My name is Daniel, and I am a licensed clinical social worker in the state of Illinois, where I have been providing mental health services for over 24 years. Regardless of your background, financial status, or the countless other aspects of yourself that make you unique, there is one universal fact that impacts us all: life is inherently unpredictable. We all face unexpected changes and events that range from extremely positive to brutally challenging, increasing our risk of feeling unprepared, isolated, and possibly overwhelmed, with no idea of what to do next. My training, skills, and years of experience enable me to help people deal with and move beyond the emotional fallout that often occurs during and after significant changes and events. These can commonly include anxiety, sadness, depression, grief, or negative self-image, and may result in the development of problematic coping strategies and issues related to self-confidence, motivation, communication, healthy relationships, or substance use. Everything we experience is based within the current context of our lives, including our age, gender, location, sexual identity, relationship status, financial position, job status, life stage transition, and physical health. It’s crucial to take all these aspects into careful consideration to make true and lasting progress. I work collaboratively with clients and am dedicated to creating an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes tremendous courage to seek happiness and even more to take the necessary steps. I’m here to guide and support you in your efforts.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In my practice, my therapeutic approach is rooted in a collaborative relationship with my clients, where their unique needs and circumstances guide the treatment process. In a structured manner, I draw upon a range of therapeutic theories and methods, including Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Psychodynamic Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution-Focused Therapy. I am dedicated to identifying the most effective approach for each client, helping them gain deeper insight into the causes of their challenges and finding solutions to move forward. I strive to create a warm and empathetic environment where clients can explore and address their concerns.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
Helping people who are struggling with aspects of their sexual identity also represents an area of particular strength for me, as I offer a space which is free of judgment or expectation of conformity to dominant social constructs which can be the source of many unnecessary obstacles for people.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
Working with people who have problems with self-confidence and self-esteem has always felt especially important to me. It's common to minimize the effects these self-image problems can have, although they have impacted virtually every person at some point in their life. Often cultivated by issues within the family system of origin, these can leave individuals without a clear sense of themselves, their needs, or their desires, which are all necessary in order to live a fulfilling life.
About Daniel Jennings
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use CBT to help clients identify and reframe unhelpful thought patterns that contribute to emotional distress and behavioral challenges. Together, we examine the link between thoughts, feelings, and actions in a practical, collaborative way. I integrate CBT flexibly, often blending it with deeper insight-oriented work so that it addresses both surface-level symptoms and longer-term internal struggles.
Psychodynamic
My psychodynamic work focuses on exploring how early experiences, unconscious processes, and unresolved conflicts influence current relationships, emotional responses, and self-perception. I help clients recognize patterns that may be playing out in their lives so they can develop more freedom and agency. This approach is particularly useful for clients seeking a deeper understanding of themselves and their relational histories.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
At the core of my practice is a deeply human, nonjudgmental approach grounded in respect, authenticity, and empathy. I provide a safe space where clients can explore their experiences and values without fear of shame or evaluation. My person-centered stance helps clients reconnect with their inner clarity and develop the confidence to move forward in alignment with their truest selves.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
When appropriate, I integrate mindfulness-based tools to help clients cultivate greater awareness of their thoughts, emotions, and physical states. These practices can be especially helpful for managing anxiety, trauma responses, and emotional reactivity. I emphasize grounding techniques, interoceptive awareness, and nonjudgmental observation to support emotional regulation.
Trauma Informed Care
My work is grounded in a trauma-informed framework, which means I prioritize safety, empowerment, and collaboration in every session. I am attentive to how trauma, including complex, developmental, and relational trauma, can shape beliefs, coping mechanisms, and identity. Whether using somatic anchoring, psychoeducation, or narrative processing, I tailor interventions to avoid re-traumatization and promote healing at a pace that feels manageable.