ACT, BRAINSPOTTING and PARTS THERAPY in CHICAGO, IL & CHARLESTON, SC, and throughout all of Illinois and South Carolina

Psychotherapy for Ambitious Women Who Are Ready to Find Harmony and Self-Compassion

Providing Support for the Women Who Give It All— Find Space to Finally Receive.

Are you the perfectionist who’s exhausted?

The high achiever who sometimes feels empty?

Or the one who 'has it all' but feels like something’s missing

Therapy can help you find true alignment and fulfillment, without feeling like you will risk all that you have achieved.

I help women build authentic connections and find inner-peace, without losing themselves in the process— Even if perfectionism, anxiety, or self-doubt have held you back before.  

Together, we’ll guide your Inner Critic to transform into your most supportive and empowering Cheerleader, helping you embrace your full potential.

And even if that voice lingers, you’ll learn to meet it with curiosity, knowing it’s just one part of you—not all of you.

Schedule a Free Consultation - Begin Making Yourself a Priority

Whatever you are navigating, I’m here to help you find clarity, healing, and balance.

Balance isn’t about doing it all; it’s about creating a life that feels steady, even when the world feels fast. It’s giving yourself permission to pause, to breathe, and to choose what truly matters, so you can reclaim your energy and find peace, without worrying you will lost it all.

Explore the areas I specialize in and discover the support that’s right for you.

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    Embrace your sensitivity as a strength, set healthy boundaries, and navigate the world with greater self-trust and balance.

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    Navigate the stress of parenting with compassion and calm, finding time for yourself again.  

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    Navigate the changes of perimenopause with support and understanding. Learn to manage symptoms, regulate emotions, and prioritize your well-being with compassionate guidance.

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    Learn to embrace your differences, enhance communication, and build supportive relationships.  

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    Find peace with food and your body through compassionate, personalized support. Learn more here.

What if you could wake up feeling steady and sure of yourself, No longer drowning in doubt or questioning your every move?

Hi, I’m Dawn.

I specialize in working with women who feel overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected, and I help them move toward clarity, balance, and fulfillment. Whether you’re navigating the challenges of perfectionism, parenting, neurodivergence, or body image, I bring a compassionate, tailored approach to help you create lasting change.  

I see clients in Chicago, IL, Charleston, SC and throughout Illinois & South Carolina online, offering the flexibility you need to prioritize your growth.  

  • I’m a licensed clinical therapist deeply committed to empowering women and neurodivergent individuals to break free from perfectionism, anxiety, and self-doubt and to build lives that feel genuine and whole. With over 20 years of experience in the field, I bring a unique blend of knowledge and empathy to my practice, helping clients navigate a wide range of challenges, including body image concerns, neurodivergence, and eating disorders.

    My specialties include working with perfectionistic women, anxious moms, neurodivergent individuals and couples, and those facing body dissatisfaction. As a Certified Autism Specialist and an ADHD Specialist-in-Training, I have advanced training in the intersections of neurodivergence with women’s experiences, reproductive mental health, hormones, and body image challenges. My crossover training also addresses neurodivergence in the context of eating disorders, offering a nuanced and inclusive approach to care. I am currently pursuing the Inclusive Eating Disorder Specialist Certification to deepen this expertise.

    Drawing from a compassionate, values-aligned framework, I help my clients reconnect with themselves and create lives that are meaningful and fulfilling. My approach holistically addresses the mind, body, and heart, incorporating relational tools and practices designed to support lasting change.

    Here’s how I support clients on their journey from overwhelm to empowerment:

    • Values-Aligned Therapy: Together, we’ll uncover what truly matters to you—your values, passions, and goals—and use them as a guide for growth and decision-making, empowering you to live more authentically.

    • Specialized Neurodivergence Support: I provide tailored approaches for neurodivergent individuals, incorporating expertise in Autism, ADHD, and their unique interplay with life challenges, body image, and emotional regulation.

