I provide psychotherapy to adolescent and adult individuals and families. To guide my practice I use a strengths-based approach and integrate psychodynamic theory, dialectical behavior therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy. I conduct psychosocial intake assessments to assess functioning and diagnose mental health disorders. Through my assessment, I then develop and implement individualized treatment plans and maintain weekly progress notes.

I give "Ending the Silence" educational presentations where I share my story of recovery from mental illness with middle and high school students at schools throughout the Suburban Chicago area. I am certified in the NAMI "Ending the Silence" presentation model and maintain fidelity to the model during each presentation. Additionally, I serve as a NAMI and Mental Health Ambassador by promoting NAMI and advocating for mental health care in the community, as well as connecting program participants with community referrals.

I provide traditional psychotherapy and walk-and-talk therapy to adolescent and adult individuals and families. In my practice I use an eclectic approach that is strengths-based and integrates cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic theory, dialectical behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and solution-focused therapy. I also place an emphasis on the integration of body, mind, and spirit to care for the whole person by incorporating mindfulness techniques. Additionally, I conduct psychosocial intake assessments to assess functioning and diagnose mental health disorders. Through my assessment, I then develop and implement individualized treatment plans and maintain weekly progress notes.

I provided individual therapy to children, adolescents, and adults by integrating various theoretical orientations and therapeutic interventions. I also facilitated outpatient group therapy with adolescents and day program group therapy with chronically mentally ill adults. The main therapeutic interventions I utilized were based on an integration of psychodynamic theory, cognitive behavioral theory, mindfulness techniques, self-psychology, and a strengths-based perspective. Additionally, I completed psychosocial intake assessments with clients that informed the diagnoses I assigned them. I then collaborated with each client to create their treatment plan and evaluated their progress consistently. I maintained a caseload of approximately 15-20 clients and in total I completed 720 hours to fulfill my second-level fieldwork requirement for the MSW program.

I evaluated patients by conducting psychosocial assessments, patient interviews, and speaking with collateral contacts. Each day I participated in a multidisciplinary team meeting as a representative of the social work department and helped advocate on my patients' behalf. I also processed patient admissions and developed and implemented comprehensive outpatient follow-up care plans. Using an electronic medical records system I documented all patient care through thorough charting. In total I completed 480 hours and fulfilled my first-level fieldwork requirement for the MSW program.

I aided therapists in facilitating group talk therapy and educational activity groups with children and adolescents. In addition to this I monitored recreational group therapy activities. Throughout the internship I applied my knowledge of psychological diagnoses to properly respond to specific mental illnesses including: schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, and behavior disorders.

As a research assistant to Dr. Matthew Huss in Creighton's psychology department, I collected and coded data from inmate files participating in a treatment program for sex offenders. In order to do so I analyzed inmate files to extract pertinent information. Additionally, I input and organized the collected data into the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS).

On a weekly basis I facilitated mentoring activities with eight middle school students. I implemented interventions that aimed to bring positive attention, reinforcement, and support to each student. I also engaged in weekly supervision to discuss students’ academic and social progress and resolve issues.

I conducted screenings on clients experiencing homelessness to assess their eligibility for housing programs. In addition to referring clients to the appropriate services, I facilitated their connection and follow-up with them. I assisted and led the street outreach team that provided those living on the streets with basic necessities and referrals. I also utilized trauma-informed care to provide problem solving and crisis intervention services.