I strive to establish strong therapeutic relationships by emphasizing a strengths-based and person-centered approach. My approach to therapy is to collaborate with individuals and families to reinforce strengths, create hope, and foster rapport as tools to help clients create changes in their lives. I acknowledge the importance of one’s identity and how our identities can impact how we perceive and connect with the world. I work with children, teenagers, and families through the lenses of intersectionality, multiculturalism, and resilience. I place great importance on creating a safe space for clients to encourage them to express their emotional vulnerability and growth.
I have experience working with children, adolescents, families, and parents in in-home and outpatient settings. I have previous experience providing therapeutic services to college students and providing case management services to adults who have been diagnosed with a severe, persistent mental illness. I integrate aspects of cognitive-behavioral therapy, trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy, strengths-based therapy, solution-focused therapy, motivational interviewing, trauma-informed care, humanistic theory, and systems theory.
My areas of specialties include anxiety, depression, cultural issues (acculturation, assimilation, immigration), identity development, grief/loss/bereavement, stress management, school concerns, interpersonal communication, trauma, parenting, and families involved in the legal system. I also have experience in providing school-based mental health in individual and group settings.
Specialized areas of interest and/or training
Child and Adolescent Therapy
Family Therapy
Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy
Bilingual (Spanish) Therapy
Masters Degree in Social Work – University of Wisconsin Madison
Bachelors of Science in Psychology – University of Illinois at Springfield