    • Eating Disorders & Body Image: With decades of experience in treatment centers and expert-led trainings, I help clients navigate eating disorders and body image concerns with compassion and specialized strategies.

    • Holistic & Integrative Care: I weave intuitive and energy healing practices into therapy sessions, including techniques from my current Reiki training, to support emotional balance and deep healing on a mind-body-spirit level.

    • Somatics and Physiological Awareness: Using approaches like Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and Brainspotting, we’ll release tension, build self-awareness, and foster a sense of safety in your body.

    • Trauma-Informed Practices: My work integrates trauma-sensitive tools like EMDR and Brainspotting, helping clients process emotional pain and reconnect with their innate resilience.

    • Self-Compassion Development: Together, we’ll transform self-critical patterns into a kinder, more accepting relationship with yourself, paving the way for growth and self-confidence.

    • Perinatal and Postpartum Care: For clients navigating motherhood, I offer specialized support, addressing the unique mental health challenges of perinatal and postpartum experiences.

    Whether you’re facing perfectionism, anxiety, neurodivergence, or body image challenges, I’m here to help you find healing, empowerment, and a renewed sense of self. Together, we’ll create space for transformation and growth so that you can step into a life that feels authentic, grounded, and fulfilling.

    I offer virtual therapy sessions to clients in Illinois & South Carolina, making it easy to connect wherever you are—in every sense of the word.

Learn more about my approach here or by scheduling a consultation call below.

What if life didn’t feel like an endless juggling act?

Imagine feeling at peace with yourself and confident in your choices.

Picture being able to show up fully in your relationships and daily life without fear, doubt or overwhelm holding you back.  

This future is possible— and it starts with taking that first step.   Let’s create the life you’re longing for— book a session today.

You’ve been silently screaming for relief, hoping someone will notice. It’s time to let someone truly see you. You’ve been sacrificing pieces of yourself just to get through the day. Let’s find the part of you that’s been waiting to be whole again. When was the last time you felt like yourself? It’s time to find her again.

You’ve been silently screaming for relief, hoping someone will notice. It’s time to let someone truly see you. You’ve been sacrificing pieces of yourself just to get through the day. Let’s find the part of you that’s been waiting to be whole again. When was the last time you felt like yourself? It’s time to find her again.

This kind of change takes courage and the right support. Therapy works best when it aligns with your needs and goals. Let’s explore whether my approach might be the right fit for you.

Is This Journey Meant for You?

I’m a good fit for you if:

  • You’re ready to explore the deeper patterns holding you back and commit to meaningful change.  

  • You’re seeking a therapist who will balance empathy with practical tools and strategies.  

  • You prefer deep and intuitive work, instead of a more surface-level “phone-a-friend” type of therapy experience

  • You value flexibility and want therapy sessions that fit your schedule and needs, whether they’re 45 minute weekly sessions or longer, more intensive monthly 4-hour sessions, and anything in-between!

I might not be the best fit if:

  • You’re looking for a strictly CBT-based therapy experience

  • You want a purely solution-focused approach

  • You need insurance-covered sessions

If this sounds like you, let’s connect—schedule your consultation call today and explore how this customized journey may look for you.

Let’s Talk About What Might Be Getting in the Way

Ready to discuss what options might work best for you?—schedule a consultation today.

  • To make therapy more flexible and accessible, I offer sessions structured by 30-minute increments—ranging from shorter sessions to extended 360-minute intensive sessions for those who prefer deep, focused work. This allows you to tailor your experience to what fits your time and budget.  

  • Opening up can feel risky, especially if you’ve been hurt or dismissed before. In our work together, you set the pace. I create a safe, supportive space where your thoughts and feelings are honored—not judged. We’ll explore things when you’re ready and in a way that feels manageable for you.

  • Therapy is deeply personal, and finding the right fit is key. My approach is integrative, combining evidence-based methods with compassion and collaboration. We’ll work together to tailor our sessions to your unique needs and goals, focusing on tools that feel effective and meaningful to you.

