Jessica Williams, MSEd, LPC
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Master of Science in Education in Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor To make an appointment with Jessica, please call 630-570-0050. You can also email [email protected].
Specializes In:Depression/Major Depression, Social Anxiety, Worry/Generalized Anxiety Disorder, ADHD, Self-Esteem, Adjustment and Chronic Stress, Substance Use Disorders, Trauma
Ages Served: Adolescents (15+), Teens, Young Adults, Adults, Older Adults |
Professional Experience
I completed a Post Baccalaureate in Psychology at Northern Illinois University and later my Masters in Science in Education in Counseling with a specialization in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I worked on my MSED in 2020 and 2021, right at the heart of the Covid era. This allowed me to become well versed in both in person and telehealth counseling as I counseled students and community members. After graduation and earning the right to call myself an LPC, or Licensed Professional Counselor, I worked in community mental health.
Specializations and Treatment Approach
I currently treat:
Substance Use Disorders
Depression/Major Depression
Social Anxiety
Worry/Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Trauma
ADHD
Self-Esteem
Adjustment and Chronic Stress
My approach to therapy is an empathetic, laid back, and nonjudgmental approach that seems to help me connect with clients of varying ages, races, and ethnicities, as well as motivation for treatment. I let clients know that counseling is a journey and I’m entering into it with them as a part of their life. I aim to use a person centered approach in bringing my genuine self, warmth and empathy to the room as much as possible but acknowledge there’s times I’ll miss the mark and making sure the client knows they can correct me and provide feedback to me. I use a lot of Motivational Interviewing, using open ended questions, reflecting and summarizing. I also utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or CBT, reframing client’s thoughts and questioning them together for
alternative thoughts and interpretations in a gentle way. As far as skills I focus a lot on Dialectical Behavior Therapy with teaching mindfulness, emotion regulation and relationship skills. I like to pull from varying modalities to tailor to client needs and be flexible as client’s lives are dynamic and they determine where we go in session.
Substance Use Disorders
Depression/Major Depression
Social Anxiety
Worry/Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Trauma
ADHD
Self-Esteem
Adjustment and Chronic Stress
My approach to therapy is an empathetic, laid back, and nonjudgmental approach that seems to help me connect with clients of varying ages, races, and ethnicities, as well as motivation for treatment. I let clients know that counseling is a journey and I’m entering into it with them as a part of their life. I aim to use a person centered approach in bringing my genuine self, warmth and empathy to the room as much as possible but acknowledge there’s times I’ll miss the mark and making sure the client knows they can correct me and provide feedback to me. I use a lot of Motivational Interviewing, using open ended questions, reflecting and summarizing. I also utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or CBT, reframing client’s thoughts and questioning them together for
alternative thoughts and interpretations in a gentle way. As far as skills I focus a lot on Dialectical Behavior Therapy with teaching mindfulness, emotion regulation and relationship skills. I like to pull from varying modalities to tailor to client needs and be flexible as client’s lives are dynamic and they determine where we go in session.
About Me
What are your professional and personal values?
I value curiosity, empathy, kindness and authenticity in my life. All these things are brought into the therapy room with me as best I can cause I think these things make up a good clinician. I use my curiosity to build rapport and connect with my clients. Empathy means putting myself in other people’s shoes and validating their thoughts and situation. Kindness is just essential! And authenticity is bringing the genuine me into the room, which is a little goofy, fun and humorous, though I know how to be serious as well.
What are some of your favorite self care activities?
I like to read a lot and just generally be a nerd, so books, art, candles, and anime are kind of my things. I do however, like to get out and explore. Traveling, trying new things and going new places is something I love to do too, especially with my friends and family. I am so lucky to have great supports and people willing to explore this world with me. For example, I most recently went to the Bristol Renaissance Faire where I witnessed my first joust. It’s something everyone should attend at least once in their lives.
What is your favorite quote?
“Certainty is the enemy of growth.”- Mark Manson.
This quote comes to mind any time someone asks about quotes. It’s a reminder that while uncertainty is scary it is where the growth happens. No one grows by standing still, there’s some work and movement involved even though we may not see it. Clarissa Pinkola Estes talks about growth being at the edges and not in the middle, which makes me think of having to move out to the edges of our comfort zone to grow.
I value curiosity, empathy, kindness and authenticity in my life. All these things are brought into the therapy room with me as best I can cause I think these things make up a good clinician. I use my curiosity to build rapport and connect with my clients. Empathy means putting myself in other people’s shoes and validating their thoughts and situation. Kindness is just essential! And authenticity is bringing the genuine me into the room, which is a little goofy, fun and humorous, though I know how to be serious as well.
What are some of your favorite self care activities?
I like to read a lot and just generally be a nerd, so books, art, candles, and anime are kind of my things. I do however, like to get out and explore. Traveling, trying new things and going new places is something I love to do too, especially with my friends and family. I am so lucky to have great supports and people willing to explore this world with me. For example, I most recently went to the Bristol Renaissance Faire where I witnessed my first joust. It’s something everyone should attend at least once in their lives.
What is your favorite quote?
“Certainty is the enemy of growth.”- Mark Manson.
This quote comes to mind any time someone asks about quotes. It’s a reminder that while uncertainty is scary it is where the growth happens. No one grows by standing still, there’s some work and movement involved even though we may not see it. Clarissa Pinkola Estes talks about growth being at the edges and not in the middle, which makes me think of having to move out to the edges of our comfort zone to grow.
Professional Trainings
ASIST Suicide Prevention
Mental Health First Aid
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Facilitator Training
Mental Health First Aid
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Facilitator Training
