Online Anxiety Therapy Illinois and Wisconsin

Hi, I’m Andy (she/her/hers), I’m so glad you’re here!

I specialize in helping women+ professionals find balance, peace, and purpose. For many women, work and career is an area of life that demands a significant investment of time, energy, and self-worth. It’s also intricately tied to our economic well being and our responsibilities to care for ourselves and others.

When our work life is out of alignment with our authentic self, or our needs and values change over time, it can feel like a key aspect of our life is broken.

I help clients navigate the impacts of anxiety and depression on their overall wellbeing, and tackle specific challenges that can arise in their professional and personal lives - such as, chronic stress and burnout; perfectionism; work life and career concerns; or imposter syndrome.

Who I Work With

I enjoy working with diverse clients and have experience with individuals from varied social, cultural, national, ethnic, and economic backgrounds and identities. My work is LGBTQIA+ affirming, body neutral, multiculturally and systems oriented, and poly-friendly. It is important to me to challenge systems of privilege and oppression, and to deconstruct the biases that can arise from my own conditioning. I’m committed to ongoing learning so that I can bring more knowledge to our work together and help you reach your goals.

I’m passionate about helping women+ thrive at work and at home . Who we are out in the world influences who we are at home, in our relationships, and within ourselves. Likewise, who we are in our personal life impacts how we show up in our work and in the world. When any part of us is out of sync, or feeling inauthentic, the whole of us cannot flourish.

My Story

I’m no stranger to high expectations, demanding work, and career challenges. Along the way, I’ve made some big, bold moves around my own work, need for balance, and search for a meaningful life purpose. As a multi-passionate person, I’ve worked hard to find the right work and the right life for myself. My experiences have taken me back to school for graduate degrees, through varied jobs and careers, and into diverse employment settings. Along the way, I’ve had successes - and “failures” - in banking, human resources, law, human services, and higher education, and I’ve worked in varied settings from large corporations and government to education and small business.

As a person whose work has always focused on service to others, often in settings ruled by high-demand and high personal responsibility, I have direct experience with the negative effects of chronic stress and professional burnout. Likewise, I know how painful it can be to find yourself in the wrong job or career, feeling trapped because you’ve worked so hard and invested so much to get where you are.

My Approach

I use a collaborative, non-hierarchical, and non-pathologizing approach in sessions. My work as a therapist is founded on the belief that every person has an innate drive towards authenticity, meaning, and purpose. Despite obstacles, you are capable of accessing wisdom, courage, resourcefulness, humor, and love to gain full access to your own distinct version of greatness. In your therapy we will envision you as a whole person who lives within a complex, interconnected web of systems, relationships, experiences, identities, and meaning. You want to thrive, but there may be limiting beliefs, entrenched systemic problems, difficult people, or toxic environments that stand in your way.

If you choose to work with me, we will examine three primary areas of focus. First we’ll look at the here-and-now to learn what’s working, what’s not working, and what needs to change. Next we’ll explore and gain insight into the old beliefs and early life experiences that may be having an impact on your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Finally, we’ll work towards an envisioned future where we will implement the action and change that will guide you to your goals.

Throughout our work together I may draw from a variety of theories and interventions, including compassion focused therapy, existential-humanistic therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, brain-based interventions, relational psychotherapy, Feminist therapy, positive psychology, and/or career development theory. In all we do, my objective is to facilitate your growth so you can accomplish your goals.

What To Expect

I create a comfortable environment built on trust, respect, and genuine care. Depending upon your needs and your unique process, I can move easily from a quiet and thoughtful approach based on deep listening and reflection to a more proactive and coach-like role. I always strive to work with you from a place of open curiosity, optimism, and responsiveness.

I am good at observation and reflection, practical judgment, thoughtful action, and making order out of chaos. I’ve been told that I have a calm and stabilizing presence. As your therapist I’m going to focus frequently on your strengths. I’m going to help you see and appreciate what you’re already doing well. I’m also going to gently nudge you towards the things that you’ve been avoiding and areas where you indicate that you want to grow. I’ll support you in taking new risks and stretching yourself in new ways, all while respecting your unique needs and your individual pace.

Education

Masters in Social Work, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Concentration in Physical & Behavioral Health
Juris Doctor, Mitchell Hamline School of Law, Saint Paul, Minnesota
Credentials

Illinois Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) #149.024073
Wisconsin Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) #8865-123
Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP)
Brainspotting Practitioner
Professional Affiliations

National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
Wisconsin State Bar Association