I became a therapist after working in the health care industry for many years and realizing that I could have a greater impact practicing therapy. My career has spanned multiple disciplines including education, managing and providing direct care to those living with developmental disabilities, as well as quality control in manufacturing settings. While these may seem disparate, I feel working across settings and engaging with many different people over the years has assisted me to meet people where they are in their lives and assist them in the ways that they perceive as most beneficial.

I believe that therapy is most successful when clients are open to seeking their own answers to the questions they have with assistance and guidance from a therapist. Finding your own meaning via therapeutic support will have the greatest success.

I am looking forward to meeting clients who are ready to engage in a therapeutic dialogue and discuss what is most present in their hearts and minds.

I appreciate when clients practice what they are learning and discovering in therapy outside of the session. Therapy, like any service, is a choice. I challenge any client to find the therapist that they feel most comfortable to work towards their therapeutic goals.

As a previous client of Thriveworks, I felt comfortable at the practice and made progress towards my goals. When I decided to explore private practice, Thriveworks made the most sense as they meet clients where they are in their journeys and offer flexible hours and therapy modalities to meet those needs.

I am inspired by individuals who continue to move forward and find methods to manage and address their life stressors. I also gather inspiration from beauty and growth found in the least likely places.

In the first session, clients can expect to learn about my therapy practice, confidentiality practices, and general expectations for therapy. Additionally, we will discuss client's specific goals for therapy and spend time building rapport in order to develop a therapeutic alliance. In short, we'll need to get to know one another in order to work towards your goals and develop a therapeutic alliance.

Once the required information is covered, my main goal is for clients and I to get to know one another and begin to address their goals for therapy.

I ask clients to engage in activities outside of therapy to experience, experiment, and explore what they are learning and discovering. My practice is based on being open to whatever clients bring into the session. Overall, whatever you are experiencing, feel free to talk to me about it.

I enjoy taking walks, exploring bookstores and collecting books, reading, writing poetry and short fiction, spending time with my partner, spending time in Chicago, going to museums and galleries, finding new artists, listening to music and going to concerts, speaking and spending time with friends and loved ones.

I came out as gay when I was 26. My sexuality was always something I felt a great deal of shame about. Through therapy and support from friends and family, I was able to accept myself for who I am. Because of this, one of my core values is self-congruency meaning that who I am on the outside is who I am within. I consistently challenge myself to be as congruent and honest with myself.