About Jenny

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
M.Ed., NCC, CCMHC

Hi, thanks for being here!  Before we jump into all things therapy, let me share a bit about myself.  

For as long as I can remember, I have been interested in learning about what it means to be human:  to navigate the ups and downs of life, to be connected to one another in a variety of roles and relationships, to experience times of motivation and depletion, and to have desires to grow- while also feeling stuck at times.  There is no cure for being human and with that comes awareness surrounding what it means to have mental health… which lies in our ability to have adaptability, self awareness, a capacity to self regulate and access coping skills, while also experiencing joy and true fulfillment in our lives. 

  • That growth is possible— perhaps not always at the pace we hope for, but it is in our small, consistent efforts where new seeds take root. Coming alongside you as your therapist is a privilege that I welcome with gratitude … creating a space where you can begin to truly examine your needs and make efforts to nourish the parts of you that will help you grow into the version of you that aligns with your values and hopes for the future. It’s important to remember, however, that even when you yearn to grow— you are already enough– just as you are. I am here to join you on your journey of growth and healing. My intention is to understand and care for your needs in therapy and for you to know that you are not alone. I believe the continual pursuit of growth is best understood as the relentless process of rediscovering and harnessing your strengths and revisiting the core aspects of yourself that make you uniquely you. I am committed to being an agent of change for individuals during times of transition and personal development. During our time together, I intend for us to get to the core of your current challenges, realize and actualize your abilities, and begin moving towards optimum wellness. I am sensitive to the diverse needs of individuals/life stages and recognize that each person comes to therapy with their own story and desired outcomes. My hope is for each individual to leave with a desire to experience a more fulfilling and meaningful life; and most importantly, to feel equipped enough to do so!

  • I utilize cognitive behavioral therapy techniques, as well as others as needed to help you discover underlying challenges and hurts, work out past traumas, change thinking that is no longer serving you and makes gains toward inner peace and understanding. I use a variety of therapy modalities and tools, some of which include: Dialectal Behavior Therapy (DBT), Solution Focused/Strength based therapy, mindfulness and visualization, art and music therapy, psychoeducation, as well as journaling. Common challenges and reasons that individuals may see me include: body image issues, relationship concerns, life transitions, anxiety, personal growth and mindset development, anger/stress management, bullying, perfectionism, postpartum support, and overall wellness/self care. I am currently working with adolescents and adults providing individual therapy.

  • My educational background began at Northwestern University, where I graduated Summa Cum Laude, earning a Bachelors Degree of Science in Education and Social Policy in Human Development and Psychological Services. I continued my studies in School and Community Counseling at Loyola University, where I earned my Masters of Education, as well as my certificate as a school counselor (PEL). I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), and certified by the National Board for Certified Counselor as a National Certified Counselor (NCC), as well as a Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC). I have additional training in mindfulness and stress reduction for adolescents, as well as certification in yoga and trauma informed yoga practices. Beyond the therapy realm, I am an active member and coach within US Soccer/IWSL (D licensed). I also am certified to coach within the Illinois High School Association (IHSA).

The trees lose their leaves so they’re not weighed down in the season to come. Now is the time to let go of what will weigh you down in the future.

About Nourish the Need

Nourish; verb: to promote the growth of, maintain, support

Need; noun: a physiological or psychological requirement for well-being

In nearly 20 years of working as a therapist, I have found that most people experience feelings of alignment when their needs are being nourished in their day to day lives; which is our very access point as humans to living a more fulfilled, joy-filled life.  The very core of our work together is rooted in the ability to identify your needs, get an idea of whether or not these needs are still serving you and looking at what is required to see things from a growth mindset— believing that change is possible.  Nourishing your needs in action fosters feelings of unconditional positive regard, empathy, respect, authenticity, self-acceptance, boundaries, emotional regulation, and mindful awareness; knowing that you are the expert in your life story and I am here to honor your vulnerabilities as we work towards writing your next chapter.

Therapy is a process and a practice; meaning, it is gradual in nature and takes effort to lead toward a particular end point- one that requires a safe space to unpack all of the feelings contributing to feeling stuck.  Our time in session will start with meeting you where you are at and getting an idea of where you would like to go.  From there, the real work happens between sessions, where you will be given homework assignments that help offer insight and perspective to your day-to-day rhythms and thought patterns.  My hope is that Nourish the Need offers a space for true healing and alignment… to let go of past strongholds that no longer serve you.