Accepting New Clients. I work with children, adolescents, and adults who are experiencing many different challenges that life presents—whether that is anxiety, depression, peer or family conflicts, work or school-related stress, developing their identity, or transitions that come with growing independence and responsibilities. Working together, we will create a brave, nonjudgmental space where you can clarify what matters most to you. We will set meaningful goals, address distressing patterns in thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, build resilience by drawing on your strengths and values, while promoting unconditional acceptance.

My practice is based on the physical, mental, and social factors that affect well-being. A specialty of mine is working with student athletes to handle the pressures that combine sports with academics. My approach considers how health, thoughts, relationships, environment, and community interact in shaping individual experiences. Support can involve strategies for managing emotions such as sadness or fear, improving communication, developing coping skills related to trauma or stress, and identifying triggers for emotional responses.

If you or your child are considering starting this process, collaboration is available. Seeking support reflects a proactive approach toward achieving personal objectives. Together, let's help you build a future that offers more resilience, personal awareness, and stronger relationships.

Supervised by Jane Kim, LCSW

Who do I see?
I see children, teens, and adolescents (open to adults) who are experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, emotional regulation challenges, peer or family conflicts, school-related stress, difficult transitions, and challenges in finding out who they are and who they want to be.

What's my mission?
I want to help people survive the bad days and enjoy the good days by promoting unconditional acceptance of self, others, and life. This does not mean that we submit to all situations we do not like. When we recognize the control we have and then take responsibility for changing what we can.

Why did I chose the population I work with?
Being young is difficult. I know from my own experience. These formative years are critical because it is during this time that people are creating the maps that will guide them in the future. If people are insecure with who they are, who they are around, and the spaces they occupy, then those maps could lead them to distress. Building skills that help people navigate difficulties in their lives earlier can lead to greater resilience and empower them to achieve their goals.

Why did you choose my degree(s)?
I chose to pursue a bachelor's degree in psychology because I have always been curious about why we do and think the things we do. Being confronted with mental health challenges myself and with the people around me allowed me to learn very quickly that mental health is a genuine concern, and people need support in learning how to take care of themselves.

How do I hope to help people?
My goal is to listen and learn about your experience and base my support on your needs. To do this, we will examine the physical, mental, social, and spiritual factors that affect well-being, including self-talk, expectations, values, and relationships. We will identify the source of your distress and develop coping strategies to help you navigate tough days and process challenges in ways that promote your development.

What is a tool or technique you're excited to share with people and why?
I am excited to introduce clients to Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT). This therapeutic technique aims to promote unconditional acceptance of themselves, others, and life through challenging and dismantling harmful beliefs and replacing them with beneficial beliefs that allow clients to be more adaptable and flexible. Psychoeducation covers emotions, mindfulness, thinking patterns, and helping clients better understand their thinking. I find this approach effective because it allows clients to feel more in control of their minds and emotions. It does not mean the client will never feel sad, angry, or disappointed again, but it does mean the client will be able to take responsibility for their emotions and mitigate distress.

What is required of me to become a trained and licensed social worker who works with the public?
· Master of Social Work Degree at Dominican University
o Complete a minimum of 17 hours per week, totaling 500 hours split equally over two semesters.
o Complete 60 hours of required coursework
o Receive at least an hour of supervision per week from a professional with an MSW or LCSW
o Receive a grade of B or higher in Practicum and practice courses while maintaining a GPA of at least 3.0
· LCSW in Illinois
o Earn Master of Social Work (MSW)
o Complete 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience under an LCSW after graduation
o Pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) clinical exam
o Apply for a license through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)