Prenatal and postpartum therapists & psychiatrists in Downers Grove, IL

Hello, I am Skip I have been a therapist for over 12 years. I love what I do and am passionate about assisting people with addressing life issues. I specialize in trauma, addictions and couples therapy.

I believe that meaningful therapy begins with feeling safe, heard, and accepted. My goal is to create a nonjudgmental, affirming, and culturally responsive space where clients can openly explore their experiences, challenges, and goals. I strive to meet each person with curiosity, compassion, and respect, recognizing that every individual’s story is unique.

I have experience working with clients navigating anxiety, ADHD, depression, relationships concerns, trauma and stress. also have a particular interest in supporting individuals impacted by adoption, as well as those navigating the emotional and lifestyle changes that can accompany bariatric surgery and other significant life transitions. I am committed to providing inclusive care that honors each client’s values, identities, and lived experiences.

I earned my Master of Social Work degree from the University of New England. Whether you are navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, bariatric journey, trauma, stress, or personal growth, I look forward to partnering with you to build insight, resilience, and meaningful change.

I am an integrative psychotherapist with a private practice in Chicagoland. As a body-inclusive practitioner, my clinical work is grounded in somatic psychotherapy and emphasizes the healing capacity of the mind-body-spirit connection.

I hold a Masters degree in Community Counseling from Loyola University Chicago and a Masters degree in Teaching from Webster University. I've supplemented my education with post-graduate training in trauma, somatics, equine-assisted psychotherapy, and neuroscience.

Clients often describe me as approachable, practical, and easy to talk to. Therapy should be a collaborative process, and I strive to create a space where you feel comfortable being yourself without fear of judgment. My style balances support with practical problem-solving, helping clients gain insight while also developing strategies they can use in everyday life. Above all, I want you to feel heard, understood, and supported as we work toward your goals together.

I’m a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and mom of four with a passion for helping people feel balanced, understood, and supported. I earned my nursing degree from Chamberlain University in Chicago and completed my psychiatric graduate training at the University of Kentucky. I’ve been proudly serving patients as a PMHNP since 2022.

I provide care for children (6+), teens, and adults, including parents, professionals, students, and anyone navigating life transitions or emotional challenges. My focus areas include: ADHD, anxiety & panic, depression, bipolar disorders, trauma & PTSD, emotional dysregulation and impulsivity, sleep issues, and mood and behavior concerns in children/teens.

My style is eclectic and strength based. I see human nature as intrinsically good. Sigmund Freud said we are bio-social animals. I believe a great deal in listening to one’s self talk. The more positive our dialogue with ourselves is, the more positive our dialogues with others and our lives are. I’m also experienced in CBT, DBT, MI, Solution Focused, ACT, Gestalt, Interpersonal, and person-centered counseling.

My training includes lots of wonderful supervision and workshops, a three-year certificate from the Gestalt Institute of Chicago, and two one month intensives with Virginia Satir, the founder of family therapy. Virginia taught that exploring the self is like mining gold. We all have gold inside of us. That is our basic goodness. A lot of emotional suffering is the result of being detoured from that basic goodness.

Often, struggles can become gateways to transformation. Many of the clients I work with are navigating low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, chronic stress, trauma, grief, or major life transitions that leave them feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected. You may be experiencing racing thoughts, emotional exhaustion, relationship difficulties, loss, or uncertainty about your direction in life. When we begin to explore these experiences with compassion and curiosity, new perspectives and meaningful change can emerge.

I believe telling your story in a safe, supportive space can be deeply healing. I want to hear about your hopes, dreams, challenges, and losses. My goal is to help you better understand your experiences, develop emotional resilience, and move toward greater clarity and self-acceptance. You are not alone, and I am here to walk alongside you as you move forward on your journey toward healing and growth.

When stress starts to build, it can affect more than just your day-to-day life. It can impact your mood, your energy, and your relationships. I work with adults and couples who are navigating anxiety, depression, workplace stress, and burnout. Many of my clients are used to juggling responsibilities, caring for others, and pushing through difficult seasons until they realize they're no longer feeling like themselves. You might feel constantly overwhelmed, mentally exhausted, or like you can’t fully “turn off” your mind. At the same time, stress can begin to show up in your relationships through miscommunication, distance, or frustration, making it harder to feel connected and supported.