As a Type 1 Diabetic since age 8, I understand the demands of living with a chronic health condition. Through my years of experience of living with T1D, and my Clinical Social Work experience in psychotherapy, I have gained the knowledge and skills to help others improve quality of life. Depression, anxiety, stress and adjustment issues are concerns that many people face when diagnosed, as well as throughout the lifespan of living with a chronic health condition. My practice is guided by my experience of working with people living with diabetes, be it Type 1, Type 2 or Gestational, and recognizing we all have an inner intelligence to live healthy lives, even when faced with obstacles and challenges to maintaining day to day management. I am passionate about helping clients adjust to the challenges of living with Diabetes and learning how to cope with depression, anxiety, and stress in order to learn healthy coping skills and enhance overall well-being. It is my goal to help clients recognize and reach their self management goals in order to live their fullest lives!
Individual Sessions
Individual Sessions are provided to ensure clients have the opportunity to collaborate with the therapist on a one on one basis. Individual sessions provide an encouraging and non-judgmental space to explore obstacles and develop ways to regulate emotions. During Individual Sessions, the client and therapist will determine healthy coping skills and develop realistic goals for healthy maintenance and emotional regulation. Evidenced Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance Commitment Therapy are utilized to help clients modify behaviors to develop a balanced equilibrium. Individual Sessions are designed for virtual services or home-based services in the Chicago area.
Family Sessions
Family Sessions are intended to help families coping with the adjustment, maintenance, and/or struggles of living with Diabetes. Families are often challenged with emotions when a loved one is diagnosed with Diabetes. Family Sessions help families develop communication skills to understand one another's goals. Family Sessions often help members have the space to express goals, concerns, fears, and accomplishments. Family Sessions may include parents, partners, spouses, siblings, close relatives, friends, or anyone directly impacted by a diabetes diagnosis. Family Sessions are designed for virtual services or home-based services in Chicago area.
Group Therapy/Support Groups
Group Therapy is beneficial in many regards. Often times, people feel isolated living with Diabetes or helping a loved one manage their Diabetes. Meeting with a Support Group may help provide feelings of acceptance, validation, decreased isolation and empowerment. Group Therapy Sessions are designed by age group and desired outcomes. Group Therapy/Support Groups run 4-6 weeks in length and are held in the Oak Park therapy space as well as community locations around the Chicago Area. Feel free to call or email to find out group dates, times and location!
Adjusting to Diabetes
Kids Group/Teen Group/Adult Group/Parent Group
Parents of Diabetic Children
Parent Support Group
Going Off to College
Group for College Bound Teens
Coping with Diabetes Burnout
Kids Group/Teen Group/Adult Group/Parent Group
504 Advocacy Consultation
Children and Adolescents have the right to attend school and participate in activities without being discriminated against due to their Diabetes Diagnosis. As a former school social worker, I have extensive experience working with students with Diabetes and advocating on their behalf. I offer services to families in need of advocacy or guidance on how to navigate the school system to ensure your child/teen has every opportunity to thrive in the school setting and beyond. I also provide consulting services for school staff to ensure understanding of Diabetes 504 accommodations and how to help families of diabetic children feel their child's needs are being cared for during the school day as well as during after school activities. 504 Advocacy Consultation Sessions are designed for Virtual, In-Home and School Based services in the Chicago Metro and Suburban areas. Feel Free to call or email with any questions or concerns!
Diabetes Behavioral Health Trainings
People with Diabetes (PWD) have the ability to live active and full lives just as anyone else in the general population. Often times, there are misunderstandings about Diabetes and Diabetes Management, and it is my passion to help the community and those working with Diabetics to understand the lives of those living with Diabetes. While many PWD live comparable lives to the general population, research indicates there is an increased prevalence of Depression and Anxiety disorders for patients with diabetes. Studies reveal that Depression and Anxiety for PWD, appear to be linked to poor diabetes management and quality of life, which tends to lead to health complications when not addressed. I provide services and trainings to help those working with Diabetics to understand the demands of living with a chronic health condition and how co-morbidity factors may impact performance in many settings. My services are designed for those working with Diabetics, for example, Teachers, School Administrators, School Nurses, Coaches, etc. The sessions are developed to be in Seminar Format or Discussion Format based on need or interest. Sessions/Trainings are designed to be held at your place of employment or community location in the Chicago Metro and Suburban Areas or as Virtual sessions depending on need. Please feel free to call or email with any questions or concerns!