What’s something you would say to a potential client who’s on the fence about beginning therapy?
I would ask why not? Therapy is a non-judgemental setting where you are free to be who you are. If you’re on the fence, there is no harm in trying it (but there’s no pressure). It could be an environment to vent or talk about things that have been on your mind. We’re here to help guide our clients with solutions, not to make more challenges in your life.
What’s your hope for each client when they leave your office?
I hope they feel like they have a support system. There’s no promise that every time someone leaves a session they will feel better about what was talked about. But, with that example, I hope they still feel like they have someone that will continue to support them on their journey.
What is your favorite part of being a therapist?
Whenever someone has asked me why I became a therapist, I always say that I love to help people find the pieces to their puzzles they wish to solve. I have always been someone who is very curious, and I think deeply about things. It is rewarding when a client has shown their progress, even without verbally saying anything to prove that. Sometimes as a therapist, it can be hard to feel like I’ve been helping someone, but it feels great to hear that clients see things differently on their side of things.
Where did you go to school? What degree did you obtain from each?
I did my undergrad at Illinois State University and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work. Right after my bachelor’s I went to graduate school for a Master’s of Social Work at Northeastern Illinois University.
How long have you been practicing?
I have been practicing social work since 2021 with an internship in a residential home for mental health and in a hospital. In the residential home, I worked with residents that were in their 30s-60s and at the hospital, I worked with adolescents and teens. I had another internship at an elementary school in the district I grew up in. In the elementary school, I was able to work with families and children that had various different backgrounds. It was truly interesting to see how the school system worked and how it compared to being a student there.
How do you practice self care?
Practicing self care can be a little challenging for me sometimes. I enjoy having time to myself, but I also really like having time to spend with my family and friends. I am starting to slowly become better at realizing when I need time to myself. Having time to myself, might mean reading a book, watching a show, or going for a walk while listening to music. Over the summer, I had my early morning walks to the beach and was able to watch the relaxing waves of the lake.
Were you involved in any extra curricular activities either in high school or college?
In high school I was part of the tennis team, badminton club, and yearbook club. I was also involved in a youth group during high school, and was on the board for two years. In college, I was a member of a sorority that helped me form many relationships and skills. I was able to partake in leadership roles that my sorority helped me succeed and grow in.
What is an unpopular opinion that you have? (About therapy or about life!)
If we’re talking about unpopular opinions about life in general, I can name a few. I don't mind turbulence, I really like oatmeal raisin cookies, and chocolate is only good when it’s paired with something else like peanut butter or nuts. :)
What do you like to do for fun?
I’m a pretty simple person. I like to spend quality time with the people I like to be around. I also enjoy walking, reading a good book every once in a while, and finding a show that I actually enjoy watching (I can get bored with shows a little too fast sometimes). Organizing is something that I also consider to be fun when I need something to do.
What are 3 unique facts about you?
I didn’t start talking until I was around five years old. Shout out to childhood apraxia of speech.
I applied to college as an early education major, then switched to elementary education, then switched to social work on orientation day.
I constantly have a sticky note somewhere near me to remind me to do something.
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