(he/him)
New to Grow
I’m Jarom “Jay” Matheson, MSW, LCSW, a licensed clinical psychotherapist based in Chicago. I help individuals navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and major life transitions with compassion, curiosity, and practical support. My approach is warm, collaborative, and down-to-earth, blending CBT, DBT skills, trauma-informed care, and EMDR to create a space where clients feel truly seen and supported. Together, we focus on building effective coping tools, strengthening resilience, and creating meaningful, lasting emotional growth—one step at a time. I am Deaf and use American Sign Language (ASL). I have over 10 years of experience working with both Deaf/Hard of Hearing and hearing clients. For hearing clients, a qualified ASL interpreter is provided at no cost, and all interpreters are bound by strict professional confidentiality standards. Confidentiality and client privacy are always protected, ensuring a safe and supportive therapeutic environment for everyone.
In our first session, we’ll take time to get to know each other and explore what’s bringing you to therapy. I’ll invite you to share your current concerns, goals, and any relevant background at a pace that feels comfortable for you. We’ll also review confidentiality, discuss the therapy process, and make space for any questions you may have. My goal is to create a welcoming, supportive environment where you feel heard, understood, and empowered as we begin building a path forward together.
I strive to create a calm, supportive space where clients can show up exactly as they are—no perfection required. My style is warm, collaborative, and practical, helping people better understand what they’re experiencing while building coping skills that actually fit into everyday life. I value authenticity, connection, and a little humor along the way, because sometimes healing also means learning how to breathe, laugh, and feel human again. I take the work seriously, but not myself too seriously, and I believe therapy can be both meaningful and approachable.
My ideal clients are individuals navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship difficulties, or major life transitions who are seeking meaningful change, growth, and emotional healing. I work well with clients who value a collaborative, supportive therapeutic relationship and are open to building insight, developing coping skills, and improving emotional well-being through evidence-based approaches tailored to their unique needs and goals.
Other specialties
I identify as
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
My experience with CBT allows me to help clients recognize patterns that may be keeping them stuck, develop healthier ways of coping, and build tools they can use outside of therapy in everyday life. Sessions are collaborative, supportive, and focused on creating realistic changes that feel meaningful and sustainable.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
With training and experience in DBT, I support clients in strengthening emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness in ways that feel realistic and applicable to daily life. The process is collaborative, supportive, and focused on helping clients build resilience, balance, and healthier coping strategies over time.
EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a trauma-focused approach that helps clients process difficult experiences, reduce emotional distress, and develop healthier responses to painful memories. I support clients through the healing process in a way that feels compassionate, grounded, and client-centered. The work is paced thoughtfully, with a focus on building resilience, emotional safety, and lasting healing over time.
Psychoeducation
I provide psychoeducation to help clients better understand their emotions, behaviors, symptoms, and mental health concerns. My approach empowers clients with knowledge and practical tools to support insight, growth, and lasting change.