specialty supervision in working with LGBTQIA+ individuals. I was a staff psychologist at the University of Delaware for 5 years and served as the Advanced Practicum Coordinator. Most recently, I was a staff psychologist at Northwestern University Counseling & Psychological Services and served as the Associate Director for Chicago CAPS where I coordinated outreach efforts and the postdoctoral fellowship. 

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Specialty Areas:

Graduate and professional students, early career professionals

Undergraduate students and college mental health

LGBTQIA identity

Identity exploration

Men’s Issues

Anxiety

Family of origin concerns

Interpersonal and relationship concerns

Life transitions 

Low self-esteem/self-worth

Stress management, coping skills

Perfectionism

I work with clients who are feeling stuck, lost, and struggling to move forward with their life. Seeking help might be intimidating, but therapy can be a space to receive support with navigating the constant struggles of life, and it can be an empowering journey of finding meaning and thinking more thoughtfully about your relationship with yourself and others. This is why I value creating a strong and authentic therapeutic relationship to support your growth and empower you to create the change you desire. I utilize various techniques that are tailored to your specific needs, and I strive to create a warm environment where we can explore different topics and work towards your goals together. 

I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, stress, relationship issues, life transitions, and trauma. I assist my clients with managing professional and academic concerns, creating healthier habits, finding balance, and feeling more fulfilled with their lives. I also offer couples therapy for those seeking to improve intimacy, communication, trust, and emotional closeness with their partners. Additionally, I’m particularly passionate about working with international students and immigrants, a path close to my heart as a former international student from Italy. This firsthand experience of navigating the immigration system and adjusting to a different culture has shaped my approach to therapeutic work, ensuring sensitivity to my clients’ unique experiences, beliefs, and marginalized identities.

I earned my Master’s degree in Counseling from Loyola University Chicago, and my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Dayton. I have previously worked in hospitals and community mental health settings. I also offer therapy in Italian.

Specialty Areas:

Graduate and Undergraduate students, International students

Early and Mid-Career Professionals

Life Transitions 

Couples

Relationship Issues 

Adjustment Disorder

Identity Exploration

Stress Management 

Anxiety Disorders

Mood Disorders

Grief

Trauma

Immigration Issues

Hello and welcome! I believe that relationships can be a source of immense joy, growth, and healing and can also be at the root of deep pain and trauma. This is why I work hard to create an environment that feels warm, affirming, and authentic. I use a relational- cultural and interpersonal approach in therapy meaning that one of my top priorities is getting to know you as a whole person; this includes the many layers of your identity and experiences, and your joys, sorrows, and sense of humor. Together, we can explore, process, and better understand your patterns in relationships and work toward doing something different in those relationships such as setting boundaries, practicing vulnerability, and communicating wants and needs. I am intentional about attending to the roles that systems of oppression, power, and privilege play both in and out of the therapy room. I am collaborative and flexible and want to make therapy a space that meets your needs and goals.

I love working with young adults, undergraduate and graduate students, non-traditional students, and early career professionals. These phases of life comes with many unique challenges, transitions, and opportunities for growth. It has been one of the joys of my career thus far to work with folks from all over the world and together navigate identity, culture, adjustment, and all that comes with being an international student. I am also passionate about supporting survivors of sexual trauma. I recognize the impact and toll these experiences can have, and strive to make therapy a space that feels safe, connected, empowering, and that honors the strength and resilience of survivors.

I completed my postdoctoral fellowship at Northwestern University and my APA-accredited doctoral internship at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. I earned my Master’s Degree (M.A.) and Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology at the APA-accredited Chicago School of Professional Psychology. I provide individual and group therapy here at Chicago Counseling Collective. 

Specialty Areas:

College student mental health (undergraduate and graduate, international students) 
Young adults and adults
Relationship/interpersonal concerns
Sexual and relationship trauma
Intersectional identity exploration 
Women’s mental health
Self-esteem
Grief and loss
Life transitions
Anxiety
Depression
Stress management

I believe that the therapeutic relationship is at the crux of change. Through this lens, I offer a safe, warm, and empathic space for clients to explore their inner world. Counseling is not just for those experiencing a life crisis or a current difficulty—counseling is an opportunity to learn new skills, gain new insights, and position oneself for increased health and wellness.

Although I practice through a foundation of psychodynamic therapy, I believe that every client is unique and needs something different from the therapeutic process. Pulling from a variety of modalities, I tailor techniques in a creative way to fit those needs. Through working together, I believe that I can help you find your way to the path for growth. I have experience working with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, relationship problems, work-life balance concerns, familial troubles, grief and loss, life transitions and trauma.

In addition, I'm particularly passionate about working with college students and emerging adults. This time of life can be fraught with anxiety related to academic performance and career choices. You may be navigating the complexities of increased responsibilities and independence, new social and romantic relationships, and the impact of social media in terms of peer comparison. You might also be feeling a tremendous amount of pressure, stress, and uncertainty about what the future might hold for you. All of these various factors can make this life stage feel quite unpredictable and isolating, which is why I believe therapy is so important during this time. My goal is to help you gain useful tools and skills to not only help you navigate this life stage, but also to carry with you in the future.

