At a glance
Who Am I?
Hello! I’m Irene, a Licensed Social Worker passionate about supporting kids, adolescents, and adults from diverse backgrounds. I strive to create a safe, inclusive space where every person feels seen, heard, and respected, and I’m honored to walk alongside you in your journey toward growth and wellbeing.
I specialize in working with:
- Kids who struggle with big behaviors, self-esteem, anxiety, emotional regulation, social-emotional challenges, grief, and trauma
- Teens and adults navigating life transitions, anxiety, traumatic experiences, and loss
- Athletes managing stress and day-to-day anxiety
How I help
With kids, I especially love play therapy, using both non-directive (child-centered) and directive play-based interventions. I also use person-centered therapy, CBT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and traditional talk therapy, and with children and families I take a family-centered approach. I’m a dedicated lifelong learner, currently pursuing my certification to become a registered play therapist. The therapeutic relationship is the foundation of my work, and I aim to meet you where you are. We may laugh together, cry together, or sit in silence together. The choice is yours. I often help kids and teens through anxiety and childhood trauma.
What a session with me is like
I tailor sessions to each client. With kids, sometimes the child leads and I follow, and sometimes I introduce activities like drawing or creative arts to explore emotions, role-play to practice social skills, or books and games to teach coping skills. With others, we get comfortable and just talk. I encourage you to take the lead, because you’re the expert on your life. There’s no set agenda each session, but we set goals at the start of treatment and those guide us. It’s a privilege to go on this journey with you, and you’re never alone.
What I believe
- For children, play is their primary language and toys are their words.
- Sometimes things get messier before they get better, and that can be a sign of real work happening.
- Healing isn’t linear: some days emotions whisper and other days they roar.
- Therapy isn’t a quick fix, growth takes time, and I’ll be alongside you the whole way.
- Every person is unique, deserves to be seen and heard, and is capable of their own growth.
A little more about me
Outside of work I love all things sports, whether that be going to sporting events, coaching, or playing for fun. One of my bucket-list goals in life is to catch a game at every MLB stadium. My community is very special to me, and I cherish spending quality time with friends and family. I find joy in adventure, traveling, and exploring new places. I am also a big foodie and love trying out new dishes and places. .
A few common questions
Are you accepting new clients?
Yes
Do you offer virtual sessions?
Yes, I see clients virtually across Illinois, and in person at our Portage Park office.
What do you help with most?
Kids with big behaviors and big emotions, play therapy, anxiety, grief, trauma, and support for athletes.
What insurance do you take?
BCBS PPO, Aetna, and Northshore HMO.
- AetnaBCBS PPOEndeavor/Northshore HMO
