At a glance
Best fit for: Young adults, identity and self-esteem, neurodivergent, LGBTQ+, trauma/PTSD, mood/bipolar, relationships and attachment; adults.
Approaches: Relational Therapy, DBT, art therapy, psychodynamic.
Who Am I?
Hi, my name is Ava (she/her) and I’m a therapist who works with adults. I give the people I work with the time and space to be freely themselves, so they can feel seen and heard as unique individuals. I believe we heal through relationships, and therapy is a powerful way to do that. Together we’ll deconstruct relational patterns, process complex emotions, and make room for new perspectives. I’m a cisgender white woman who identifies as spiritual (non-religious).
I specialize in working with:
- Young adults navigating the transition to adulthood
- Chronic stress and burnout
- Neurodivergent adults
- People focused on identity exploration, self-esteem, and self-image
- Difficulties with relationships, attachment, and intergenerational trauma
- People affected by mood and anxiety disorders
How I help
I pride myself on being open-minded and nonjudgmental, so you can share whatever you want, because there’s no such thing as TMI in therapy. There’s no right or wrong way to be a client. I aim to be an advocate and ally to people of all backgrounds, and I work from an anti-racist, anti-oppressive perspective grounded in cultural humility. My work is trauma-informed and moves at your pace. I combine a warm, person-centered, relational approach with psychodynamic practice and DBT and CBT skill-building, and I’ll invite creativity and art therapy in if you’d like. I often help people with anxiety and relationships.
What a session with me is like
My approach is casual, and I like to get to know each other before diving into heavier topics, because a house needs a strong foundation first. I love inviting humor in, since a shared laugh can be healing. Bring coffee, tea, snacks, fidgets, or art projects, and use the space however feels best, whether that’s feet up or sitting on the floor. I create a calm, private, relaxed environment, and I’m available for virtual and in-person sessions.
What I believe
The most powerful tool in therapy is the relationship between therapist and client, built on mutual respect and trust.
A little more about me
In my free time my favorite hobby is tending to my ever-growing plant collection while sipping good iced coffee. I also cook, bake, knit, and make art. In summer, the best place to be is the beach with friends. I’m a big fan of reality TV when I want to unwind, and I love trying new things, being spontaneous, and finding humor through the ups and downs.
A few common questions
Do you offer virtual sessions?
Yes, I see clients virtually across Illinois, and in person at our Sauganash office.
What do you help with most?
Identity and self-esteem, young-adult transitions, burnout, relationships and attachment, and mood and anxiety disorders.
What insurance do you take?
BCBS PPO and Optum/United, with BCBS HMO and Aetna coming soon.
- AetnaBCBS HMO NorthshoreBCBS PPOOptum/United
