Hi there! I’m Caroline (like the Neil Diamond song), and I’m excited to welcome you to my little corner of the internet. Between the huge importance of finding the right fit when looking for a therapist and my own value of transparency, I’m delighted to share a little more about myself so that you can get a feeling for what it might be like to work together.
I’m a Chicago-based licensed clinical psychologist by day, but my other waking hours usually revolve around two things: my family of five and FEEDING my family of five. I love reading cookbooks, trying new recipes, and believe it or not, grocery shopping (which has become an Olympic sport with three young kids in tow). I love to bake but hate getting my hands dirty (working on it), and going out for a quiet breakfast with my husband is a peak experience these days. As someone who is historically conscientious, organized, and “a pleasure to have in class,” the chaos of this stage of life is a challenge. So I try to at least make it taste good.
When I’m not thinking about what to make for dinner, I capitalize on my other talents of overthinking everything, waiting for things to go on sale, and refining my particular brand of overly earnest millennial cringe.
While I’d like to travel more, I do love that we make it to my childhood home about an hour south of Kansas City a few times a year, where my kids take in the country scenes and enjoy playing Crash Bandicoot just like I used to.
Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology: Virginia Commonwealth University
Clinical Psychologist (IL License #: 071.009668)
…how I went from driving a John Deere in rural Missouri to finding home in Chicago.
…about my past life as a group therapy coordinator and why you should add a group to your treatment plan.
…what to read to enhance your therapy work.
…what I’m making for dinner.
Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology: Virginia Commonwealth University
Clinical Psychologist (IL License #: 071.009668)
I’m a psychodynamic therapist, but what does that mean? I find that life can sometimes be like the movie Groundhog Day–like we’re just living the same day, the same pattern, the same pain, day in and day out. In psychodynamic therapy, we explore those patterns together–where they came from, what keeps them going, and how they feel–they often play out in the therapy relationship too, which is a good thing! Ultimately we move into trying something different that disrupts the patterns, something that matches your social and emotional needs as well as your cultural and spiritual values. Spoiler alert: it usually involves embracing your authenticity and, in the flavor of bell hooks, some kind of love.
I provide my therapy sessions in a casual virtual environment–sweatpants welcome! I am an active and transparent therapist with real-time reactions and human 
facial expressions, and my number one goal is to co-create a space where you feel safe to be as real and true to yourself as you can be.
Our first session usually feels more like an interview: I ask questions that help me understand what’s bringing you to therapy, as well as a bit about your history, so that we can get a sense of whether we are a good match and make a plan. Ongoing sessions are much less structured and more conversational–I’ll often invite you to take the lead with what you want to talk about–it always amazes me how our starting point manages to connect to your original reasons for coming to therapy.
Our time together combines being in the moment with reflecting and building insight. Rather than offering quick advice, I prefer to support your autonomy and curiosity, helping you decide what fits, what no longer does, and how the change you need might unfold in a way that honors your cultural, relational, and emotional needs.
I served the UIC community for about ten years, where I developed expertise in college mental health, interpersonal dynamics, and supporting folks with marginalized identities and experiences. College students are my bread and butter, including traditional and nontraditional students, grad and undergrad, first generation, and all kinds of fields of study, from STEM students to the arts to trainees in mental health fields. I often work with millennials and Gen-Z adults, adult children of immigrants, and individuals navigating cultural and identity-related concerns, including people who are curious about or integrating ADHD into their self-concept. I especially enjoy working with people with high-functioning anxiety, past and ongoing family and relationship challenges, and complex trauma histories–helping people make sense of their experience, create meaning, and embrace their authenticity is what keeps me dialed in to the work. I am also a certified integrative mental health professional (CIMHP), which means that I can also provide information about how nutrition can support your mental health (you knew food would make its way into the conversation!).
Here are answers to questions I hear from clients most often!
