Abby Jeske, MA, LPC
|
Master of Arts
To make an appointment with Abby, please call 630-570-0050. You can also email [email protected].
Specializes In:Depression, Anxiety/Worry, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Grief/Bereavement, Adjustment/Life Transitions
Ages Served: Children and Adolescents (10+), Teens, Young Adults, Adults, Older Adults |
Professional Experience
I completed my undergraduate degree in Psychology from Aurora University during which I also worked with youth, helping out with after-school programs in the surrounding district where I developed good working relationships with students. I believe this only furthered my interest in working in a helping profession - I noticed how much power simply being interested in student’s lives, both in and outside of school, can create a supportive environment where students feel valued and heard. I later pursued my graduate degree, a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, from Wheaton College which I received in 2023. During my graduate training, I completed an internship at a community mental health center where I primarily worked with children and adolescents. Since then, I’ve gained further experience in a private practice setting since late 2023 working with clients across the lifespan, including children, teens, and adults.
Specializations and Treatment Approach
I currently treat:
Children and Adolescents
Teens
Young Adults/College-Aged Individuals/Adults
Depression
Anxiety
Worry
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Grief/Bereavement
Adjustment/Life Transitions
Working with me, you can expect a warm and collaborative approach to therapy. I enjoy using ACT therapy (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) which is a mindfulness based approach to therapy that involves learning to accept difficult thoughts and emotions without being ruled by them and build connection to what truly matters to clients in order to live meaningful lives. I will also often draw on CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) interventions as well for practical tools and strategies and to build on skills like emotional regulation, distress tolerance, communication, and relaxation.
Children and Adolescents
Teens
Young Adults/College-Aged Individuals/Adults
Depression
Anxiety
Worry
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Grief/Bereavement
Adjustment/Life Transitions
Working with me, you can expect a warm and collaborative approach to therapy. I enjoy using ACT therapy (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) which is a mindfulness based approach to therapy that involves learning to accept difficult thoughts and emotions without being ruled by them and build connection to what truly matters to clients in order to live meaningful lives. I will also often draw on CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) interventions as well for practical tools and strategies and to build on skills like emotional regulation, distress tolerance, communication, and relaxation.
About Me
What are your professional and personal values?
Authenticity - This may be sort of a cliche, but this is a value I find important in my life both personally and professionally. I want to show up to therapy, and everything I do, as myself. I hope this serves as a model for you to show up as yourself as well!
Open-mindedness - One thing I want clients to know about me is that I am open to being wrong! If I make a connection or an interpretation that is not quite on the mark, I love to know! I do not have all the answers but I do want to build a real connection based on understanding.
Humor - I enjoy incorporating humor when appropriate and client-centered. I believe therapy should also include moments where we recognize that access to joy is possible even amidst hard times.
What are some of your favorite self care activities?
I enjoy taking walks, reading, and fulfilling pretty much anything arts and crafts related on my Pinterest. Recently, I have found myself more into plants and have been learning to care for and grow carnivorous plants over the past year or so; They are unique plants to care for and really remind me to appreciate the beauty (and also strangeness?) of nature.
What is your favorite quote?
Words concerning the topic shame often stick out to me. One of my favorites comes from Brene Brown:
“If we are going to find our way out of shame and back to each other, vulnerability is the path and courage is the light. To set down those lists of *what we’re supposed to be* is brave. To love ourselves and support each other in the process of becoming real is perhaps the greatest single act of daring greatly.”
Why do you love being a mental health professional?
I really enjoy the opportunity to work with clients from all walks of life, each with their own perspectives, experiences, and strengths. It’s very fulfilling to witness each person’s individual path towards personal growth and see them use their strengths! I learn so much from my clients. Being a mental health professional also keeps me in a position where I am constantly learning, and not just in the academic sense of the word but through experience sitting with people and being present to witness a part of their life journey.
What led you to become a therapist?
I don’t think my high school self would have thought I’d be where I am today. My journey was deeply shaped by my own mental health struggles in which I came to a point where I sought out therapy services and had a positive experience. Personal therapy is something that I continue to find very important to me and I believe that going through my own struggles has only fueled my understanding and care for others who may be struggling.
Authenticity - This may be sort of a cliche, but this is a value I find important in my life both personally and professionally. I want to show up to therapy, and everything I do, as myself. I hope this serves as a model for you to show up as yourself as well!
Open-mindedness - One thing I want clients to know about me is that I am open to being wrong! If I make a connection or an interpretation that is not quite on the mark, I love to know! I do not have all the answers but I do want to build a real connection based on understanding.
Humor - I enjoy incorporating humor when appropriate and client-centered. I believe therapy should also include moments where we recognize that access to joy is possible even amidst hard times.
What are some of your favorite self care activities?
I enjoy taking walks, reading, and fulfilling pretty much anything arts and crafts related on my Pinterest. Recently, I have found myself more into plants and have been learning to care for and grow carnivorous plants over the past year or so; They are unique plants to care for and really remind me to appreciate the beauty (and also strangeness?) of nature.
What is your favorite quote?
Words concerning the topic shame often stick out to me. One of my favorites comes from Brene Brown:
“If we are going to find our way out of shame and back to each other, vulnerability is the path and courage is the light. To set down those lists of *what we’re supposed to be* is brave. To love ourselves and support each other in the process of becoming real is perhaps the greatest single act of daring greatly.”
Why do you love being a mental health professional?
I really enjoy the opportunity to work with clients from all walks of life, each with their own perspectives, experiences, and strengths. It’s very fulfilling to witness each person’s individual path towards personal growth and see them use their strengths! I learn so much from my clients. Being a mental health professional also keeps me in a position where I am constantly learning, and not just in the academic sense of the word but through experience sitting with people and being present to witness a part of their life journey.
What led you to become a therapist?
I don’t think my high school self would have thought I’d be where I am today. My journey was deeply shaped by my own mental health struggles in which I came to a point where I sought out therapy services and had a positive experience. Personal therapy is something that I continue to find very important to me and I believe that going through my own struggles has only fueled my understanding and care for others who may be struggling.
