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Our Therapists › Jennifer Stein
Jennifer Stein, LCPCTherapist for children, teens and adults in Wheaton, Illinois
I help children, teens, and adults work through anxiety, depression, behavioral challenges, neurodivergence, trauma, and grief, in person in Wheaton or online across Illinois.
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor · Illinois LCPC 180.014409
Is your child struggling, or are you the one feeling stuck?
Maybe your child is struggling, with friendship troubles or bullying at school, and home has gotten harder because of it. You want to help but you are not quite sure how, and nothing you have tried seems to be the thing. Or maybe you are the one feeling stuck and without direction, worrying so much you cannot sleep, or losing interest in things you used to care about.
Wherever you are starting from, this is a place to begin sorting it out. Families often arrive unsure who the appointment is even for, and that is a reasonable question to bring in rather than something to settle beforehand.
My hope is that this feels like a warm, safe place, whether it is you or your child walking in. You lead, and I offer direction when it helps, so we set goals that actually matter to you and work things out together. Some sessions are open and exploratory. Others are more structured, when there are specific skills to build.
With younger clients, a lot of that happens through art and play. Children will often show you something in a drawing or a game that they could not tell you in a conversation, and it is usually the fastest honest route in. With teens and adults, we look at the thoughts shaping how you feel and act, and gently shift the ones keeping you stuck.
I believe change starts when someone has hope that something different is possible, and then begins to see where the first step actually is. For a parent, that often means leaving a session with something concrete to try at home rather than just a description of what is wrong.
Outside the office
Outside of work, you will usually find me writing fantasy and science fiction novels, playing video games, which helps me connect with the kids who grew up gaming, or out gardening and taking summer walks. Birds are my favorite animals, and I have a pet bird of my own.
What I help with
I work with children, teens, and adults.
Children & teens
Adults
Families
Ages & format
Tools I draw on
I tailor how I work to each client, and for younger kids I bring in creative tools. These are the methods I return to most.
Cognitive behavioral therapy
Shift the thought patterns driving anxiety and low mood.
Dialectical behavior therapy
Manage big emotions and build steadier coping skills.
Acceptance and commitment therapy
Make room for hard feelings and move toward what matters.
Art and play therapy
Creative, playful tools that help younger clients express what words cannot yet reach.
Underneath all of it, I lean on a strengths-based and trauma-informed approach, meeting each person right where they are.
Questions, answered
How young a client do you see?
I work with children, teens, and adults, so if you are looking for support for a younger child, you are in the right place. On the intake call our care coordinator can talk through your child's age and what is going on, and we will work out whether I am the right fit.
My child does not want to come. What then?
That is very common, and it does not mean therapy will not work. We start slowly, and for younger clients art and play often open things up long before talking does. Parents can ask about this on the intake call, and I would rather hear the honest version than have anyone pretend their child is enthusiastic.
Will you tell me what my child says in session?
Your child needs to trust that what they say stays between us, or the work does not go anywhere. What I share with you is the shape of things: how it is going, what we are working on, and where you can help at home. If anything comes up that affects your child's safety, you will hear about it from me right away.
What health insurance are you accepting?
Our practice is in network with Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO, Aetna PPO, and Cigna PPO. Our intake team will verify your benefits before your first session so you know what to expect. You can also use an HSA card or pay out of pocket. Visit our Fees & Insurance page for details.
What happens if we are not a good fit?
That happens sometimes, and it is completely okay. If we are not the right match, we will work it out together and help you find another therapist, whether that is someone here at the practice or outside it. What matters most is that you get the right support.
Do I need to take medication to be in therapy?
No. You do not need medication to work with me. If it ever seems like it could help, that is a collaborative decision, and ultimately it is your decision.
More of our team
Not sure Jennifer is the right fit? These therapists work in similar areas. Our care coordinator can help you compare, and there is no awkwardness in asking.
