Feel Understood, Grow Stronger

Evidence-based counseling that meets you where you are—and helps you get where you want to be. More on my background and approach →

Chicago-based mental health counseling focused on you

Just across from the park in the heart of downtown lies a soft place to land


Welcome to a soft place to land.

I’m glad you’ve found your way here.

Do you feel like you’re carrying wounds that never seem to fade? Maybe you’ve learned to function so well that no one notices how much you’re struggling—but inside, it’s a different story.

Sometimes these feelings stem from long-standing patterns of survival—coping mechanisms that helped you get through difficult times but now leave you feeling trapped or disconnected. Other times, they show up as a sense that something’s missing or off, even if you can’t quite name what it is.

You don’t have to navigate this alone.

I help people untangle these difficult feelings so they can reconnect with themselves and begin to heal. Therapy offers a safe space to slow down, explore what’s happening beneath the surface, and take steps toward a life that feels more fulfilling. Together, we can work to uncover patterns that no longer serve you, rebuild a sense of self, and create room for growth and connection.

I’m so glad you’re here. Let’s find you again.

You can find me in person at my Loop or Humboldt Park locations, or we can meet from the comfort of your own space via telehealth.

Ways we can work together

Counseling provided by Michael Olsen, Graduate Intern at Agave Studio.

Supervised by Rachel Smith, Psy.D., Licensed Clinical Psychologist.

Individual therapy

$30.00

50 minute sessions. Individuals (Adults, 18+)

Couples counseling

$30.00

50 minute sessions. Couples (Adults, 18+)

Youth & adolescent therapy

$30.00

50 minute sessions. Youth & Teens (Ages 12-17)


What to expect

Paperwork and Waiting

I will provide you with paperwork to complete either before coming to your initial session or as you wait. Our waiting rooms are quiet, private, and warm. Have a seat and I will come find you when the time comes.

First Session

During our first session, we will create a space to get to know each other in a safe environment. This helps me understand your hopes and intentions for therapy. Together, we can talk about next steps.


Let’s connect

I am currently welcoming clients for in-person sessions at our Loop and Humboldt Park offices, or via telehealth on Mondays through Thursdays.

My clinical approach

My approach to therapy is depth-based and client-centered. Rather than offering surface-level fixes or empathizing you to death, we’ll focus on helping you uncover the deeper roots of your challenges.

Together, we’ll explore the patterns, emotions, and survival mechanisms that have shaped your life—and work toward loosening their hold. See how my approach shapes our work →

Pain, we learned, does subside, but you need to feel it first. You can practice feeling safe even when you’re scared.

Greg Wrenn

The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.

Carl Rogers

Resources for the journey

A collection of voices and theories that inform my practice

Currently on my desk


On the body and trauma

This section focuses on how we carry our stories physically. These resources explore the nervous system, somatic healing, and the ways our bodies remember what the mind may try to forget.

The interior world: mind and shame

An exploration of the hidden scripts and early patterns that shape our sense of self. These voices offer a soft place to land for the parts of us we often keep in the shadows.

Queer identity & belonging

A shelf for exploring the courage of authenticity. These voices speak to the nuances of the queer experience and the vital work of restoring one's sense of being in a world that demands performance.

Power, systems, and restoration

This collection explores the systems of power—both external and internal—that shape our lived experience. These resources offer a path toward reclaiming agency and restoring the self after the impact of systemic harm or interpersonal trauma.

Sacred intersections: faith and theology

Navigating the delicate space where tradition meets Truth. These resources are for those seeking to reconcile their spiritual history with their authentic self, offering a safe harbor for both faith deconstruction and reconstruction.

Formation and the human experience

Reflections on the slow work of becoming. These titles focus on the habits, narratives, and relational roots that cultivate a life of depth and intentionality.