You've been trying to find your way back to your old self again, but are struggling and stuck. Something has to change. For some reason, it seems impossible to do things well enough at work or at school or at home with your family, maybe even with a new baby. You're feeling disconnected and worried about letting people down. It's gotten really hard to keep up. Being stretched so thin and constantly fighting to tread water is taking its toll on your patience, too. Every little thing is irritating. It feels so hopeless to not be able to just pull it together and be more like everyone else around you, especially if you're a new mom.

I work with individuals, couples, and families with a broad range of presenting issues. I know that seeking help can be a difficult step, especially in communities in which mental health is particularly stigmatized. Reaching out takes a lot of courage, which does not go unnoticed for me when working with my clients. I approach each client with a lens of empathy and understanding, creating a supportive space to gain insight about problems and to work together to find meaningful solutions.

I am a social worker by training, psychodynamically based and informed by cognitive behavioral therapy and spiritual philosophy. I approach therapy with compassion and practicality. It’s a collaborative process where we move toward what you want in your life, while letting go of the things that no longer serve you. I aim to encourage you on your path, giving you space to feel and to gain insight from your human experiences. Ultimately, I want to help you feel better, empowered to be in the world, trusting your intuition and coping skills. This work is fluid in nature, shifting based on what resonates with you.

You’ve been carrying the anxiety and pain for far too long. No one really knows what it's like to be you. It feels utterly lonely. But you are at the point, where you want to find hope again and see if there is a chance that it doesn’t have to be this way. As a woman you are navigating relationships with your intimate partner and friends, and struggling with difficult and lonely feelings about your life, family, health, and career. Whether you have a relationship or are embarking on a new one, planning a family or maintaining one, battling chronic pain, or moving into the empty nest syndrome, there is so much to worry about.

Life is full of changes, and sometimes navigating those changes can be overwhelming and we feel "stuck." At those times, talking through concerns in a safe, trusting environment can help us regain balance and perspective. I believe in the resilience of the human spirit and I strive to be compassionate, curious and collaborative as I help people adjust to changing circumstances, explore their feelings, and engage in mindful decision-making and planning for the future.

Each and every person is born with unique strengths and vast potential to achieve. Oftentimes, though, life's challenges get in the way. It may be external stressors, traumatic experiences or our own dysfunctional thoughts and patterns of behavior that make it difficult to live a satisfying and fulfilling life. Entering into a therapeutic relationship of acceptance and trust can serve as a turning point for achieving growth and change.

I believe that most of the time we work through life's ups and downs on our own. But, sometimes life becomes difficult to manage. Changes and challenges can become overwhelming and increase feelings of vulnerability, stress or anxiety. Other times, we just feel stuck. Therapy can be a helpful step towards feeling better. I enjoy working with clients to help them regain balance and perspective. We'll work together at your pace to explore feelings and experiences while challenging what may no longer be effective. I'll provide your extra support, guidance or motivation in a warm, safe environment.

Choosing to talk to a professional is a big decision. You may have been thinking about it for months or even years. Let me put your mind at ease about what you'll find if you choose to contact me and come for a session. You'll find someone warm and welcoming who will sit down and have a conversation with you. I will ask about what's been going on and you can tell me what's been troubling you. I will help you to think about possible explanations and solutions in a way you probably haven't thought of before.

"Out of your vulnerabilities will come your strength.” This quote by Sigmund Freud exemplifies what therapy means to me and it's an honor to be a part of your healing journey. During this unprecedented and frightening time I am also available for TELEHEALTH sessions in order to limit everyone's exposure to COVID-19 while still providing essential mental health services. Therapy is a dynamic, collaborative process and that's why I choose to incorporate different therapeutic techniques into my work. Therapy shouldn't be a "one size fits all" experience so we'll work together to tailor a plan to put you on the path to healing.

My approach to psychotherapy is to provide a warm, safe, and supportive environment where I listen emphatically to help you resolve issues you struggle with. Whether it's navigating life transitions , dealing with complicated relationships, or managing loss, I will help you find a way forward. Although I treat a variety of conditions, I specialize in anxiety and depressive disorders. I see therapy as a collaborative process in which we identify your concerns and goals, and develop a highly personalized treatment approach.