This is a common experience, especially for high-functioning adults and young professionals. On the outside, things may look stable—school, work, relationships—but internally, you may feel uncertain, disconnected, or unfulfilled. These feelings often reflect deeper emotional patterns or unmet needs that haven’t been fully explored. Therapy can help you better understand these experiences and create a clearer sense of direction and alignment.
Overthinking often develops as a way of trying to gain control, avoid mistakes, or manage anxiety. While it can feel productive, it often leads to mental exhaustion and self-doubt. Therapy helps you understand the underlying drivers of overthinking and build more effective ways of responding to uncertainty, stress, and decision-making.
Many people notice recurring patterns in their relationships—whether it’s choosing similar partners, struggling with boundaries, or feeling stuck in familiar dynamics. These patterns often have roots in earlier experiences and can operate outside of conscious awareness. Insight-oriented therapy helps bring these patterns into focus so you can begin to make more intentional and fulfilling choices.
Therapy can be especially helpful during periods of transition, such as college, graduate school, or early career development. Many Gen Z and millennial clients experience anxiety, burnout, identity questions, or pressure to “figure everything out.” Therapy provides a space to slow down, process these experiences, and develop a more grounded and sustainable way of moving forward.
Yes. We provide therapy for college students, young adults, and early-career professionals in Naperville and throughout the western suburbs of Chicago. We offer therapy services in-person or, in my case, via telehealth to maximize accessibility and convenience for our clients. We frequently work with individuals navigating academic stress, career decisions, relationship challenges, and identity development during this stage of life.
Psychodynamic or insight-oriented therapy focuses on understanding the deeper emotional patterns, past experiences, and relational dynamics that shape how you think, feel, and behave. While some therapies focus primarily on symptom reduction, this approach helps you understand the “why” behind your experiences—often leading to more meaningful and lasting change.
Absolutely. Many high-achieving individuals seek therapy not because they are failing, but because they feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure of themselves despite external success. Therapy can help address things like perfectionism, impostor syndrome, burnout, and difficulty enjoying achievements.
It’s very common for college students and young professionals to feel anxious about the future, especially in a world with many choices and high expectations. This anxiety can stem from uncertainty, pressure to succeed, or fear of making the “wrong” decision. Therapy can help you clarify your values, reduce anxiety, and approach decisions with greater confidence.
Therapy sessions are a collaborative space where you can talk openly about your thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Over time, your therapist helps you identify patterns, gain insight, and explore new ways of understanding yourself and your relationships. The process is tailored to your goals and evolves as your needs change.
Therapy can be helpful if you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or curious about understanding yourself more deeply. Many people start therapy during times of transition or when patterns in their life no longer feel sustainable. If you’re asking the question, it’s often a good sign that therapy could be beneficial.
The timeline for therapy varies depending on your goals. Some clients begin to notice changes within a few sessions, while others choose to engage in longer-term work to explore deeper patterns. Insight-oriented therapy is flexible and can be adapted to support both short-term relief and long-term growth.
Many people experience this feeling during periods of transition, stress, or personal growth—especially in college or early adulthood. You may find that roles, expectations, or relationships that once felt clear no longer fit in the same way. This can feel unsettling, but it’s often part of a deeper process of self-exploration. Therapy provides a space to better understand who you are, what matters to you, and how to move forward with greater clarity and confidence.
Many people, especially younger adults, find themselves feeling emotionally impacted by social and political issues, particularly in a constant news and social media environment. It’s common to experience stress, frustration, or even helplessness when faced with complex or polarized topics. Therapy can help you process these reactions, set healthy boundaries around information intake, and stay grounded in your values without becoming overwhelmed.
Financial stress is one of the most common sources of anxiety, particularly for college students and young professionals navigating debt, career uncertainty, or cost-of-living pressures. Therapy can help you explore the emotional side of money—such as fear, shame, or pressure—while also developing healthier ways of coping with uncertainty. Over time, this can lead to a greater sense of control, clarity, and confidence in managing financial stress.
