I’ve always envisioned myself being a part of a profession that promotes resilience within individuals despite how daunting life can be. Fortunately, being a Clinical Social Worker who specializes in Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy coincides with this mission more and more each passing day.
I studied at Loyola University Chicago’s School of Social Work in 2016, where I centered my learning on mental health while gaining valuable knowledge of the treatment of substance use from notable field placements such as Gateway Foundation and Above and Beyond Family Recovery Center. After graduate school, I spent 5 years working at the aforementioned recovery center, helping individuals (both in individual and group settings) who struggled with substance use and mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, anger, shame, etc. During this time, I obtained my Certified Alcohol and Drug Counseling certification (CADC). My range of experience spans inpatient recovery centers, intensive outpatient (IOP/OP) programs, and private practice.
I specialized in Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) with an eclectic approach in my technique to help individuals learn more about their belief systems and how they influence their emotions and behavior. Many of my interactions with clients are educational and collaborative, using homework assignments (videos, books, worksheets), a dry erase board, and behavioral exercises. In building resilience in clients, I aim for each client to gain the confidence that they are walking away with identifiable and useful coping skills as they encounter life’s challenges.