I believe a trusting and collaborative therapeutic relationship will help you increase self awareness, understanding and the acceptance needed to bring about positive change and growth. It is equally as important to focus on your strengths as it is to focus on the areas of your life you find to be challenging. Therapy provides an opportunity to learn more about yourself and better understand your life choices as well as assist you in better understanding your most important relationships, past and present.

Sometimes people aren't sure what to work on in therapy. That's okay! We will work collaboratively to identify core concerns, and decide together how to address them. Some issues I've helped people work through include depression, grief, pregnancy loss, life transitions, creative blocks, self-esteem, disempowerment, and spiritual alienation. My approach is insight oriented and relational, and while I am an art therapist, my work is not always art-based. However, as an artist, I've found that my understanding of the creative process illuminates many life situations that benefit from creative problem-solving.

Dr. Jessica Brennan takes a personalized and holistic approach to psychotherapy. As both a licensed clinical psychologist and certified yoga teacher, she incorporates the needs of the mind, body and emotional self into treatment. Dr. Brennan works with clients to help them identify personal goals, increase insight into problematic behaviors and establish balanced coping skills. She provides support and strategies to increase overall happiness, productivity and life satisfaction.

You may be seeking psychotherapy because something in your life is not going the way you would like. It could be troublesome relationships, depression, anxiety or general dissatisfaction. No matter the specific problem, it is my goal to help you understand why you are experiencing troublesome symptoms or challenges. Then we can get you back to feeling better, reaching personal goals and enjoying fulfilling relationships.

I like to think of therapy as the search for balance in one's life. For many, it begins with seeking greater understanding about one's concerns and situation. With that understanding, a new narrative of life's experiences and meaning can be found. The understanding is the first part of change; the rest (which may sometimes be the longer part) is a process of working with self-compassion towards that balance. Although my undergraduate education was in Creative Writing and Fine Arts at the University of Michigan, the most creative process I've encountered has been psychotherapy.

I am an individual, couples and family therapist in Skokie. I have worked extensively with adult clients suffering from anxiety, panic disorder, depression, relationship issues and bipolar disorder. I have also worked with families in distress and children experiencing difficulties at home and in school. I am certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and take the time to form unique, quality relationships with each and every client.

Now offering Telehealth! Are you unhappy in your life, or in your relationship with a partner, child, family member, or friend? Are you struggling with a challenging life transition, an unfulfilling job or with issues related to your personal identity? Are you feeling overwhelmed or stressed, or experiencing depression, anxiety, drug or alcohol problems? Are you are ready to make some positive changes in your life? Let me help you to reimagine and create the life that you want, to break out of old, negative patterns, and find peace, balance, meaning and value in your life.

Do your emotions sometimes feel “bigger” than you expected? Is your inner critic sometimes the loudest voice in your head? Does perfectionism make completing tasks painful and complicated? Are stuck beliefs causing you to repeat patterns that you desperately want to stop, but you don’t know how? I can support you in unpacking these difficult questions and more, as we get to the root causes and make lasting change. Together, we’ll process the experiences that caused these beliefs, and we’ll tap into your inner strength and resilience to forge a new pathway. As a trauma-informed therapist, I support people in overcoming events in their lives that have had a significant or traumatic impact on them. Violence, neglect, loss, injury, illness, medical procedures, divorce/separation, infidelity, hurtful words from a caregiver or other loved one—any of these can leave a lasting impact. I provide a safe space in which to heal trauma. I recognize that a lot of what we call "symptoms" or "disorders" are actually resourceful and protective responses to danger, that have only become problematic as they got stuck on "autopilot"; naming them as such is an essential step toward healing.

I believe the human spirit has an innate capacity for healing, and therapy is a venue for positive change. The first goal is to co-create a treatment plan that fits your unique strengths and needs. I offer a menu of treatment options, including talk therapy, skills training and expressive techniques such as art, mindfulness and imagery that allow transformation to occur within the body and mind. Insight is gained, old stories are released and your authentic self emerges. With a compassionately curious style, I empower clients with the tools and support they need to access their natural healing process.