  • It’s hard to ask for help, especially if you’re used to being the one who holds everything together. But needing support doesn’t mean you’re failing—it means you’re human. Therapy isn’t about fixing you because you’re not broken; it’s about helping you reconnect with your strengths and find a way forward that feels right for you.

  • Online therapy offers flexibility and accessibility while still fostering meaningful connection. Many clients find that they feel just as, if not more, supported and connected as they would in person—while also benefiting from the convenience of meeting from wherever they feel most comfortable.

    Here’s why online therapy can be even more personal and effective:

    • Comfort in Your Own Space – Sessions happen where you feel safest, whether it’s your cozy chair, a quiet room, or with a pet by your side.

    • A More Personal Connection – I meet you in your world, not a therapy office, making our conversations feel even more natural and relatable.

    • Real-Time Integration – Strategies and insights are applied in your daily environment, making it easier to practice and sustain meaningful change.

    • More Accessible and Flexible – No commute, no waiting room—just therapy that fits into your life with ease.

    By meeting in your own space, therapy doesn’t just stay in the session—it blends seamlessly into your life, making growth and change feel more immediate and lasting.

  • Taking the first step is the hardest part, and it’s okay to feel hesitant. You don’t have to dive into everything all at once. Therapy is a space where you’re in control, and we’ll move at a pace that feels safe and right for you.

  • I hear you—therapy is an investment, and when life already feels stretched, it can be hard to justify prioritizing yourself. But consider this: what is the cost of staying stuck? What are you losing by continuing to feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or unfulfilled?

    Therapy isn’t just about “feeling better”—it’s about tangible, real-life changes that impact everything from your career to your relationships to how you show up in your daily life.

    Here’s what investing in yourself through therapy could look like:

    At work – Instead of overthinking every email or staying in a job that drains you, you feel confident enough to ask for that promotion AND the pay increase you deserve—without doubting if you’re “good enough.”

    In relationships – Instead of bending over backward to meet everyone else’s expectations, you gain the clarity to recognize which relationships truly support you—and let go of the ones where you can’t be yourself.

    With family – Instead of feeling trapped by obligation or guilt, you learn to set boundaries that honor your needs while still maintaining meaningful connections (without the emotional exhaustion).

    As a parent – Instead of running on empty and snapping at your kids out of stress, you develop the tools to stay present, patient, and emotionally regulated, making parenting feel more fulfilling rather than just another thing to manage.

    With your identity – Instead of constantly feeling torn between what you want and what others expect of you, therapy helps you discover who you are—beyond the roles, the expectations, and the “shoulds.” Once you know that, it becomes easier to make choices that align with your values and let go of relationships or commitments that no longer serve you.

    In daily life – Instead of feeling paralyzed by indecision or anxiety, you wake up with clarity and confidence, knowing how to move through your day with ease:

    Morning – You choose an outfit without second-guessing, eat breakfast without guilt, and start your day with intention instead of overwhelm.

    Workday – You send emails without overanalyzing, set boundaries with coworkers, and focus on what actually matters instead of spinning in stress.

    Midday – You take a real break—without guilt—whether that’s stepping outside, listening to music, or just sitting in silence.

    Evening – You prioritize what fuels you instead of forcing productivity. Maybe that’s ordering takeout instead of cooking or being present with loved ones instead of doom-scrolling.

    Nighttime – Instead of replaying every moment, you practice self-compassion, wind down in a way that actually relaxes you, and go to bed feeling at peace, not dreading tomorrow.

    Therapy isn’t just about working through struggles—it’s about creating a life where you feel grounded, capable, and fully yourself. When you invest in therapy, you’re not just spending money—you’re investing in your future self, your relationships, and your overall quality of life.

