Hi, I’m MJ. I’m an individual, family, and marriage counselor licensed in Illinois, and I’ve been doing this work for over 20 years. In that time, I’ve helped people navigate just about everything—depression, anxiety, stress, relationship ups and downs, parenting challenges, career changes, ADHD, and all the messy parts of life in between. I also work a lot with people who’ve experienced trauma, whether sexual, physical, or emotional.
I often tell clients, “If you can tell me something I haven’t heard before, I’ll give you my Mickey Mouse watch.” And let me tell you, Mickey is still sitting right on my wrist—so you can imagine the stories, struggles, and victories I’ve walked through with people.
**How I Work**
My approach is warm, down-to-earth, and interactive. I’m a big believer in looking at the whole person—your emotional world, your physical well-being, and your sense of meaning or spirituality—because all of those pieces matter. That might sound fancy, but really, it just means I want to help you feel at home in your own skin and help who you are on the inside match how you show up in the world.
I don’t do judgment or labels. I do respect, compassion, honesty, and a whole lot of common sense. (Truly—common sense might be my strongest therapeutic orientation!) I use cognitive-behavioral therapy, solution-focused work, EMDR, and humor when it fits. Sometimes a small shift in perspective—and maybe a laugh—can open the door to real change.
**A Bit About EMDR**
I also offer EMDR, which is a powerful method for processing trauma, reducing emotional triggers, and moving past old patterns that keep you stuck. If you’ve tried “talking it out” and still feel something lingering, EMDR can help your mind and body finally let go.
**What Telehealth With Me Is Like**
Reaching out takes courage. Truly. And choosing to let someone into your world—especially through a screen—can feel strange at first. But once we get going, most people find telehealth surprisingly comfortable and personal.
This platform works more like email, so responses aren’t instant like texting. I usually reply within 24 hours. If you prefer phone or video sessions, those are available by appointment.
I’d love to walk alongside you as you make the changes you’re ready to make.
Looking forward to working with you,
MJ
Professional experience
17 yrs in practice
Trauma, AbuseCoping with life changes
Additional areas of focus:Stress, Anxiety, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Grief, Parenting issues, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Coaching, Compassion fatigue, 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, Life purpose, Mood disorders, Personality disorders, Post-traumatic stress, Prejudice and discrimination, Sexual assault and abuse, Workplace issues, Young adult issues
Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), 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
You're awesome
Written on Jul 08, 2019 after therapy with Mary Jennifer for 1 year and 4 months
MJ has helped me in just 3 sessions. From the first session I was feeling better. I wasn’t sure if counseling was exactly what I needed but after my first session I knew that MJ was going to be able to help me.
Written on Jun 07, 2019 after therapy with Mary Jennifer for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, compassion fatigue, and adhd
MJ is like talking to an old friend who can bring you back to center. She is quick to ask questions that provokes thought.
Written on Jan 31, 2019 after therapy with Mary Jennifer for 2 weeks
I admit being skeptical of the online counseling idea. However, MJ has made a believer out of me!! She has been amazing to work with. She is not afraid to deal with tough stuff, she tells you what you need to hear (not necessarily what you want to hear). She is always there for me and I am grateful for her support.
Written on Dec 19, 2018 after therapy with Mary Jennifer for 10 months
Shes friendly and good. Keeps it light.
Written on Dec 18, 2018 after therapy with Mary Jennifer for 2 weeks
MJ is the best!!
Written on Nov 19, 2018 after therapy with Mary Jennifer for 1 year and 2 months
I love MJ. She is funny and down to earth. She tells me what I really need to hear and not necessarily what I want to hear. She is able to relate to my circumstances and help me work thru my personal past so I can work thru my current feelings.
Written on Nov 14, 2018 after therapy with Mary Jennifer for 2 months
Mary is an excellent counselor for me. She is direct, empathetic, insightful, and tough in a really good way. She’s helping me to understand my role in situations and how to approach these situations differently. I am confident that Mary is a perfect fit for me and I feel would be for most individuals.
Written on May 04, 2018 after therapy with Mary Jennifer for 3 weeks
As a counsellor myself, I've been so reticent to seek out help because I know that deep down, there's no quick fix for what ails me. I know that the things that make me sad and depressed are for life, so I just have to find ways to MANAGE it. I guess you could compare it to a dentist trying to fix his/her own teeth, seemingly impossible, but they can maintain upkeep each day.
