ABOUT ME

I am a licensed clinical social worker and therapist specializing in e grief/loss during pregnancy. I received my Master’s Degree in Social Work from Loyola University Chicago. My clinical training began in helping those who experienced many different types of loss. I have over 10 years of experience working with individuals, couples, groups, and families in a variety of areas of therapy. I have been a voice to and for individuals and their loved ones when working with medical teams in difficult situations, including in practice at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Northshore University Healthsystem. 

I take a relaxed approach to therapy, one in which I want you to be in a comfortable and warm environment. Throughout our therapy journey, my aim is to know you as a person and guide you through your goals. You will always be heard first and foremost.  

THERAPEUTIC FOCUS: GRIEF AND PREGNANCY LOSS

Throughout our lives, the conversations we don't hear are the ones that put us in a position to second guess our journey. When the time comes and we are ready to take the leap to become a parent, it can become more of a challenge than we could have ever imagined.  My passion for maternal mental health comes from the many bumps on my own road to building a family. These experiences have given me the strength and compassion to help others work through their own stepping stones to fulfill their own lifelong dreams. 

But what happens to us when we experience pregnancy complications, struggles with self-image, and even experience miscarriage or pregnancy loss? These experiences can be devastating and impact not just our physical health, but our mental health as well. For those struggling with eating issues or poor body image during pregnancy and in the postpartum period, I utilize cognitive behavioral approaches to change both the interfering behaviors and challenge the negative thoughts associated. These strategies are the most effective for long-lasting healing.

After a miscarriage or pregnancy loss, you may experience emotions unlike those you have experienced before. You may no longer trust your body, your health, or the belief that pregnancy and starting a family will be a given. You may feel helpless or out of control. These emotions can be intense and scary. Even when you gradually resume your usual activities and get back to your routine, you may be left with a sense that something in your has forever changed and wonder if you will ever feel like yourself again.

About 15-25% of recognized pregnancies end up in miscarriage. No one can prevent a miscarriage from happening so when a woman experiences a miscarriage she may feel anxious and out of control. I understand that miscarriages and pregnancy loss can feel like an invisible loss to the rest of the world. This makes your grief feel silent and increases feelings of isolation and loneliness. Regardless of the specific circumstances surrounding your loss, grief is a normal and expected reaction to a loss. I will work with you to help you normalize your experience and find healing in your loss.

Pregnancy doesn’t change who we are. The issues that we had prior to pregnancy follow us throughout and afterward. Many times we think we are alone in the experiences that stem from maternity and the challenges that come with growing our families, but they are actually more common than many realize. Faced with complications and hardships, I am here to provide you the resources and means to work through these challenges so you know you are part of a greater community that too walks a similar path. 

I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation to see how I can help you. 

SStill feeling unsure? This complimentary screening tool is the quickest and easiest way to determine whether you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition.