Urban Balance Therapy and Consulting, PLLC offers counseling for individuals, couples, families and groups.
I earned a M.S. Degree in Counselor Education from Western Illinois University in 2003 and am licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). I have worked as a school counselor since graduating in 2003 and own a private practice - Urban Balance Therapy and Consulting, PLLC - since 2020. I have extensive experience working with youth of all ages 5-18. I work with children, adolescents, adults, and families.
Each person is impacted by unique challenges and empowered by individual strengths. I find it a privilege to support clients as they discover the best version of themselves and unlock their potential. In a collaborative environment - I use an eclectic, psychodynamic-based approach to explore what strengths, weaknesses, vulnerabilities, and challenges contribute to living a fulfilling life. Through a strong therapeutic relationship, I hope to engage clients in a journey toward healing and thriving.
I enjoy people. I like to learn what they like, who they identify with, what makes them feel fulfilled and how they can achieve fulfillment. The best way I know how to do that is through actively listening without judgement. My counseling in existential therapy starts with understanding your perspective, identifying key issues, and becoming aware of how your strengths can aid you in the process of addressing those issues. I have my Master of Science in Education from Western Illinois University with a specialization in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I have experience in crisis, substance use, anxiety, depression, first episode psychosis, and trauma.
My therapeutic approach is person-centered, drawing interventions mainly from Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT). I believe all behavior is purposeful, all emotions are valid, and that change is always possible with the necessary determination and support. I graduated in 2013 from Western Illinois University with a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and I am currently pursuing clinical licensure as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Illinois.
I earned a Bachelor's of Social Work degree in 2015 from Loras College in Dubuque, IA. In 2019 I graduated with my Master's of Social Work degree from the University of Iowa. I have worked as a School Social Worker since 2019. I have experience working with school-aged children and am well versed in matters of special education and individualized education plans (IEPs). My experience has focused on issues of anxiety, depression, ADHD, ODD, crisis response, and issues facing school-aged children. I use a dynamic approach to identify strengths, weaknesses, and barriers to living a fulfilling life. I hope to be a support to children and adolescents through successes and hardships.
While I was trained in psychodynamic theory, and consider that my baseline, I lean into an eclectic approach meeting clients where they are to best facilitate their needs. I view everything through a trauma-focused lens. I like to go at your pace, and while I am encouraging, I will never push you to talk in depth about things you are not ready to talk about as we get to know each other. I draw from Psychodynamic therapy, Feminist theory, Relational Cultural theory, Person- centered therapy, inner child/parts work, and narrative therapy.
Every individual person is impacted by their own journey in life. By their experiences and challenges they face. I strive in my role by helping to support clients as they discover and gain strength and confidence to feel empowered, and work to be the best version of themselves. In a collaborative environment I use Person-Centered and Strengths-Based approaches to explore what strengths, weaknesses, vulnerabilities and challenges contribute to living a
fulfilling life.
Taking care of your mental health can help you live life the best way you can - authentically, with purpose and passion. We regularly take time to care for our prized possessions, things like our homes and cars, but often neglect our minds, hearts, and bodies. Don't forget to slow down to invest in yourself, and find your balance.
Thank You!