Clinical Philosophy
My work is informed by my values of diversity, equity, and inclusion; my beliefs in feminism, intersectionality, and that Black Lives Matter; and, my practice of social justice and antiracism. I acknowledge the broader sociocultural stressors that relate to an individual's feelings of privilege and oppression, and more broadly to an individual's mental and physical health.
I collaborate with my clients to identify their goals, and then I simultaneously support and challenge them throughout their process of reaching these goals. I help clients when they are "stuck" in some patterns of thinking, feeling, behaving, by providing both empathy and effective tools for growth and change.
Empirically Supported Treatment
I use multiple therapeutic styles, each of which is supported by research that demonstrates it is effective. Primarily, I use Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, which targets ineffective patterns of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors; intervenes on these patterns; and, replaces them with more effective ones. I also draw from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, which helps move us toward acceptance of those things we cannot change. For my clients working through traumatic experiences, I use Prolonged Exposure and Cognitive Processing Therapy, each of which has been shown to work for trauma, specifically. For clients working toward changing their behaviors, I use Motivational Interviewing - an approach proven to help clients move toward new, healthier behaviors. I also consistently acknowledge broader sociocultural forces that can make us feel privileged at times, and oppressed at others.
With every client, I employ concepts and interventions from multiple branches of therapy. I collaborate with each client to develop a tailored therapeutic regimen that works for them.
Areas of focus
Addiction
Alcohol Abuse
Anxiety
Depression/Mood
Drug Abuse
Eating Disorders
Emotional Disturbance
Family Stress
Impulse Control
LGBTQ+
Marital and Premarital
Men's Issues
Physical health
Relationship Issues
Sexuality, Intimacy
Trauma and PTSD
Office Locations
*Downtown Chicago
*Edgewater
*TeleHealth appointments available as of March 2020 and during COVID-19.
Supervision
I currently supervise another doctoral-level psychologist seeking licensure, Dr. Nicole Legate. You can learn more about her by visiting the following webpage: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/nikki-legate-evanston-il/437258. She is available to see clients, accepts the same insurance plans that I do (see below), and offers telehealth appointments.
Licensure
I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist in the state of Illinois, with License #071008988.
Billing and Insurance
I accept two Blue Cross Blue Shield plans - PPO, and Blue Choice. Clients also have the option to self-pay.