Meet Evelyn

I believe in creating a space where children can explore their emotions, feel deeply understood, and begin to heal through the power of play. Children often don’t have the words to explain what they’re feeling, but their behavior tells a story. Whether your child is struggling with anxiety, anger, attention challenges, or emotional outbursts, I use play therapy to help them feel safe, seen, and supported. In my work, play isn’t just fun—it’s the language children use to process big feelings, build self-awareness, and grow in meaningful ways.

“A child who is encouraged develops confidence and courage to face life’s difficulties.” — Alfred Adler

As a parent, your heart carries many worries, and you’re doing everything you can to support your child. Those big feelings and moments of upset, anxious thoughts, or difficulty staying calm and focused can be difficult for a parent. Or maybe you’re just feeling stuck—unsure how to help, and tired of feeling like nothing is working. You don’t have to face this alone; there is hope and support here for you.

Through play therapy, I incorporated a natural and nurturing way for kids to explore their emotions. This developmental approach supports the child in building coping skills, strengthening connections, and growing with confidence and resilience.

“Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning.” — Fred Rogers

What Therapy with Me Looks Like

As a Counselor, children don’t need to find the words to explain what’s troubling them—they have the space to show it. Through play, art, and imagination, they can safely explore their feelings, try out new skills, and grow in confidence at their own pace.

Kids don’t always need words to tell you what’s going on –they show you in the way they play, draw, move, or even in the silence. As a counselor, I meet them right there, in their world—through play, art, imagination, and all the wonderfully quirky ways kids express themselves.

When your child is with me, they’re in a safe, cozy space where they can just be. No pressure, no judgment—just room to explore big feelings, try out new skills, and build confidence at their own pace. I like to think of it as a gentle harbor where they can feel truly seen, heard, and supported.

Sometimes, a tough day shows up as a meltdown or silence, and that’s okay. Together, we’ll use play to gently uncover what’s beneath the surface. Bit by bit, your child will learn how to ride the waves of their emotions, trust themselves, and find new ways to connect with the world around them, growing stronger.

“A person’s a person, no matter how small.” – Dr. Seuss, Horton Hears a Who

My Approach

I take a child-centered, person-centered approach because I truly believe every child can thrive when they feel safe, seen, and accepted just as they are. Depending on what your child needs, I’ll gently weave in tools from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), attachment-based parenting, and positive discipline to create support that’s flexible and personalized.

Whether your child is dealing with anxiety, ADHD, trauma, low self-esteem, anger, or other tough feelings or behaviors, we’ll take the time to look at what’s going on underneath. Big emotions and challenging moments often have something important to say—and together, we’ll work to understand what your child might be trying to express in the best way they know how.

With patience, curiosity, and kindness, we’ll build a space where your child feels safe to be themselves, encouraged to try new ways of coping, and supported as they grow into who they’re meant to be.

The fun side of me

I love to laugh, have fun, and start each day with a smile, wondering what life’s little lesson will be. I like to ask myself, "How can I brighten someone’s day today?" Maybe it’s cracking a goofy joke, saying a heartfelt thank you, or just holding the door open with a grin. It’s the little things that make life feel big.

The professional side of me

 I hold a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from National University, with a focus on Play Therapy. I am currently license-pending as a Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Illinois. I’m also working toward certification as a Registered Play Therapist under the supervision of Jessica Bloom, LCPC, RPT-S. I’ve had the privilege of supporting children and families across various settings, always to create safe and supportive spaces where growth, healing, and connection can thrive.