“The journey is part of the experience – an expression of the seriousness of one’s intent. One doesn’t take the A train to Mecca.”

– Anthony Bourdain, A Cook’s Tour: Global Adventures in Extreme Cuisines

ABOUT ME

I am a Licensed Professional Counseling Associate, supervised by Carissa Cano LPC-S. I earned my master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Bradley University. During my program, the Covid-19 pandemic changed how I could connect with friends, mentors, and family. Virtual connections became vital to everyday life and creating shared experiences became more difficult. Bonding with my peers over shared stories – over movies, pop culture, and social media – kept me connected to the people most important to me. The imaginary wall between “real” life and virtual life came tumbling down.

Some of my favorite stories to connect on: sports (tennis, EPL, college football), horror movies, The Adventures of Cavalier and Clay, X-Men, Bob’s Burgers, RuPaul’s Drag Race, Severance, The Traitors, and much more.

Colorful clapper board on a white surface, used in filmmaking. Ideal for entertainment and movie themes.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

> What do you specialize in?
I primarily work with individual adults (18+) who feel stuck, anxious, or depressed. I often work with OCD, ADHD, and queer populations but those are not requirements for the two of us to be a healthy fit.

> Are all sessions online?
Yes, all sessions take place online. You will need is a reliable computer/phone for our sessions, and a private space where you can speak freely. Sessions are usually held weekly or bi-weekly basis.

> Are we a fit?
You don’t have to be a pop-culture nerd or movie enthusiast for the two of us to be an effective team. We may be a fit if you’re looking to make personal changes, get “unstuck”, and rethink your personal story. My experience includes working with individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, OCD, and ADHD, as well as coping with grief and life changes. I often work with clients who are queer or POC, and am part of these populations myself. Anyone ready to work towards what’s important to them without fear of judgment is welcome to reach out.
 
> What does a session look like?
Sessions are typically 50 minutes and are focused on talk therapy. Conversation is usually casual and unstructured, allowing you time to get comfortable before addressing any heavy topics. We’ll often practice new skills together, which means working together on new exercises, meditations, journal prompts, and more once you’re ready. If helpful to our work, I may ask you to practice skills, watch a movie, read a book, or otherwise trial some new habits outside of our sessions. The important part is that you determine what we discuss, how fast we work, and what you’re comfortable with in each session.
 
> Can we meet before working together?
Absolutely. A free 15-minute consultation is a great way to see if we are comfortable working as a team and to ask any questions you’d like. Send me a message here to schedule a meeting.
 
> What modalities do you use?
I primarily work with ACT, a type of therapy that focuses on handling life’s stressors and building a richer and more meaningful life. ACT is a flexible type of therapy that respects your experience instead of asking you to dispute your own thoughts and feelings. ACT is supported by a large body of scientific research, is culturally sensitive, and can be adapted for each individual. Our sessions may also include elements of CBT, EET, and Narrative Therapy.
 
> What’s with the story metaphors?
Art helps us see life through new perspectives. Most of us have crafted elaborate personal narratives without realizing it, creating stories about who we are and what we’re capable of doing. And we’re all pretty unreliable narrators! Stories, books, movies, music and more are all great ways to gain a new perspective and rewrite our personal narrative. After all, a well-known story can always be revised – and provide a new depth to our character.
 
> How do we get started?
I’d love to hear from you! Our first step is a free 15-minute conversation to be sure we’re a strong match for your needs. Click the “Contact Me” box at the top of this site, drop me a line, and let’s get started.