Therapeutic Services

I was drawn to social work and therapeutic practice through both a commitment to social justice and a genuine curiosity for the stories and narratives of others. I grew up listening to my grandparents recount their early lives, often spending hours wondering about the lifetimes that came before me. As I grew older and experienced my own sense of difference as a queer-identified person, I began to recognize the ways in which our stories often become defined not only by community or family but also by the ways in which we feel “other than” or “distinct from” those around us. I became interested in the language we use to define ourselves and our identities, how we choose to embody (or reject) those identities, and in turn, how our identities shape us and our lived experiences.

In therapy, I offer an intentionally curious approach, often encouraging you to explore all parts of self: the emotional, intellectual, physical, intimate, spiritual, and playful aspects of your life. I enjoy working with individuals who want to better understand how their varied identities can exist more cohesively together, as well as those who experience parts of themselves as conflictual or disconnected. I value the opportunity to consider our own intersectionalities, and how those points of difference and connection can be a source of strength and resilience in our work together. 

We often begin our healing process by becoming more aware of the patterns we may find ourselves stuck within relationally.  As such, my belief is to approach therapy focusing on the relationship we develop together as the basis of change in our work. When we can develop a clearer understanding of our natural strategies for forming, navigating, and maintaining relationships with others, we open up opportunities to experiment with deeper levels of intimacy and connection. Together, I hope to identify ways in which you can build stronger, more genuine relationships with others in your life both within and outside the therapy room.

Areas of Focus & Specialization

• Developmental, Relational, & Complex Trauma

• Relationship Challenges & Concerns

• Sexual Pleasure, Function, & Intimacy Concerns

• Sexual Discrepancy Desire/Mismatched Desire in Relationships

• Open, Non-Monogamous, & Polyamorous Relationships

• Identity Exploration, Development, & Intersectionality

• Exploration of Masculinity & Masculinity-related Concerns

• Perfectionism & Self-worth

• Depression, Anxiety, & Stress

• Helping Professionals (social workers, chaplains, therapists, teachers, medical professionals, lawyers, veterinarians, etc.) & Challenges Related to Burnout

Modalities

• LGBTQ Affirmative Practice

• Psychodynamic Psychotherapy / Relationally-focused Psychotherapy

• Sex Therapy & Sex Positive

• Body-based Approaches (somatic experiencing, internal family systems informed)

• Long-term, Explorative Therapy (may include multiple sessions per week if desired by the client)

• Trauma-informed Practice

*For those seeking couple/relationship counseling, please note that I currently only accept couples and relationships who specifically wish to address issues related to sex and intimacy. If you have any questions about whether I will be a good fit for your particular concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me directly.

Degrees

AM, Social Work, University of Chicago—School of Social Service Administration, 2014

BA, Psychology, University of Colorado, 2012

Licensure

LCSW (IL), 149.018440, Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, 2016

LISW (IA), 121009, Iowa State Board of Social Work, 2023

LCSW (ME), LC23347, Maine Board of Social Work Licensure, 2023

LCSW (CT), 013376, Connecticut Department of Public Health, 2023

Certifications

Certified Sex Therapist (CST), American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors, and Therapists, 2024

University of Michigan, Sexual Health Certificate Program (Sex Therapy), 2023

Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Fellow, Chicago Center for Psychoanalysis, 2017

Certificate in Primary Care Behavioral Health, University of Massachusetts - Amherst, 2016

Beginner Level I, II, III, Somatic Experiencing Trauma Institute, 2015

Accepted Insurance Plans

• BlueCross & BlueShield of Illinois (PPO and BlueChoice Plans)

• UnitedHealthcare Plans (including most UMR employer plans)

• AETNA (PPO, HMO, POS, and EPO)

• University of Chicago Employee Plan, UCHP (Aetna)

• Cigna (PPO plans)