What Does It Mean to Partner with Me on Your Therapeutic Journey-

Personalized, Expert Care Tailored to Your Unique Needs

Therapy is a deeply personal journey, and you deserve care that truly meets your needs. When choosing a therapist, it’s essential to find someone whose approach and expertise align with your unique needs and values.

If you’ve tried therapy before and felt like it wasn’t the right fit, you’re not alone.

Many of my clients share that previous experiences felt too surface-level or didn’t address their unique challenges as entrepreneurial, perfectionistic, anxious, or neurodivergent women.  

My approach is different. Together, we’ll create a space where you feel seen, supported, and equipped to make meaningful change.  

See how this time can be different—schedule your consultation today.

What makes me different from other therapists?

Here’s what sets my practice apart:

Comprehensive Expertise Across Diverse Modalities

With training in Brainspotting, EMDR, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Mindful Self-Compassion, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Intuitive Eating, and Gottman Couples Method Level 2, and as an Internal Family Systems (IFS)-Informed Therapist, I offer a multifaceted therapeutic approach. This extensive toolkit allows me to tailor interventions to your specific challenges, facilitating deeper healing and personal growth.

Trauma-Trained and Holistic Healing

My training in various trauma modalities, such as Brainspotting, EMDR, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Polyvagal Theory, and as an Internal Family Systems (IFS)-Informed Therapist, ensures a sensitive and effective approach to healing past wounds. Additionally, incorporating Reiki and Intuitive Spirituality into therapy sessions offers a holistic dimension, addressing both emotional and energetic aspects of well-being.

Authenticity and Value-Centered Living

I believe in empowering you to live authentically, honoring your personal values over societal or familial expectations. Together, we’ll explore and clarify your values, fostering a life that aligns with your true self, free from the need to conform or diminish yourself for others’ comfort.

Health at Every Size (HAES) and Weight Inclusivity

I am committed to the Health at Every Size philosophy and am currently pursuing the Inclusive Eating Disorder Specialist Certification through IEDE. My practice encourages self-compassion for your body, including all shapes and sizes. My approach focuses on fostering a de-stigmatizing relationship with your body, moving away from societal pressures to conform, and embracing authentic self-expression.

Perinatal and Reproductive Mental Health Expertise

With a Perinatal Mental Health Certification and extensive training in reproductive mental health, I provide specialized support for individuals navigating the complexities of endometriosis, PMDD, PCOS, parenthood, fertility journeys, perimenopause, menopause and related challenges, ensuring compassionate care during these pivotal life stages.

Neuroaffirmative and Specialized Neurodivergent Support

As a an Autism Spectrum Disorder Certified Specialist and with ongoing certification trainings in ADHD, working towards an ADHD-Certified Clinical Services Provider, I provide foundational neuroaffirmative care that respects and celebrates neurodiversity, particularly “neurospicy” women. My practice offers a supportive environment for neurodivergent individuals, focusing on strengths and authentic living rather than conformity.

Entrepreneurial Insight and Support

As an entrepreneur working with many in the entrepreneurial community, and as a Goldman Sachs 10K Small Businesses Graduate, I can understand the unique pressures and dynamics of entrepreneurial life, particularly while integrating life as a mom of 3 girls. This perspective allows me to offer targeted support for balancing personal well-being with professional demands.

“Choosing to work with me means engaging in a therapeutic partnership that honors your individuality, leverages a broad spectrum of expertise, and is committed to fostering authentic, value-driven living.”

Embarking on a therapeutic journey is a significant decision. If my approach resonates with you, I invite you to reach out for a consultation. Let’s explore how we can work together to support your path toward healing and authentic living.

Take the next step.

Therapy for women seeking balance and connection—helping you move from overwhelm and self-doubt to a life of clarity, confidence, and fulfillment.

Take the first step toward the life you want—schedule a free consultation today.

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Contact Information

Hours
By Appointment Only

Location
Aurora/Naperville, IL Chicago, IL
Charleston, SC & Online throughout IL and SC