I'll be welcoming new clients in early March 2026
Tired of pretending you have it all together?
My practice is a safe space to unpack the heavy stuff.
Do any of these sound familiar?
You’re overwhelmed.
Someone asks how you are, and you answer, “I’m fine.” But inside? You’re definitely not fine. Whether it’s anxiety, depression, or a messy life transition, it drains your all energy. You deserve to actually feel as good as you pretend to be.
You’re recovering.
Recovery and sobriety are an ongoing process that looks different every day. We can discover and develop healthy coping skills to support you, and build a solid foundation for your new path.
You’re a helper who also
needs some help.
People in helping professions spend a massive amount of energy providing support and guidance to others. Finding time to care for yourself can be a challenge. Trust me, I understand that dynamic, and I can help you prioritize your own well-being.
You’re part of the LGBTQ+ Community
If you’ve felt like an outsider due to your identity or orientation, you’ll be seen and heard in my office.
Connections at every stage of adult life
Whether you’re a college student or a retiree, I’m here to support you. I value the unique stories that come from different backgrounds and mental health journeys.
I pride myself on building authentic connections with adult clients ages 18 and up. While I share many interests with my younger clients, I offer my older clients the perspective of a peer who has lived a full life — or as one client put it, someone who has “a few miles” on him.
My practice is secular and affirms the full spectrum of gender, sexuality, and racial identity. I offer a space free of judgment or specific agendas, so you can simply be yourself. My goal is to understand your world.
“I was lucky to have David as part of my healing journey for four years. Therapy always seemed intimidating because I was scared that some of my deeper thoughts were going to be 'too much.' David made me feel comfortable from the moment we sat down together, and I will never forget the relief I felt to finally have someone help me work through the boxes of trauma I had stored away. His ability to read people is uncanny, and he has superior intuition and empathy. We were able to breach extremely difficult topics... and, most importantly, he helped me establish a level of trust in myself that I never thought possible. I am forever grateful for the work we did together.” - former client
A licensed listener powered by coffee and empathy.
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Illinois. My undergraduate degree comes from Eastern Illinois University, and my Master of Social Work from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Yes, I’m a townie, and understand the unique rhythm of our community.
I’ve worked in a variety of mental healthcare settings, including inpatient hospitals, addiction recovery clinics, and local group practices. These experiences taught me how to sit with heavy topics and help clients find a path forward, no matter how complex the situation. I specialize in helping people navigate life transitions, unlearn unhealthy habits, and manage anxiety and depression.
I enjoy coffee, houseplants, scary movies, and my black cat, sometimes all at the same time. My pronouns are he/him/his.
As a fellow human, I know what it’s like to struggle. That’s why I do this work.
How we’ll get started.
Though I draw from a number of therapeutic approaches to complement your needs, my work is primarily based in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). That’s a fancy-sounding name for a pretty basic concept.
CBT suggests that how we think affects how we feel, which affects how we behave, which affects how we think and feel, and... you get the idea. When that loop is grounded in self-support, it reinforces stability and growth. When it’s driven by harsh or shaming self-talk, it can throw things off in painful ways. We’ll map out your current pattern and figure out how the whole system could work better for you.
And just because we’re dealing with serious stuff doesn’t mean we have to be serious 100% of the time. Laughter is a great healing tool. My office is a place where you can cry, vent, and crack a joke about how absurd life feels. I’m a real person, not an AI chatbot. I’ll challenge you, cheer you on, and make sure you leave with more clarity than you walked in with.
Let’s connect.
I’m here to help. Let’s get started.
Disclaimers
General Information
The content provided on this website is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
No Professional Relationship
Visiting this website, reading the content, or sending a message via the contact form does not establish a therapist-client relationship. A professional relationship is only established after intake service agreements and Informed Consent are signed.
Medical Advice
Always seek the advice of your physician or other medical health provider with questions regarding medical issues related to a mental health condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you've read on this website or anywhere else.
