Licensed to practice in Illinois and accepts 4 insurances. Specializes in Anxiety, Depression, Trauma and PTSD and 10 more.
(she/her)
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois with 15 years of professional clinical experience, in schools, community-based, and private practice. I have worked with individuals ranging in age from 3-25. I have very specialized training and experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse, depression, anxiety, motivation, sense of self-worth, and confidence. I'm deeply committed to clients and their desire to heal, improve their quality of life, and/or navigate a difficult time in life. Additionally, I have specific training and experience in supporting women's mental health, young adults, and individuals experiencing challenges related to chronic pain, body image, and interpersonal dynamics. I am very communicative with clients, and always offer to provide resources or materials to support you in between sessions. I do like clients to know that I genuinely love what I do. I was lucky enough to find a career, kind of on accident, that I truly enjoy. I am a strong advocate for my clients, but will challenge you when it is appropriate. I value providing a safe space for clients to allow them to be vulnerable. We all experience difficult periods in our life, unfortunately some more than others. Therapy is one tool that can help you process, understand your thoughts and emotions, and give you the opportunity to be truly heard. Therapy doesn't need to be used as a last resort, I find it incredibly helpful when used preventatively as well. If you choose to try therapy, I would be grateful to be a part of that experience and provide to you tailored therapeutic approaches to best help you. Drawing from extensive clinical experience, I tailor interventions to meet each individual's unique needs, focusing on empowerment, resilience, and holistic well-being. Together, we can work towards transformative personal insights and sustainable emotional wellness.
In our first session I like to spend some time asking general questions to gain some background knowledge, which helps me start to understand you and what has shaped you thus far in life. I also appreciate getting to know you and giving you the opportunity to know me. I believe that the therapy-client relationship is the biggest predictor for change, growth, and success in therapy. I will likely ask you to identify or think about what you feel is important for me to know and what you want to focus on in therapy. I personally feel that the challenges society has taught us to believe are weaknesses are actually strengths and functional in our life. Mental health does present obstacles for those who experience it, but I am a firm believer in helping clients see how their "weaknesses" are actually strengths and how to best utilize those strengths to improve your quality of life . I prioritize treating everyone with respect, understanding, and compassion. I adapt our sessions and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs while implementing clinical approaches that I feel will best serve you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
I believe my greatest strength as a clinician would be empathy. As a child I was always told I was too sensitive. I grew up and with some amazing therapists and mentors I realized that sensitivity and empathy are a gift. I sought out a career that requires empathy and sensitivity. I have genuine care and compassion for my clients, and choose to do this everyday. A few years ago I needed a hobby, and I asked myself what I like doing. Providing therapy is my favorite way to spend my extra time, except for spending time with my husband and kids :). During the day, I work in special education as a school social worker in an inner-city setting. Currently I am off for summer, so more of my free time is being dedicated to Grow Therapy. I think that helps illustrate my love for this line of work. Clients are not a number to me. I do this because I care. I chose to use my empathy and "sensitivity" to help others, which in turn has made me a better person by the mere fact of knowing my clients. I know for a fact that my clients and students have made me a better person. I learn from you just as much as you learn from me. My love for this job is my biggest strength, and arguably a very important one!
I love working with clients who are engaged and motivated to be an active participant in therapy. I believe the most change and overall growth as a person happens when the client can be open and ready for change, but also willing to share and use this time to process anything that is keeping them stuck in life or keeping them from living life to the fullest.
Top specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
Other specialties
Anger Management
Autism
Bipolar Disorder
Coping Skills
Crisis Intervention
Mood Disorders
Perinatal Mental Health
Self Esteem
Suicidal Ideation
Women's Issues
I identify as
White
Woman
Adults (18 to 64)
Illinois
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Anthem
Independence Blue Cross
Independence Administrators
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I believe in the school of thought that is based in behaviorism, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Trauma-informed therapy is also something I believe deeply in and combining the two is, in my clinical opinion, a very effective approach to therapy.
Feminist
While in college I took a feminist theory class and it inspired me to really reflect on the relationship between women and mental health. I believe it is important to recognize the challenges women face including bias and oppression. This challenge is increased among women of color, which also needs to be recognized and processed.
Strength-Based
As a social worker we are trained in a strengths-based mindset.
Trauma Informed Care
I believe that one's experiences influence their current experiences and their current reality. Our traumas and past experiences shape us in a way, but if we don't like how we are presenting ourself or we don't feel secure about ourselves, it is important to seek out help in processing trauma.
4 ratings with written reviews
May 26, 2026
Jessica is authentic in her approach. She also frames every part of her therapy with empowerment in mind.
May 17, 2026
From my very first session with Jessica, I felt comfortable opening up to her. She’s genuine, open-minded, and truly listens without judgment. Her advice is thoughtful, realistic, and actually helpful for working through difficult situations. Every session has left me feeling heard, validated, and more hopeful. I genuinely wish I would have found her years ago
March 7, 2026
Jessica met with me and my husband for a couple's session. Immediately could tell that she is genuine, warm, and a real listener. She is solution-oriented and took time to really listen to both of us. I look forward to our next session