The healthiest people are those who can acknowledge that they can't do it alone. Sometimes we need to trust in other people to guide us and give us perspective. It can be a challenge to open up to friends and loved ones for fear of judgement or rejection. Although there is incredible strength in showing vulnerability, it is also terrifying and unknown. Engaging with someone outside of your immediate circle can offer a different perspective free from judgment and biases.
Change is overwhelming for many and very uncomfortable. Distress, discomfort, and chaos can often be comfortable. Not good, but comfortable and known. It is difficult to take that first step outside of our comfort zone because we don't know what is on the other side. However, when we are unhappy with our current circumstances, change is necessary to influence that dynamic. If we are uncomfortable during the process of change, that means you are doing something right! That means PROGRESS!
We tend to think of change being one swift movement or major life event. However, most change happens slowly over time as we inch in a certain direction or towards a certain goal. Like the snail extending and retracting, making its way across a surface. Most of the time we forget to enjoy those small inches forward because we also have to retract in the stretch to make progress forward. It is in those retractions that we need to have the ability to sit still and enjoy the feeling of accomplishment after the stretch.
​I have over 16 years of experience working with depression, anxiety, substance use disorder, trauma, domestic violence, and premarital/marital counseling. I work with individuals and couples using cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, strength-based, and solutions-focused techniques. Each client has a unique treatment plan suited for their needs and identified goals.
I received my undergraduate degree from Syracuse University in 1998 after completing an internship at Georgetown Law. I worked in federal law enforcement from 1998-2002 while obtaining my MA in Forensic Psychology from Marymount University.
In 2003, I began working as a full-time therapist and soon after started in private practice working with those struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD, trauma, domestic violence, substance use disorder, and premarital/marital issues.
It can sometimes be difficult to find the right therapist. The therapeutic relationship is vital to the success of treatment. If I am not the right fit, I will find you a therapist that is the right fit for you.
What is counseling?
Counseling is a collaboration between counselor and client. Together, you and your counselor identify challenges in your life and create solutions to help move your life in a positive direction.
How can counseling help me?
There are times in life when certain issues or life events can cause emotional distress, put a strain on relationships, or make it feel like your world is out of control. Cambrio Counseling, PLLC offers the caring, expert assistance that you need during these stressful times. People seek counseling for a variety of reasons including feeling unhappy, unfulfilled, worried, sad, or angry. People also seek out counseling to help change behaviors that are troubling them including addictive or disordered behaviors or behaviors that affect their relationships at home or at work. Some people seek counseling because they have a life goal that has been eluding them and they are ready to explore their barriers. Other people seek out counseling because they know they are going through a difficult time or facing a difficult decision and they desire a place to sort through their feelings and move forward in their life with intention and clear thinking.
What can I expect from a counseling session?
Cambrio Counseling, PLLC strives to make the counseling atmosphere relaxed, comfortable, and free from judgment. We will discuss your current situation and relevant history. From there, each counseling session is constructed from the goals you have identified. When a counseling relationship is working well, clients experience new insights into their situations, clearer thinking, increased energy, better understanding of their feelings and needs, release of troubling emotions that have held them back or been confusing, and a greater sense of wholeness and peace within themselves. Therapy is a working partnership develops between client and therapist. Therapy is not always comfortable or straightforward. Diifficult emotions and ways of being often have to be sorted through in order for new change to appear. Clients should feel comfortable with their therapist and be able to ask about whatever is on their mind regarding the process.
Is everything I say confidential?
All of your information is kept strictly private. However, there are specific circumstances that I am ethically and legally required to report: (1) if there is reason to suspect you are a danger to yourself, (2) if there is reason to suspect you may carry out threats to harm another individual, and (3) if there is reason to suspect that a child, elder, or disabled individual is being harmed. Under Illinois law, I am a mandated reporter and must contact the police or Illinois Department of Child & Family Services if any of these circumstances arise. Additionally, in some legal situations a judge may override my efforts to protect your privacy. Furthermore, under the Illinois Firearm Concealed Carry Act, if you are believed to pose a significant risk to the public by carrying a firearm, I may be required to report this to the Illinois Department of Human Services. If any of these situations present themselves, I will make every effort I can to discuss it with you before any action is taken.
Do you prescribe medication?
Cambrio Counseling, PLLC cannot prescribe medication. However, we are partnered with highly skilled practitioners that are able to complete medication evaluations and prescribe medications.
