Rise Above Counseling, Sport & Performance Psychology

Licensed Counseling & Sport Psychologist Licensed in Illinois & Wisconsin Can provide telehealth to the following states: AL, AZ, AR, CO, DE, DC, GA, IL, KS, KY, ME, MD, MN, MO, NE, NV, HN, NJ, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, TX, UT, VA, WV, WI EDUCATION Pre-doctoral Internship Training - Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center PhD (Counseling Psychology) - Ball State University MA (Clinical Psychology) - Roosevelt University BBA (Marketing & Psychology) - University of Wisconsin - Madison Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) through the governing body of sport psychology, the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) (https://appliedsportpsych.org/certification/). I have worked with high school, collegiate, and professional athletes over the past nine years, was the sport psychology consultant at Ball State University for two years, trained at the Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana in brain injury, specifically interested in concussion, and completed my residency at the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center (formerly the North Chicago VA). I worked as a Licensed Psychologist at the Naval Station Great Lakes with United States Navy recruits conducting suitability for service evaluations, providing individual/group work on resiliency and performance enhancement training, and collaborating across multidisciplinary teams to ensure the best medical care for our United States Sailors until January 2020. I have conducted several research studies, collaborated as a team member of several research projects, and presented at several conferences on topics including concussions, athletes, mindfulness, diversity, chronic illness and disability, and exercise. As a licensed psychologist I can ethically treat general mental health concerns outside of sport/performance, and as a CMPC I can ethically address sport/performance issues/needs. As a result, I am listed as an approved mental health provider through the United Stated Olympic Committee. I see my job as helping athletes/individuals develop the skills to reach their goals by discovering more effective ways of thinking, acting, and responding in order to enhance their performance and overall life experience. I have no doubt you know in competitive sports, being mentally prepared is every bit as important as being physically fit. Sport psychologists typically work with athletes on issues like reducing performance anxiety, performance enhancement, stress reduction, and dealing with the unexpected, unwanted downtime due to an injury. A COLLABORATIVE APPROACH I believe that the most important factor in implementing real change is genuine connection. There is something therapeutic about feeling seen and accepted for who we are. Therapy with me is collaborative; it is not having someone tell you what to do, but it is also not about sitting in silence waiting for a solution to appear. Therapy is the most effective when we work together in a warm, non-judgmental space to find the strategies and insights that will help you in your everyday life. I help you find the strategies that allow you to cope, heal, and grow so you leave feeling empowered with lasting, meaningful change. SOLUTION ORIENTED My therapeutic approach is grounded in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which focuses on how our thoughts are connected to our emotions and behavior. I also operate from an acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) approach, often incorporating self-compassion, distress-tolerance, and mindfulness-based practices throughout our work together. HOW CAN I HELP? In my practice, I work with teens (14 years old +) and adults who are struggling with their well-being, relationships, education or career, life transitions, and sport or work performance. I enjoy working with people from all walks of life and am LGBTQ+ affirming. Sport & Performance Psychology Areas of Focus Individual: - Goal Setting - Emotion Regulation/Control - Concentration/Attentional Focus - Stress & Coping - Imagery - Mindfulness & Performance Enhancement - Team Building & Cohesion - Leadership - Motivation & Confidence Team/Group: - Injury and return to sport - Developing mentally tough performers - Positive coaching for youth sports - Recognizing and handling mental health and “life” issues - Developing a cohesive team - Creating a win-win environment with parents - Becoming an effective leader