We all have challenges in life and having a person whose only vested interest is in you can be infinitely helpful when figuring it all out. My clients are the driving force in therapy and it is their plan that is most important. I assist clients in identifying the areas of life that are working well to enhance other areas and begin to make changes to improve situations. By utilizing mindfulness strategies and challenging potentially distorted thinking patterns, clients become more at peace and satisfied in life.
WOMEN'S ISSUES
SPECIAL EDUCATION
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience and a member of the National Association of Social Workers, and Postpartum Support International. I graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor’s in Social Work and Psychology and from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a Master’s in Social Work. I also have a Master’s of Education- Administration and Supervision from National Louis University. I have experience in residential settings, inpatient psychiatric hospitals, outpatient centers, and school social work and administration. I have extensive experience working with survivors of various traumas, including sexual assaults and domestic violence, and abuse.
Seleni is a nonprofit organization that provides clinical services, online information, professional training, and research funding for women's reproductive and maternal mental health.
The purpose of PSI is to increase awareness among public and professional communities about the emotional changes that women experience during pregnancy and postpartum.
(PMH-C)
I look forward to learning about your story and the strengths and supports that have helped you in the past. I value a strong therapist-client relationship, and I believe that together we can set meaningful and attainable goals to foster more peace and functioning in your daily life. I teach mindfulness and generally use cognitive behavioral therapy and solution-focused brief therapy in my practice.
I understand that issues relating to the perinatal period can be overwhelming, confusing, frustrating, or heartbreaking. It is my intention to provide you with a space to process hard or strong emotions, to be validated in your feelings, to be challenged when needed, and ultimately, to thrive as an individual within your unique family system.
WOMEN'S ISSUES
SPECIAL EDUCATION
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have 6 years of school social work experience. I have worked with children, adolescents and adults with varying degrees of trauma and mental illness. I graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Illinois State University, and with a Master's of Social Work from Loyola University Chicago. I have completed EMDR Foundational Training for Perinatal Mental Health specialists and offer EMDR in my practice. I am a Certified Perinatal Mental Health specialist and member of Postpartum Support International.
The purpose of PSI is to increase awareness among public and professional communities about the emotional changes that women experience during pregnancy and postpartum.
(PMH-C)
I have had the opportunity to serve as a social worker for over twenty years. My experiences include social service provision with families in crisis, assessment and counseling in family planning including reproductive healthcare, and trauma informed care for those living with a chronic illness. I have dedicated numerous hours advocating for health equity, reproductive justice and healthcare policy reform. My journey in the practice of perinatal and maternal mental wellness builds upon years of commitment to family preservation and woman-centered care.
My belief in the capabilities of others is a constant motivating factor for my therapeutic practice. It is my belief, when we assist women with becoming their best version of themselves; we greatly influence healthy family and social dynamics.
Far from the storybook images projected as social norms my introduction into motherhood left me questioning anything “mommy” related. Self-preparation by reading, studying and completing classes satisfied my inner-nerd, but offered little consolation when faced with reproductive challenges, a traumatic birth and conflicting life transitions.
Motherhood is supposed to be sunshine and happiness all of the time right? And if not, surely it’s nothing we couldn’t possibly handle on our own right? Everything comes naturally eventually? These are hard questions I asked myself and was afraid to answer when things weren’t going as planned. Asking others was not an option, so I suffered alone. It is my hope if or when the time comes and you have questions, you will permit yourself the vulnerability to seek assistance. With empathy, patience and honesty I want to assist you as you transition into one of the most important roles life has to offer.
My professional education includes a PhD in Social Work, a Master of Social Work degree, a Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology/Social Work. Advanced trainings include Trauma and Attachment treatment for children and adolescents and the Postpartum Support International 2 Day Perinatal Mood Disorders: Components of Care training. I have been a licensed Master’s level social worker (LSW) since 2005. Current clinical practice hours for Clinical Social Work licensure (LCSW) focus on perinatal and maternal mental health, reproductive health, fertility counseling and family planning. Current area of practice specialization includes high risk pregnancy complicated by primary chronic illness.
The purpose of PSI is to increase awareness among public and professional communities about the emotional changes that women experience during pregnancy and postpartum.
Being a therapist has been one of the great honors of my life. Building a strong therapist-client relationship through a client centered, strength-based approach is how I help clients achieve their goals. Whether its adjusting to a life change, healing from past trauma, or developing skills to manage mental health struggles having someone vested in you and your progress can be greatly helpful. Utilizing talk and art therapy techniques as well as mindfulness strategies and building coping skills can assist a client in becoming more hopeful in finding more contentment in life.
WOMEN'S ISSUES
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with over 13 years of experience and a member of Postpartum Support International. I received my Bachelor’s in Fine Arts and Psychology from Bradley University and my Master’s in Expressive Therapy from the University of Louisville. I have completed the 2 Day Components of Care and Advanced training through Postpartum International on the treatment of Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders. I have experience in community mental health, outpatient centers, and schools. I have provided both crisis intervention and long and short-term therapy. I have extensive experience working with survivors of sexual violence of all ages and providing clinical supervision.
The purpose of PSI is to increase awareness among public and professional communities about the emotional changes that women experience during pregnancy and postpartum.
In network insurance plans include Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO, Blue Choice PPO, Magellan, Cigna, UnitedBehavioral Health (Optum), Aetna (including Coventry and First Health). Please contact by phone to discuss out of network benefits. It is also a good idea to contact your insurance carrier directly to understand what your benefits are. A sliding scale fee may be available.
Please call or email for details.
We accept cash, checks, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and health savings account payments.
One-on-one sessions in a comfortable, safe and confidential space.
For clinicians looking to fulfill supervision hours for licensure or who like consultation on their own work.
We are located in the Sauganash neighborhood of Chicago at 4801 W. Peterson Ave., Suite 308, directly off of I-94. We are convenient to several Chicago neighborhoods and suburbs.