Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
This is such a great question. It's hard to ignore the fact that my mother is a therapist (marriage and family, specifically). So some might say it's in my blood. However, my path to becoming a therapist was very different than hers. Growing up, I found myself noticing challenges within my community that seemed to be avoided or taboo. As a community, we experienced frequent tragic deaths of teens related to drugs, alcohol, and mental health challenges. This inspired me to want to make those realities something that could be openly discussed. I focused the early stages of my education and career on substance abuse treatment, thinking that's where I could have the biggest impact.
After several years in the addiction side of the field, I again noticed a big gap in the needs of mental healthcare. I found myself drawn to working with young adults who were struggling to navigate the challenges that come with entering into adulthood. It seems there are so many people who could benefit from having someone to talk through these challenges... outside of their family and friends who may not always provide unbiased responses. Whether it be navigating romantic relationships, financial stress, work-related challenges, finding balance within various aspects of life, changing family dynamics, or conquering the world of online/app-based dating... I truly have a passion for helping young adults through the MANY transitions and challenges that exist in their 20s and 30s.
Welcome! You've taken a great step by exploring new ways to care for yourself through therapy. Many situations and life circumstances bring people to this space, and I look forward to talking with you more about your story. If you're even wondering if therapy might be right for you, then the answer is yes!
Over the years, I've developed a passion for working with young adults and supporting the unique challenges they face today. I've found that many young (and even not-so-young!) adults are dealing with major life transitions, and struggle to navigate those new changes at times. This is where therapy steps in! As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois, I offer teletherapy services that allow you to experience therapy from the comfort of your home. When working with me, you can expect to gain new coping skills, tools for challenging and disrupting negative thoughts, new insights, and increased awareness of strategies for self-care and self-love.
This process can be difficult at times, but I believe growth and change do not exist without some discomfort. You have taken the steps to begin (or maybe continue) your mental health journey and I look forward to the opportunity to support and empower you along the way! I hope to talk with you soon.