ABOUT CARLY.

Pronouns: she/her

I am a licensed clinical psychologist from Illinois & Iowa. I consider both states home. I am in the process of weaving together my favorite aspects of city & small-town life.

A little background: Eager to understand human resourcefulness, I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Neuroscience at Drake University. I then obtained my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Over the past decade, I have acquired clinical experience in higher level of care (Residential & Partial Hospitalization Programs) and outpatient therapy settings.

A more in-depth glance at my therapeutic mindset: Deeply rooted shame often blocks humans from opening up to others about our suffering. Silent suffering is isolating and agonizing. Therapy is an invitation to experience attunement during the healing process. Curiosity, extending nonjudgement, and cultivating understanding are at the center of my work. I am deeply committed to promoting your sense of agency. I welcome your input in establishing treatment goals, and we will routinely assess the direction of our work together. I believe therapy works best when sessions are approachable, and somewhat predictable so that the conditions of the therapeutic relationship foster desired change.

I have extensive experience treating eating disorders, body image, and disembodiment concerns. This experience includes targeting trauma narratives, body betrayal, internalized phobic messaging, body shame, and gender dysphoria. We all live in a body, yet our experience within that body is complex and unique. The best therapy incorporates a personalized, empathic approach that respects and serves your particular experience and identity. Together, we will explore the multifaceted experiences that have imprinted onto your sense of self. We will identify ways to sift through them with safety and intention.

Whether you are seeking therapy specific to body-related concerns or not, we may explore how your brain and body respond to anxiety, intimacy, grief, and other powerful emotions. Through this growing awareness, therapy can help foster your ability to attune to, and then attend to, your physical, emotional, and relational needs to achieve a more empowered state of living.

My additional clinical scopes include:

• relational & attachment patterns

• identity exploration

• size diversity & fat liberation

• sexuality & sex positivity

• interpersonal struggles & communication

• perinatal & reproductive mental health

• life transitions

• value based living

I have both a passion for and experience in working with LGBTQIA+ identified folks. Overall, I situate my technique in feminist-relational therapy, psychodynamic therapy, emotion regulation skill learning, and strengths-based practice. In recognition of the evolving landscape of psychological research and practice, I am committed to continued professional development. This includes furthering my understanding of oppressive systems harming a client’s agency and safety. I will be pursuing ongoing specialized training/credentialing that offers inclusive and comprehensive care for individuals who hold marginalized identities.