I am licensed in the state of Florida and Illinois as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LMHC and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC. I have been in private practice since 2014, first in Illinois and currently in Florida. Prior to private practice, I worked in community mental health/social service settings for over 18 years providing a variety of counseling services to a diverse population. I earned a master’s degree in professional counseling from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology in 1999 and recently completed additional graduate level courses in human sexuality, grief/loss, and trauma counseling. During that time, I extensively studied and researched these areas which provided me with additional skills and knowledge on trauma-informed treatment. I completed training for EMDR, Clinical Trauma Professional, Psychological First Aid, and FEMA – community preparedness. I have worked with clients struggling with a variety of mood and behavior challenges including depression, anxiety, ADHD, trauma and other stress related issues. In addition, assisted clients with concerns related to parenting, divorce, grief/loss, self-esteem, relationship problems, social/peer issues, bullying, changes/transitions, women’s issues, and work/school/family related stress. My treatment approach is from an integrative perspective, a view of helping people that is not restricted to one approach. I draw from a variety of approaches and treatments techniques including but not limited to, psychodynamic, client-centered, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based therapy, as well as an understanding of how our brains respond to stress and trauma. I work to integrate those therapeutic techniques that are most useful with a client’s unique characters, preferences, and individual needs, as well as adjusting them to one’s social/cultural context. I will work collaboratively with you and encourage your input throughout this process. I am committed to provide quality care where integrity and trust are top priorities. My mission is to help one gain insight, self-acceptance, and fulfillment, as well as the skills needed to thrive and succeed in life.