LMHC, 11 years of experience
Hello and welcome! I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) based in Northwest Indiana and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Illinois. I earned my Master's degree in Counseling from Purdue University Northwest and have been practicing for 11 years. Additionally, I hold a PhD in Counselor Education & Supervision from Walden University. I am a Certified Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP), specializing in working with individuals who have anxiety disorders. I am also a board-certified counselor with the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC).
In our first session together, we'll start with introductions, but my primary goal is to get to know you and your story. While the first session focuses on gathering information, I invite you—at your comfort level—to share what has brought you to seek therapy. This approach helps us build trust and rapport while helping you acclimate to the counseling process.
In my clinical work, I strive to create a safe and accepting environment where clients feel seen and heard for who they truly are. I practice from a multicultural perspective, embracing diversity and fostering inclusion for both current and future clients. Additionally, I invite you to collaborate in creating goals and outcomes for therapy, while also challenging you to learn and grow in ways that align with the changes you wish to make.
I enjoy working with a diverse range of individuals and families across the lifespan. My practice includes children, adolescents, and adults who are navigating challenges related to mental health, mood disorders, and everyday life obstacles. A particular area of focus for me is assisting those going through life transitions, such as helping parents and caregivers navigate the complexities of parenting and co-parenting, managing divorce or separation, and preparing for college and career readiness.
Jil primarily employs a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approach, helping clients explore the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors as they gain self-awareness and navigate life's challenges.
In addition to CBT, incorporating an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) perspective helps clients recognize and accept a range of thoughts, feelings, and emotions while building psychological flexibility and engaging in meaningful, change-oriented behaviors..
Themes of Existentialism are also integrated into sessions, emphasizing broader concepts of meaning and purpose while guiding individuals to explore their authentic selves and cultivate a sense of fulfillment.
A strengths-based approach serves as the foundation of Jil's therapeutic practice, emphasizing individuals' internal strengths, abilities, and resourcefulness as they work toward creating lasting change.
Jil specializes in working with individuals who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. As part of her expertise, she incorporates a gender-affirming approach to provide holistic and supportive care to her clients.
10 ratings with written reviews
May 21, 2025
Jil has been a major help with my growth and development as a human. She's been solid in her knowledge, she's been very empowering and has pointed me to solutions so my mental health and wellbeing. I will always recommend her to anyone, because I wouldn't be in the headspace I'm in now without her.
May 20, 2025
Jil was what I had hoped for in a therapist. Kind warm and inviting. I felt safe enough to share deep feelings and problems right off the bat and I didn’t anticipate that happening. Waited a very long time to do therapy and I’m glad this was my first experience. Thank you
May 5, 2025
Jil listens to both of us and helps us focus on the issues and how to work through them, and communicate better with the issues. Thank you