New to Grow
Hello, I'm Jack Richey, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with more than 20 years of experience helping adults, couples, and families navigate life's challenges. I earned my Master of Social Work degree from the University of Iowa, with a specialization in Interpersonal Communication and Change. I work with clients experiencing anxiety, stress, grief and loss, divorce recovery, life transitions, self-esteem concerns, relationship difficulties, and family conflicts. I also help individuals facing workplace stress, social anxiety, communication challenges, men's issues, midlife transitions, and questions about purpose and direction in life. My counseling approach is rooted in respect, empathy, and collaboration. I utilize evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy. Together, we will identify practical strategies to help you overcome obstacles, build resilience, and move toward your goals. I have a particular passion for helping individuals and couples strengthen relationships and improve communication. Whether you are working through marital concerns, recovering from a divorce, navigating family dynamics, or seeking healthier patterns in your relationships, I provide a supportive environment where meaningful change can occur. For clients who desire it, I ethically integrate Christian values and biblical principles into the counseling process while maintaining professional standards of care. I welcome clients from all backgrounds and respect each person's unique beliefs and experiences. Seeking help is a courageous first step. My goal is to provide a safe, supportive space where you can gain insight, develop effective coping skills, and create lasting positive change. I look forward to the opportunity to work with you.
Taking the first step toward counseling can feel both hopeful and uncertain. During our first session, my primary goal is to get to know you and understand what brings you to therapy. We'll spend time discussing your current concerns, important life experiences, relationships, stressors, and any goals you hope to achieve through counseling. This is also an opportunity for you to share as much or as little as you feel comfortable discussing. There is no pressure to tell your entire story in the first session. I will ask questions to gain a better understanding of your situation, strengths, and challenges, while also giving you the opportunity to ask questions about my approach and the counseling process. Together, we'll begin identifying goals and discussing how therapy can support the changes you would like to make in your life. The first session is also about determining whether we are a good fit to work together. A strong therapeutic relationship is one of the most important factors in successful counseling. I want you to feel comfortable, respected, and heard. Many clients leave the first session with a clearer understanding of their concerns, an initial plan for moving forward, and a sense of hope about the counseling process. Therapy gives us the opportunity to work together at a pace that feels right for you. I look forward to meeting you and supporting you as you take this important step toward growth and positive change.
As a licensed therapist with more than two decades of experience in Illinois, my efforts are concentrated in supporting individuals and couples in navigating complex emotional challenges. My practice focuses on helping clients address things like sadness, anxiety, work problems, and interpersonal difficulties. I bring a compassionate approach to counseling, particularly supporting adults, men, and those seeking a conservative therapeutic perspective. My expertise centers on helping individuals work through self-esteem challenges, social anxiety, communication difficulties, feeling misunderstood, and feelings of isolation. I'm deeply committed to guiding clients toward understanding their life purpose, healing from past wounds, and developing healthier emotional patterns. Whether you're experiencing workplace stress, relationship transitions, or seeking personal growth, I offer a supportive and understanding environment. Drawing from extensive clinical experience, I provide targeted support for diverse challenges including mood disorders, panic attacks, midlife transitions, relationships, and family-related concerns. My approach is grounded in respect, empathy, and a genuine desire to help you discover your inner strength and achieve the breakthroughs you are seeking.
As a licensed therapist with more than two decades of experience in Illinois, my efforts are concentrated in supporting individuals and couples in navigating complex emotional landscapes. My practice focuses on helping clients address challenges like sadness, anxiety, life transitions, and interpersonal dynamics. I bring a compassionate approach to counseling, particularly supporting older adults, men, and those seeking a conservative therapeutic perspective. My expertise centers on helping individuals work through self-esteem challenges, social anxiety, communication difficulties, and feelings of isolation. I'm deeply committed to guiding clients toward understanding their life purpose, healing from past wounds, and developing healthier emotional patterns. Whether you're experiencing workplace stress, relationship transitions, or seeking personal growth, I offer a supportive and understanding environment. Drawing from extensive clinical experience, I provide targeted support for diverse challenges including mood disorders, panic attacks, midlife transitions, relational, and family-related concerns. My approach is grounded in respect, empathy, and a genuine desire to help you discover your inner strength and achieve the breakthroughs you are seeking.
Other specialties
I identify as
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I have used Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for several years. It is a very practical way for clients to better understand why they think the way that they do and a means to improve the ways in which they think. I particularly like David Burns' Checklist of Cognitive Distortions and his Three Column Method to help clients lessen the impact of distortions in their thinking. I also like the efficiency of sharing the basics of Berne's Structural and Transactional Analysis. It helps clients to better understand why they think and behave in certain ways. It is also beneficial in comprehending when communication works and when it doesn't. His teaching on Scripting Theory and Games People Play can also be helpful at times.
Faith based therapy
For Christian clients who are seeking counseling With a Christian client's approval, I show them how to use their faith as tool. I believe in a practical Christianity that can help clients deal with their questions about life and the struggles that they are experiencing.