I earned my Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology/Argosy University in Chicago. I believe the most essential element of therapy is developing a trusting, therapeutic alliance in order to facilitate change. I specialize in integrated treatments for addressing co-occurring disorders, offering genuine compassion, honesty, and humor, along with a trauma informed care approach to treatment. I work independently running a private practice and my experiences include working as an outpatient mental health therapist at Lutheran Social Services of Illinois, serving those struggling with mental health issues as well as psychiatric disorders in the community. I have also provided psychotherapy at Family Guidance Centers, assisting those with substance use and psychiatric disorders after completing my internship with Rosecrance Treatment Center working as a substance abuse counselor.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In our first session I conduct an assessment to get to better know you and to understand how I can best help you achieve your goals for therapy. I will ask questions, tell you about myself and together we will work on developing a treatment plan in order to focus on the things you want to change in your life.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
My greatest strengths include forming a trusting therapeutic relationship, incorporating humor and a great sense of empathy for the challenges and struggles you face in life.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
My most fulfilling work includes with adults who struggle with anxiety, depression, anxiety, mood disorders and addiction. I also get fulfillment helping clients challenged by life transitions, trauma, grief, as well as those struggling with relationship issues.
About Jacqueline Ritz
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Existential
Experienced in facilitation and evidence-based approaches, I provide an authentic desire to promote change that focuses on living in the present and staying positive-minded. I incorporate an existential philosophy for living a meaningful life and improving the quality of life for my clients. I believe having meaning and a sense of purpose is essential for stable mental health and I welcome the opportunity to help my clients discover who they truly are.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
For clients with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, and addiction, I incorporate DBT and mindfulness based therapy by helping them learn and improve their skills in the four quadrants of emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness skills and improving interpersonal relationships.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I provide psycho education and experiential practice through implementing and helping clients gain awareness of how their thoughts create feelings which directly impacts their behavior. We work together to undo the negative self talk and realize a more realistic thought process.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
I assist clients to develop techniques that will help reduce anxiety, eliminate depression and heal past trauma through mindfulness based skill development.