My first career was as a professional flute performer in orchestras and teaching to students of all ages. After twenty years I decided to change careers because my empathic nature, ability to communicate in a warm and inviting way, and comfortability with mental health struggles and mood dysregulation made counseling a natural fit for me.

I then attended Roosevelt University to receive a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology in 2018, with a specialty in Counseling Practice. 

The internships at Roosevelt University were in a Residential Hospital unit specializing in eating disorders and then an outpatient clinic on the westside of Chicago helping a racial population that was being underserved. Both were marvelous opportunities to start off my career.

My first job after graduation was answering the phones for an EAP provider helping individuals connect with their mental health benefits. I also served as a crisis worker in this position, because sometimes an individual would call in crisis and need someone to talk to before seeking therapy. 

Then I worked in a dual diagnosis - meaning had a mental health and substance use diagnosis concurrently, Residential Women's unit. I learned a lot about what individuals go through in addiction, while in search of a healthier version of themselves and their life. 

Next I decided to transition to the outpatient group practice setting, to have the opportunity to meet with clients and do more long-term therapeutic work.

I first worked as a Health and Wellness Coach for a company helping clients improve their mobility, chronic pain, nutrition, weight management and other lifestyle factors.  

Then I changed to a different group practice for three and a half more years working with clients on issues ranging from grief and loss, mood disorders (e.g. depression, anxiety, bipolar, social anxiety), perinatal mental health (e.g. postpartum depression or anxiety), complex-PTSD,  to life transition issues e.g. career changes, graduating from college, getting married, transition into parenthood, divorce, dating or breakups, moving to Chicago or other existential dilemmas.

For the past couple of years, I have also been working with couples on issues ranging from pre-marital counseling, infidelity, navigating divorce, blended families, financial problems, sex and intimacy concerns, rekindling the friendship in the relationship and conflict resolution. My conceptualization of treatment for couples is based on Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, Acceptance-Based Couples Therapy and Gottman Couples Therapy. I have completed Level 1 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy and use this most of the time with couples, with some exceptions. 

Which brings me to the creation of Synchronicity Counseling Services and my ability to offer my services to you all here and now. Welcome and thank you for arriving with me to this point.