Therapy, to me, is much more than just listening to a client discuss their issues. I believe the true meaning of therapy is creating an effective, working relationship where we are constantly striving towards being the very best version of ourselves. Sometimes we get stuck in a rut and need assistance with this, and that is what I am here for. Everyone has the right to live a full and meaningful life, and I am here to assist you wherever you may be on your journey.
I found my calling for therapy as an undergraduate student at a small-town Iowa PW institution. As I learned about anxiety, depression, and PTSD in an introductory psychology course, I realized that there were so many people that I knew back home in Chicago who struggled with these issues and were not receiving treatment—either because of lack of access to treatment or because of the heavy stigma of mental health in the Black community. From that point on, it has been my passion to provide therapy services to people who look like me, and change the stigma of ‘what therapy is, who therapy is for, and what a therapist should look/talk like’.
I have experience working with adolescents and young adults who struggle with severe anxiety, depression, developmental disorders, and adjustment issues. My approach to therapy is culturally competent and person – centered, where I allow the client to be the expert and leader of their therapeutic experience. I approach each session with empathy, congruence, and unconditional positive regard for my client, meaning that I am always genuinely myself and I create space for nonjudgmental conversations. I also like to pull techniques from different specialties, such as Adlerian and CBT, as well as some incorporation of mindfulness meditations and grounding practices.
We all encounter tough times; I am here so that you don’t have to work through yours alone. I look forward to becoming a part of your journey!