Dr. Buckelew's first priority is to build a safe and genuine connection with each client. From this secure base, clients can feel encouraged and supported enough to begin to examine themselves from a position of compassion and understanding rather than shame and judgment.

Dr. Buckelew joins her clients as a co-explorer, investigating together how family history, early relationships, and cultural experiences have shaped the present, understanding that emotional struggles often stem from external harm rather than internal problems.

Throughout the therapeutic journey, Dr. Buckelew aims to emphasize clients' inherent strengths and welcomes their most authentic self. Dr. Buckelew and her clients cultivate the therapeutic relationship together as equals, with both bringing their wisdom and insights, while Dr. Buckelew maintains the safety and felt sense of genuine care needed to support each client on the journey of self-discovery and healing.

Dr. Buckelew has extensive experience across multiple mental health settings, offering flexible, individualized therapeutic care. She specializes in supporting clients through major life transitions, relationship changes, identity exploration, and courageous self-discovery.

Drawing from a relational framework, Dr. Buckelew integrates attachment theory, family systems, and emotionally-focused therapy approaches. She believes healing happens through real connection and is particularly skilled at helping clients clarify their values, explore who they're becoming, and navigate changes with confidence and intention. Central to her work is fostering self-acceptance and working through shame that keeps clients stuck.

Dr. Buckelew works best with clients who are curious about themselves and open to exploring change, whether they're feeling ready or just starting to consider what's possible. She specializes in supporting women and LGBTQ+ individuals through deep emotional work, providing structured support to help them set values-driven goals and take meaningful action. Her approach creates space for compassion, insight, and lasting change through collaborative therapeutic connection.

Dr. Buckelew is a 2022 graduate of Adler University's Psy.D program, licensed as a clinical psychologist in Illinois and is PSY-PACT certified. Her doctoral research focused on the intersection of women's mental health and domestic labor, deepening her understanding of how sociocultural structures intersect with psychological wellbeing.

A Chicago resident since 2017 and originally from Michigan, Dr. Buckelew is LGBTQIA+ identified and committed to antiracist practice. She understands how racism, transphobia, and other systems of oppression directly impact mental health, and recognizes that healing happens within social and cultural contexts.