My Story

Victoria s an eclectic clinician who utilizes a multimodal, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive approach to mental health treatment. Grounded in evidence-based practices, she draws primarily from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), while integrating elements of Internal Family Systems, Coaching, Humanistic, and Reality-Based frameworks. Recognizing that no two clients are the same, Victoria thoughtfully tailors her interventions to meet each individual’s unique needs. Her practice is rooted in a holistic mind-body perspective, ensuring that all dimensions of a client’s well-being—emotional, psychological, and physical—are acknowledged and nurtured.

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Therapy Specialization:

• First Responders and Their Families

• Multicultural and People of Color Experiences

• Trauma / PTSD / CPTSD

• Adolescents (12+ years) and Families

• Life Transitions and Relationship Issues

• Anxiety and Depression

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Professional Background:

From an early age, Victoria developed a deep understanding of pain and emotion. This awareness naturally guided her educational and professional journey. She began her studies at Triton College, where she earned an Associate’s degree in Basic Addiction Counseling. She then continued to Governors State University, obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a concentration in Mental Health and a minor in Criminal Justice.

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Victoria launched her career working with individuals struggling with mental health challenges, substance abuse, and women engaged in prostitution. After three years in the field, she returned to school and earned a Master’s degree in Clinical Forensic Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. During this time, she honed her expertise in the Psychology of Law Enforcement and Hostage Negotiation.

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Following graduation, Victoria served for 12 years as a Police Crisis Worker, supporting seven suburban police departments across the Chicagoland area. In this role, she managed critical incidents in which mental health was a primary concern. Her experience inspired her to further her education by pursuing a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership. Her dissertation explores the relationship between police leadership and mental health stigma among officers—including self-stigma, perceived stigma from others, stigma within the profession, and stigmatization toward others experiencing mental health issues.

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With more than 21 years of professional experience, Victoria integrates academic rigor with real-world expertise, making her a dedicated and insightful professional in her field.

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Personal Touch:

Victoria’s friendly, compassionate, and outgoing personality shines through in her work. As a bi-racial woman (African-American/Black & German) and a proud mother of three children and four fur babies. Victoria understands the complexities of modern life and brings a deeply empathetic and authentic approach to her practice. She is passionate about de-stigmatizing mental health and providing a safe, supportive space for her clients to be their true selves.

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Beyond the Practice:

Victoria actively promotes mental health integration within the law enforcement community, working with police departments nationwide. Her belief is that mental health extends to communities through integrative and collaborative relationships between law enforcement and mental health professionals. 

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Commitment to Your Well-Being:

Victoria believes that therapy is more than just talking—it’s about processing, understanding, and connecting feelings to enhance your functioning and quality of life. ​