I earned my M.A. in Counseling from Northwestern University and my B.A. in Psychology and Communications from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. I have previously worked in various community mental health and private practice settings.

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Speciality Areas:

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Graduate and undergraduate student mental health

Emerging adulthood challenges

Life transitions

Anxiety

Depression

Relationship/interpersonal issues

Family of origin challenges

Low self-esteem/low self-worth

Identity Exploration

Born and raised in Puerto Rico, I follow a culturally-responsive approach to therapy, acknowledging intersectionality and promoting fairness, equity, and justice. I incorporate constructivist, dialectical, and psychodynamic perspectives, which means we will work together to understand both personal and societal factors that contribute to your everyday well-being. My goal is to guide you towards healthier mental habits that can alleviate your suffering and enable a life-long journey of fulfillment. Through self-exploration of personal narratives (Constructivism), analysis of interpersonal experiences (Dialectical), and understanding of the intersections between our past and present (Psychodynamic), we become more in charge of our future and aware of how we occupy and share spaces with others in the world. I believe that therapy is a co-creation of a shared vulnerable space, and recognize that my position as a therapist requires intellectual humility, transparency, and empathy.  

I obtained my doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from the APA-Accredited program at the University of Puerto Rico and completed my masters degree in Psychological Research at the University of Guadalajara. I specialized in psychodynamic psychotherapy, studying Lacanian Psychoanalysis in Quebec at the GIFRIC Institute. I have worked with a wide range of clients including adolescents, young adults, couples, families, and people who are incarcerated. I have helped clients understand how to communicate and regulate their emotions through the acquisition of interpersonal skills, the acknowledgement of unhealthy attachment patterns, and the implementation of self-regulating practices. I am committed to anti-bias/anti-racist practices (ABAR) and encourage my clients to address systemic issues as part of their therapeutic process, so they can feel more comfortable, empowered and self-assured in the space. As a former Montessori educator, I am aware of the importance of recognizing the needs of each developmental stage, and I strive to meet everyone where they are. I look forward to embarking on this journey with you!

Specialty Areas:

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Racialized trauma 

Women’s mental health

Women of color

Latinx population

Life transitions

Couples therapy 

Attachment therapy

Neurodiversity

Identity exploration

Boundary-setting skills

Relational concerns

Mood disorders

Grief and Loss

Autism spectrum 

Body dysphoria/dysmorphia

I am a postdoctoral fellow, which means I have obtained my doctoral degree and am in the last year of my training before I obtain my independent license. I earned my Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Purdue University Northwest. I earned my Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the APA-Accredited program at Tennessee State University. I completed my internship at Vanderbilt University Counseling Center in Nashville, Tennessee.

I value an authentic connection with each client I work with. I believe everyone is a master of their own lives and can make meaningful changes with the right resources. I strive to be that resource for each client I encounter, using a culturally sensitive and collaborative approach. Integrating psychodynamic and person-centered theories, I help clients make sense of their challenges and concerns, examine how each person and their history or environment impact one another, and strategize to work toward resolutions customized for each individual. The main focus of our work together will be to develop insights and skills for understanding yourself and for navigating whatever challenge you may face with a greater sense of empowerment.

I have experience working with people in community and university settings. I have worked with undergraduate and graduate students, as well as with adults, couples and families navigating trauma, relationship concerns, life transitions, and identity exploration. I integrate psychodynamic, multicultural, strengths-based, and trauma-informed approaches.

Specialty Areas:

Issues in dating, partnerships, and marriage
Family of origin dynamics and concerns
Ineffective relationship patterns
Self-esteem and perfectionism
Asian mental health
Graduate and undergraduate student mental health
Religious Trauma
Immigration and acculturation

As director of operations and outreach at CCC, I wear several hats, overseeing client billing, intake coordination, HR/recruiting, marketing and outreach, as well as general business/office management. My mission is twofold: create a welcoming and positive experience for clients seeking and receiving therapy, and help our therapists deliver their services more efficiently and effectively. I also partner closely with our founder and training director to discuss and implement initiatives to improve work culture and expand in ways that align with our values.

I deeply believe in the power of therapy to transform lives, while also understanding that this journey can be extremely vulnerable and sometimes intimidating. I’m here to create an emphatic and safe space for you to share your needs so I can best match you with a therapist who will meet those needs. It is an honor to support you on your healing journey.

 

I spent the first half of my career in corporate in a variety of marketing, project management, client success and technology roles. These past experiences have equipped me with in-depth knowledge in multiple administrative areas and a unique perspective for the mental health industry. Working in mental health administration has been profoundly rewarding, and I am proud to be part of the CCC team.

With over a decade of experience in various medical offices, combined with my bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration with a minor in communications, I bring a deep understanding of aspects clients need to consider when balancing their health and finances. I take pride in taking the time to fully learn your plan and one of my favorite aspects of my job is breaking down insurance details, making it easier for you to understand and utilize your coverage effectively.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband, a licensed clinical therapist, and our three kids. Although I’m not “outdoorsy”, I love sitting outside and reading a good book or watching my children play at a park. I have an addiction to Cherry Coke and drink way too much of it, but justify this indulgence by also drinking plenty of water. Living in beautiful Utah, I’m inspired by the breathtaking snow-capped mountains on a daily basis.