MSW, LCSW
Chicago, Evanston
(773) 720-2323
findsoul@aol.com
Psychotherapy

Services

Describe your services:
I work with individuals, couples and groups, drawing from traditional psychoanalytic theories, as well as a broader spectrum of ideologies, including Buddhism, addiction, family systems, Jungian, feminist, body centered, trauma. My services are eclectic and holistic in approach. My focus is a spiritual one, connecting, mind, body and spirit, allowing one to live from an intuitive core more conscious of choices, actions and behaviors.

How does your healing modality work?
I believe in body, mind and spirit integration. I work collaboratively with other practitioners who use acupressure, massage, breath work and energy healing. Developing trust and intimacy is key for transformation to take place. The therapeutic connection assists the client in developing an internal voice, which cultivates the innate wisdom, they already possess. Through discovery of an authentic self, I help people live a more present, joyful and compassionate life.

How do you see your services evolving over the next three years?
My dedication to working my own inner path helps me stay in touch with the needs of others. I will continue to integrate techniques from both physical and spiritual disciplines (body awareness, breath work, yoga, meditation, etc.) with Western therapeutic tradition to help my clients attain harmony and balance. The practice of mindfulness and its connection to healing I hope to incorporate with my clients as well as meditation instruction. I plan to further study specific body centered techniques and somatic psychology to address the body connection more comprehensively.
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Benefits

What are the benefits/results people see?
Clients will receive the benefit of improved health, and sexuality through an awareness of the mind/body connection. Helping a client to notice and observe themselves, with new awareness and curiosity, present to all parts of ones self, is a celebration and gift I share with those I work with. My hope is that through the healing, therapeutic process, the individual can embrace change and that their lives are lived more in the moment; living a fuller life, free of anxiety, fear, self-doubt and limiting core beliefs. The goal for the client is a sense of self-acceptance that will enable them to live a more openhearted and compassionate life. This ultimately leads to improvement in their relationships with family, friends and co-workers.

Why do people come to see you?
Individuals who have come to a cross-roads or face a crisis in their lives, seeking guidance for a variety of issues such as grief, loss, relationship issues, sexual abuse, eating disorders, depression and trauma. Others who have worked with me value my ability to be honest, direct, intuitive, non-judgmental and playful. I am very committed to the relationship, which I feel is the curative piece. I am not afraid to get into the layers and inner world of ones life, and stay with it. I have respect and highest regard for how difficult the work is and believe this is communicated.

Who is an ideal client?
An ideal client is willing to work in a collaborative, team effort through interpretation of feelings, dreams and experiences from the past and present, creating a mosaic of their lives.

What makes you different/good at what you do?
I often hear from my clients how they appreciate my interaction with them that I don’t just sit back disengaged. I have traveled on my own path so I don’t ask a client to go where I have not gone. I feel welcoming, accepting of differences and celebrate them.
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Philosophy/Approach

Describe your healing philosophy:
Open mind, open heart. Identify and defuse the blocks that prevent you from living a joyful, mindful life. These are lofty goals, but I believe when we were young we lived very much in the moment, trusting, curious, open. Through the layers of living and all the difficulties accumulated, we lost sight of the absolute naturalness of being connected to ourselves, without fear. The demands of the western culture are very externally and materially focused often leaving behind the spirit, emotions and body of the individual, shifting us into “human doings rather then human beings.” We are forced to keep moving at a pace that does not allow for the inner world and inner layers to be cherished, explored and integrated. We are out of balance and we all suffer as a result whether through illness, lost relationships, and all ways that distracts us from being. We can’t truly connect with others if we are not connected to ourselves.

Describe your style or approach:
I am interactive with my clients. I communicate respect for who they are and who they want to become. We always start where the client is. When sitting together there is a natural wisdom that unconsciously unfolds allowing the inner story line to emerge. Through deep listening, reflection, intuition, interpretation and dialogue the picture becomes richer and clearer allowing for changes to be made.

Why do you do what you do?
I love what I do mostly because growing up; “feelings” were things you were often not encouraged to express. On my own path I have found the joy of living life fully and not fearing feelings, dreams and desires. I feel honored to be able to provide the space for others to share their feelings. The work is a gift, the intimate world of others sacredly shared with me is powerful and to be a part of such discoveries truly humbling and deeply gratifying.
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Education/Background

Education/Training:
I have a Masters in Social Work from Loyola University, and am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I am a member of the National Association of Social Workers. Was a member of the Domestic Violence Council of Lake County and I have done work in the domestic violence arena for over a decade.

Years Professionally Practicing:
I have been in private practice for 7 years. I have worked in the field for 20 years. I participated in the development of a court mandated abuser treatment protocol for Lake County courts system of Illinois. This involved assessment, treatment, follow up, education and collateral support.

Contributions/Publications:
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What to expect

Describe a typical session:
I sit with the client allowing them to guide the dialogue, in a non-judgmental and nurturing place where we can explore unopened issues, conflicts and concerns. I use humor and playfulness to keep a balance. I assist the client in self-reflection, connecting to feelings, desires, fears which may be keeping them from being fully in their lives. I help support the development of their intuition, which they often hear and choose not to listen to. Use of written exercises to explore areas of concern, practice feeling identification, dream exploration, guided meditation, relaxation and breathing techniques are used to assist the client in reaching the most grounded and holistic sense of self possible.

How long is a typical session?
50 minutes

Describe your office or treatment room:
People often say my office is like the living room of someone’s home which provides a warm, cozy and homey feeling. I have developed a space that is flowing abundantly with supportive, safe and nurturing energy.

How should someone prepare for a session?
Allowing your self to arrive and relax for a few minutes is always helpful. To not be rushing allows for you to see how you feel and what you need, this is the first step towards healing.
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Logistics

Office hours/days of the week:
Chicago
4753 N. Broadway, Suite 934

Evantston
2530 Crawford, Suite 207
Evanston, IL
Phone: (773) 720-2323
E-mail: findsoul@aol.com
I have flexible hours, days, nights, Saturdays.

Fee Range
$90.00 to $120.00 sliding scale.

Take Insurance?
I provide a receipt to send for reimbursement.

Cancellation Policy?
There is a 24 hour cancellation notice required otherwise fee is expected.
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Closing comments

What else might someone want to know about you?
I love what I do and people feel it. I am compassionate and deeply concerned for the wellbeing of others. I practice in my personal life what do in my professional life.
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