Meet Jennifer

Jennifer DuBose, LMFT

Therapist

I know it takes courage to reach out for support. You deserve to feel well, happy, and peaceful, and I’d be honored to help you get there.

Therapy is a helpful tool for performing regular emotional ‘maintenance,’ not unlike that which we do for our cars. Even high-performing vehicles need tune-ups, right? In fact, ‘big feelings’ are a lot like engine lights: They’re not bad, they’re information, signals that get our attention, alerting us so we may defuse a crisis. Interestingly, the Chinese symbol for the English word “crisis” is comprised of two characters: One represents ‘danger,’ and the other, ‘opportunity.’ What if we view our symptoms and concerns, and even our big feelings, as ‘flags,’ flags that alert us to opportunities for growth? 

My approach:

I grew up learning how to find peace in the great outdoors in the Adirondack mountains of way-upstate New York, and earned my first graduate degree in Human Development, Counseling, and Family Studies from the University of Rhode Island. Later, I obtained a second graduate degree, a Certificate of Advanced Study in Counselor Education from the University of Maine. I adore my work with individuals, couples and families, and also enjoy supporting others through my writing. For five years I wrote a monthly ‘from the therapist’s desk’ column for Chicago Parent Magazine I titled “Parenting isn’t for Sissies,” and for ten years contributed a weekly column, “Tales from the Motherhood” to the Kane County Chronicle.

My perspective on the therapy relationship is that I’ll be your teammate on this journey, and together we’ll navigate through the obstacles which cause you to feel overwhelmed. We’ll discover your strengths and resources, learn about the power of self care, and devise strategies for realizing your goals.

My background:

Licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist in 2000, I’m certified to work with couples as a PREPARE/ENRICH Facilitator and also have lots of experience supporting folks with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationships, divorce, parenting, grief & loss, women’s issues, self-esteem, life transitions, and career conundrums. I’m also an ally of the LGBTQ community and racial justice efforts and welcome the opportunity to serve you.

My specific training in understanding the dynamics of family systems is critical in my work, and not just with couples and families. Acknowledging that people develop (in part) from, and in reaction to their experiences of their families of origin helps me to help my clients tease out and discover their own ‘voices’ and determine their own ‘projects’ for their lives. What’s yours? I believe enlisting support in discerning this is a sign of strength and readiness for a happier, more fulfilling life, and deeper, more satisfying relationships. Ever read the poet Mary Oliver’s startling query, "Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” I love the spirit of her question, and, get ready - I’ll ask, too!

I am excited about the opportunity to work with you.

License: IL #166000738