MEET JILL

My path to becoming a therapist has not been the typical one. In my mid-20’s, I worked in sales at a Fortune 500 company. Unsatisfied, I thought about following in one of my parents footsteps. Growing up, my father was a lawyer and my mother worked as a therapist. Seeing how both of their careers differed, I was torn between going to school for a degree in law or spiritual psychology. Ultimately, I chose law school. For the next 20 years, I spent my time jumping careers, unsatisfied but unsure where to turn.

My journey has not been easy--and maybe you can relate. After my personal struggles and obstacles when I hit rock bottom after struggling with addictions, I knew something had to change. I needed somewhere to turn and sought a therapist who could be compassionate, authentic, and give direct feedback. It was a challenge to find that combination and is what I want to be for you.

My own life began to turn around after receiving support from the 12-step community. I did some deep soul searching and thought about my struggles and life experiences that led me to this point. I became inspired to become a therapist.

Since that turning point, I have achieved a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Drake University. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), certified as an International Addiction & Drug Counselor (IADC), and currently a candidate as a Certified Partner Trauma Therapist (CPTT). I am trained in Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectal Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I have completed trainings in codependency, emotionally focused therapy, positive psychology, and polyvagal theory.

Do you ever feel like who you are on the inside is not what you show on the outside? At the end of the day, I think we are all trying the best we can. I know from personal experience that our negative self-talk and dysfunctional behaviors are direct responses to our adversities. While these behaviors protected us at some point, they ultimately led to us hiding from the world; and when we hide from the world, we are putting up barriers that disconnect us from others.

I approach therapy with the idea that individuals thrive when they are in balance - physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually - and that sometimes it’s hard to find the root cause of the imbalance.

As a therapist, I work with my clients to understand what is getting in their way of authentically engaging in life. While they may know what the problem or issue is, finding the root cause and addressing that is where most people struggle.

It’s uncomfortable to admit your vulnerabilities. I know from experience how hard it is to know you have a problem but feel clueless about how to fix it. You know there is more to life, but you don’t know how to get there. I know how it feels to be stuck. To feel overwhelmed and hopeless. I know how difficult it is to change … and I know change begins with understanding and accepting how things are in this moment.

I will work with you to develop insights about yourself and what is keeping you stuck. We will look at your past to understand what is influencing you in ways you might not even realize. Our work together is to examine how your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors all influence one another. In doing so, I will help you develop the coping skills and tools you need to overcome the obstacles you are facing. You don’t have to go through this alone.

One of the most important elements of therapy is the relationship you have with your therapist. It is important to feel as if your therapist gets you, that they understand you in a way that is compassionate and without judgement. 

What you will get with me is a transparent, direct, and collaborative therapist. I approach every client with empathy and no judgment, but will still challenge you by providing gentle, yet tough feedback. The foundation of my approach to therapy is through evidence-based practices and my healing journey through therapy, 12-step work, yoga, and mindfulness practices.

It may seem impossible right now, but you can find healing. No matter what you may be going through, there is hope. You can find the balance you desperately seek to lead a more fulfilling life. I would be honored to help you get back on track. Reach out to me through my contact form so we can connect and begin this journey together. I look forward to hearing from you.