Therapist Mary Jennifer Meister Photo

Mary Jennifer Meister, LCSW

Stress, Anxiety Trauma, Abuse Grief Depression Coping with life changes
Video Phone Live Chat Messaging

About me

I am an individual, family and marriage counselor licensed in Illinois with over 10 years of experience working as a social worker. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, and ADHD. I also have helped many people who have experienced sexual, physical trauma or emotional abuse. Honestly, I tell my patients if they can tell me something I haven't heard or experienced before I'll give you my Mickey Mouse watch. Mickey has stayed on my wrist a long time so far...

My counseling style is warm, interactive and holistic. I will help you to explore your physical, emotional and spiritual needs in an effort to bring harmony and balance into your life. That sounds fancy! It isn't. It just means I like helping people to get comfortable in their own shoes, having their inner personality match their outer personality. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels (so I highly doubt I will try to diagnose your problem, rather I try to find solutions to difficulties). My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, solution based/ brief counseling, and common sense (I'm heavy on the common sense!). I approach each person as an unique individual and don't mind using a little humor to help look at things from a different perspective.

It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you.

This program works like email so you wont get responses right away like text messages so please be patient and I will respond within 24 hours if possible. I am available for phone calls or live chat by appointment only.

I look forward to working with you!
MJ

Professional experience

16yrs in practice
Stress, Anxiety Trauma, Abuse Grief Depression Coping with life changes

Additional areas of focus: Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Parenting issues, Anger management, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Abandonment, Aging and Geriatric Issues, Attachment Issues, Blended Family Issues, Cancer, Caregiver Issues and Stress, Codependency, Communication Problems, Divorce and Separation, Family of Origin Issues, Family Problems, Hospice and End of Life Counseling, Isolation / Loneliness, Life Purpose, Money and Financial Issues, Mood Disorders, Personality Disorders, Post-traumatic Stress, Pregnancy and Childbirth, Prejudice and Discrimination, Self-Love, Sexual Assault and Abuse, Social Anxiety and Phobia, Women's Issues, Workplace Issues, Young Adult Issues

Clinical approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Gottman Method, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Focused Therapy

Services offered

Video
Phone
Live Chat
Messaging

License information

IL LCSW 149016609

Reviews

These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Mary Jennifer Meister. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.

This is my sixth year with MJ. My life and the people in it have been deeply impacted in a positive way because of the impact she has on me. She is incredible. I could not be where I am at this level of growth in my relationships, personally and professionally without her expertise, patience and understanding. I admire her and am so grateful she is in my life. She is the absolute best and I can honestly say that she’s been with me through the best of times and the worst of times and I am so grateful I have the best therapist in the world.

Written on May 12, 2022 after therapy with Mary Jennifer for 4 years and 7 months

MJ is a wonderful listener!!! I want to learn to listen like she does! She is very warm and open and will be there for you. She is helping me in more ways than I ever expected going in.

Written on Oct 20, 2020 after therapy with Mary Jennifer for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and relationship issues

She’s fantastic!!

Written on Aug 03, 2020 after therapy with Mary Jennifer for 10 months

I’m very thankful. Mary has helped me discover a whole new approach to how to manage my self care goals. Lots of personal progress and success is evident.

Written on Oct 05, 2019 after therapy with Mary Jennifer for 7 months

Mary is very knowledgable and intuitive. I felt from the outset that we had a good connection, and felt that she understood me. Mary is a great counsellor, and I would highly recommend her.

Written on Sep 09, 2019 after therapy with Mary Jennifer for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coaching, compassion fatigue, and adhd

I appreciate the guidance and explanations that MJ has offered. I'm looking forward to working with her on a long term basis.

Written on Aug 21, 2019 after therapy with Mary Jennifer for 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, parenting issues, self esteem, coaching, and adhd