My passion for psychology and desire to help others began at an early age following experiences with foster care and adoption. I identity as a cisgender Black gay male and was born in Miami, FL but raised in Scranton, PA. After graduating from The University of Scranton with a bachelor’s degree, I moved to Chicago to begin graduate school.
I integrate a mixture of approaches and techniques into my work while also relying heavily on psychodynamic and relational theories in building our relationship. I work with not only individuals but also couples and families in navigating a range of mental health concerns. At present, I am focused on helping people in the following areas:
- General mental health (e.g., depression, anxiety, mood instability),
- Relationships,
- Gender questioning/conflict,
- Sex and Sexuality,
- Non-monogamous/non-traditional relationships,
- Career transitions,
- Healthy living,
- Work-life balance, and
- General stress management.
I have training in completing psychological testing in the areas of neurocognitive, personality, intellectual, academic, and forensic. Like medical tests/exams, I use psychological tests and other assessment tools to measure and observe behavior to arrive at a diagnosis and guide treatment. For me, testing involves the use of assessments such as questionnaires, checklists, computer-based tools, and your direct input to help understand your uniqueness.
I believe that it is vital for people to trust their therapist’s office to be a safe space that is free of judgment. I work with you to help identify goals of treatment that are aligned with your values and beliefs. I make recommendations and provide feedback about changes I think will be helpful to make in your life, while also respecting your decision about what goal(s) to set.
During and after my coursework, I engaged in clinical training at private and public hospitals, forensic centers, juvenile detention centers, inpatient mental health facilities, outpatient community mental health centers, and private practices. Since completing my doctorate, I worked and underwent training and additional supervision at a group practice in Arlington Heights, IL. While at this practice I also served as a clinical supervisor for other therapists and technicians completing psychological evaluations. My degrees include:
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology (B.S.)
- Master of Arts in General Psychology (M.A.)
- Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology (M.A.)
- Doctor of Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.)
I can bill Blue Cross/Blue Shield PPO and Blue Choice plans, Aetna PPO, Cigna PPO, and most United/Optum PPO plans.