Areas of Specialty

Trauma isn’t necessarily something that happens to you—it’s what happens inside you as a result of an overwhelming experience. It can leave the body stuck in survival mode, the mind cut off from its natural rhythms, and a person disconnected from their true self. It can show up as tension, emotional overwhelm, feeling numb, or reacting to everyday situations as if the danger is still present. While trauma affects both the body and the brain, the good news is that healing is possible. Approaches that help people reconnect with their bodies, understand their emotional and relational patterns, and restore a sense of safety can gradually release old survival responses and rebuild a felt sense of wholeness and resilience. Trauma can impact us following a single incident (e.g., a car accident, attack, or medical procedure) or ongoing patterns of abuse, neglect, never feeling seen and heard by caregivers. Without adequate resources or treatment, the effects can linger long past the experience. I can help you overcome these symptoms through integrative somatic trauma therapy. Together, we will navigate the process of grief, healing, and reconnecting with yourself and your loved ones.

Research shows that ADHD often presents very differently in women and girls. Unlike the young boys who couldn't sit still and attracted the attention of their classroom teachers, many women are discovering their neurodivergence much later in life. For many women, this journey begins during through the process of one of their children being diagnosed with ADHD. It's likely that you've spent much of your life feeling misunderstood, leading to issues like anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, frustration, and feelings of failure. You have brilliant ideas and caring intentions, but struggle with follow-through and are hard on yourself for it. Daily overwhelm can be a challenge, as tasks that seem easier for others often feel more difficult. Yet, frequently women with ADHD overlook or discredit how some challenges that are hard for others come more naturally to them. ADHD symptoms can become more pronounced after having children, when the adaptive strategies we've come to rely on now seem less effective. This is especially true concerning sensory overstimulation. You don’t have to live this way anymore! Are you ready to truly know and appreciate yourself while living with more love and joy? Consider scheduling an appointment for support and learning a different way of living.

As you embark on your journey into motherhood, you may realize that this extraordinary experience is not quite what you envisioned. It can be overwhelming, conflicting, and may create anxiety and sadness that feels uncharacteristic. Whether you are newly pregnant or a seasoned mom, I can help you navigate these emotional changes, identity confusion, birth trauma, and 'mom guilt' through counseling in Naperville and IL. I offer support tailored to your individual needs. Babies and breastfeeding or pumping during sessions are always welcome as we work together.

Do you often prioritize others over yourself, hold back or hesitate in various situations, second guess your decisions, or frequently criticize yourself? These patterns can be shaped by our life experiences and may become part of our stress response system. I can assist you in understanding these patterns and how your nervous system is responding. Together, we can work through feelings of doubt, worthlessness, and confusion, allowing you to be more accepting of yourself and assertive in your life. As a psychotherapist in Naperville, IL, I specialize in integrative therapy approaches to help you learn effective strategies to take back control over your thoughts and restore confidence and happiness to your life.

•  Acute Trauma and PTSD (e.g., car accidents, assault, medical trauma)
• Developmental or Complex Trauma
• Attachment Wounds, Inner Child, or Parts Work
• Women and Moms with ADHD
• Anxiety and Panic
• Pregnancy and post-partum
• Women's Issues and Empowerment
• First Responders, Veterans, and their spouses
• Immigration and Cultural Adjustment
• Life transitions
• Relationship problems