Every woman is unique, with her own story, personality, experiences, values, culture, skin color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and socioeconomic background. These factors shape who we are. ​

​

Gender expectations are socially constructed, so why focus on women's mental health? Because all women, regardless of their differences, experience society’s gender expectations. These expectations influence how we're perceived at work, as parents, partners, and individuals—and how we see ourselves, our bodies, and our worth as human beings. ​

​

Historically, psychological research has centered on men, but we’re now learning that women's mental health can present differently, with unique biological and life experiences that affect well-being. I believe counseling must acknowledge womanhood in all its forms, provide evidence-based care for women, address mental health struggles specific to women, challenge stereotypes, and consider both female biology and lived experiences when relevant.

Unlike what popular culture and social media tell us, the journey of parenthood is often marked by turmoil, chaos, and loneliness for most childbearing .

​

Becoming pregnant can be incredibly challenging, and the same is true for staying pregnant, experiencing pregnancy, and transitioning to life as a new or not-so-new parent. Throughout this journey, we undergo tremendous changes and upheavals. If you're in it, you might be feeling loss, anger, desperation, or like you don't recognize yourself anymore—and worst of all, it might feel like it will never end.

​

I specialize in supporting birthing people through their fertility journeys, pregnancy loss, and anxiety and depression during pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond. Being a parent can turn life upside down—physically, mentally, and spiritually—and it can be incredibly difficult. Let’s talk about it and work together to help you feel good again.

Whether you’re a first-generation immigrant from another country, a second-generation immigrant, or you migrated to the Midwest from another state, you might be going through a process called acculturation.

​

Acculturation is “a process in which an individual adopts, acquires, and adjusts to a new cultural environment as a result of being placed in a new culture.” It involves social, psychological, and cultural changes as one tries to balance two cultures while adapting to the society they're currently in (Sam & Berry, 2010). ​

​

Although it’s not often discussed, acculturation brings tremendous stress—psychological, emotional, and physical—while straining families, relationships, and work life. Migration is hard. Adjusting to a new culture is challenging, even if you’ve moved from another U.S. state. On top of that, you might miss your family, lack a support system, struggle with language, feel like you don't belong, and still have to navigate the immigration system. You are not alone in these experiences. Let's sit down, talk about it, and find a way to ease your pain. 

(Sam, D. L., & Berry, J. W. (2010). Acculturation: When individuals and groups of different cultural backgrounds meet. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 5(4), 472-481.)