My Professional Journey -

My professional journey began with a simple but meaningful passion: I have always enjoyed helping people. I have always found fulfillment in being there for others, listening to their stories, and supporting them through life’s challenges. Over time, that desire to help others grew into a passion for mental health and ultimately led me to become a therapist.

My journey has also been shaped by my experience as an immigrant. After graduating from high school in Poland, I moved to the United States and began building a new life while pursuing my education. I started at Triton College, where I earned my Associate’s degree in Arts. I then continued my education at Loyola University Chicago, earning my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. My interest in understanding people, their experiences, and the factors that influence their emotional well-being continued to grow, leading me to pursue my Master’s degree in Social Work from Dominican University.

During my master’s program, I completed two years of clinical internships that provided me with valuable hands-on experience working with different populations. My first internship was with a nonprofit organization serving individuals experiencing mental health challenges. This experience deepened my understanding of the complexities of mental illness and taught me the importance of compassion, advocacy, and individualized support.

For my second internship, I worked in a high school where I supported students receiving special education services. This experience allowed me to work with young people and their families while developing a greater understanding of the unique emotional, social, and academic challenges that students may face. These internships helped shape my clinical perspective and reinforced my belief in the importance of meeting each individual where they are.

Before entering private practice, I had the opportunity to work in a variety of behavioral health settings, including a behavioral hospital, a correctional facility, and an inpatient rehabilitation facility. These experiences allowed me to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds and with a wide range of mental health and substance use concerns. Each setting taught me something different and strengthened my ability to approach people with compassion, without judgment, and with an understanding that every person has a unique story.

Through these experiences, I developed a particular passion for working with individuals who struggle with addiction. I believe addiction is complex, and behind every struggle is a person with their own experiences, strengths, challenges, and hopes for the future. I am passionate about helping individuals feel heard and supported without judgment while working together to develop healthier coping skills, recognize their strengths, and create meaningful and lasting change.

As a therapist, I strive to create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel respected, understood, and comfortable being themselves. I believe therapy is a collaborative journey, and my goal is to work alongside my clients to help them better understand themselves, navigate challenges, build on their strengths, and move toward the life they want to create.

My professional journey is still evolving. In the future, I plan to pursue a Doctorate in Social Work and become trained in EMDR therapy so that I can continue expanding my knowledge and skills and provide additional tools to support my clients. I am excited to continue learning and growing as a therapist, and I feel grateful for the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the people I work with.