Our Story
Human behavior has always been a particular interest of mine. When I went to college, I was certain I was going to be a therapist. But life took a series of twists and turns – as happens to so many of us – and my direction changed. After several years in the arts and operating my own business, I realized I needed to find a higher purpose in life, beyond making a good living.
Realizing that what I truly wanted to do was help others work through their challenges, I returned to school and earned my Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas. I have served as a staff therapist at New Leaf Resources, based in Lansing, Illinois and worked for several years as a counselor and counselor-supervisor. Additionally, I have counseled numerous patients at Living Hope, the psychiatric unit of St. Vincent’s Hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas, and at Capstone Treatment Center, a treatment facility for teens with chemical addiction. These experiences allowed me to continue refining my approach while working with and treating a variety of challenges, from anxiety and depression to relationship difficulties.
As I continued working with individuals and couples, I saw how personal challenges impacted family systems – and vice versa. I took a position as Staff Therapist at Shults-Lewis Child and Family Services - a treatment center for teens and their families - where I spearheaded, co-created and currently direct a parent-training and family coaching program called The Shults-Lewis Family Institute. The Family Institute is aimed at addressing problems such as communication, stress management, anger management and conflict resolution. The experience of leading numerous workshops on these topics has been of great value in my private practice, which is located at Silhavy Place Individual, Couples and Family Counseling. My work with the Family Institute also led me to delve deeply into the negative impact of ineffective communication and poorly managed anger, stress and conflict. It also provided a treasure trove of information from the participants themselves.
Once you’ve taken the courageous leap toward seeking help, you’ve already surmounted the first hurdle. You’ve started fulfilling your end of the deal. Now, my role will be to provide hope and encouragement, as well as instruction and counsel. I am comfortable and experienced in working with people of diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds. I respect my clients’ closely held beliefs. Everyone has a fascinating life story, and I honor the value of each person's story. Our stories create a kind of theme or vision of our lives; and sometimes that vision can be limiting, almost as if we’re living with blinders on our eyes. But when you see things differently, you can generate solutions and discover pathways toward growth and healing far better than any therapist can do. In this way you become empowered to the point that you no longer need therapeutic services.
I live and work in Valparaiso, about an hour from Chicago. I get into the city often, where I lived for many years, to enjoy some ethnic cuisine. I like cooking, watching old movies and playing with my dog, Nikki, a border collie mix. To stay fit and fight of the stresses of the work day, I exercise at our wonderful local YMCA – a brisk walk and a cardio workout, while the headphones play feel-good music, does wonders for the body and soul.
When I laugh, I laugh heartily, and there’s a good reason for that. My mom, who - like my dad - went through devastating times early in life, was a great role-model with a wonderful sense of humor. To her I owe a debt of gratitude for demonstrating the importance of laughter – especially the ability to laugh at ourselves - in helping us carry on, no matter how tough things might get. To mom and dad, I dedicate this work.
As a professional therapist, I am licensed to practice individual, group, marriage and family therapy in Indiana and Illinois. If you are ready to begin addressing and overcoming your challenges, please give me a call at (219) 309-3928 for a free 15-minute phone consultation.