So I was so relieved to find that Mary was a straight shooter and she met me where I was at, and when she said, that she can't do it for me, I completely got her and appreciated her candidness because its so true, you can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink and that pretty well sums up the essence and direction of where our counseling sessions went...its only in the DOING that I am going to help myself, and I totally knew that and just needed someone to remind me and then show me how, strategies, suggestions, ways to do what needs must, to MANAGE the depression.
Written on Jan 04, 2018 after therapy with Mary Jennifer for 3 weeks
I love Mary Jennifer. She has been a real support system for me.
Written on Oct 24, 2017 after therapy with Mary Jennifer for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship, family, trauma and abuse, and anger
MJ has quite simply, helped me turn my life around. Extremely grateful for her grounding counselling presence in my life.
Written on Oct 19, 2017 after therapy with Mary Jennifer for 9 months on issues concerning depression, relationship, family, trauma and abuse, and grief
I really liked her. I felt she understood my situation and gave me good suggestions. I would recommend her to anyone wanting to do on line councilling.
Written on Oct 16, 2017 after therapy with Mary Jennifer for 1 year and 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship, family, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related, and eating
Mary is so supportive and goes out of her way to encourage me and be there when I most need her. Her invaluable support has helped me recognise many things in myself and my situation that I couldn't see alone. Thank you so much for being there
Written on Oct 13, 2017 after therapy with Mary Jennifer for 2 months on issues concerning relationship, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related, and self esteem
MJ is wonderful. She has a very supportive style but without the "BS".
Written on Jun 25, 2017 after therapy with Mary Jennifer for 6 months on issues concerning depression, family, and trauma and abuse
Mary Jennifer Meister has been wonderful to work with! She is kind, understanding, patient, and very easy to talk to. Her advice is very helpful and practical. I highly recommend her!
Written on May 26, 2017 after therapy with Mary Jennifer for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship, and self esteem
MJ has been absolutely wonderful. She is punctual, reliable, and the only counsellor I've ever had who feels as much like a friend as she does a therapist. With MJ you're having an open and honest dialogue with someone you can trust, and at no point do you feel uncomfortable doing so. I may not have known her long, but I hope we will always stay in touch no matter what, because she's quickly becoming family to me.
Written on Apr 21, 2017 after therapy with Mary Jennifer for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship, family, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related, sleeping, self esteem, and career
Mary was just the person I needed! She was very kind & understanding while still giving me practical advice and steps. Thank you for all your help, Mary. You've given me the courage to seek help with a therapist in person.
Written on Feb 20, 2017 after therapy with Mary Jennifer for 1 week on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, intimacy-related, and self esteem
She is very nice and has put up well with my craziness and my ridiculous schedule. I'd recommend her for sure
Written on Feb 12, 2017 after therapy with Mary Jennifer for 3 weeks
Mary Jennifer is an experienced, direct therapist, focusing on her patients' issues. She's very helpful and effective. Friendly and trustworthy.
Written on Feb 05, 2017 after therapy with Mary Jennifer for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship, and self esteem
MJ is very attentive and has a way of making me feel better at the end of every chat.
Written on Feb 03, 2017 after therapy with Mary Jennifer for 1 month on issues concerning depression, family, and trauma and abuse
Mary is helping me greatly! So thankful for our sessions.
Written on Jan 23, 2017 after therapy with Mary Jennifer for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, relationship, family, trauma and abuse, and grief
Very positive experience with Ms. Meister - sensitive but practical and with very useful cognitive behavioral support.
Written on Jan 11, 2017 after therapy with Mary Jennifer for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, grief, self esteem, and career
I've truly felt cared for. I've shared a lot of intense, painful memories and she didn't flinch. Mary just gave back comfort during a most sensitive time for me. I'm extremely thankful for her counseling.
Written on Jan 07, 2017 after therapy with Mary Jennifer for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related, self esteem, and anger
Mary is everything you need in a therapist. She listens, she contributes and she doesn't just sit there and say, hmmmm and interesting, without offering any guidance. Straight to the point and jumps right in. I highly recommend her.
Written on Jan 06, 2017 after therapy with Mary Jennifer for 1 month on issues concerning depression, self esteem, and career
Mary Jennifer Meister has really helped me by being very supportive, responsive and available at my worst times. I warmly recommend her.
Written on Dec 26, 2016 after therapy with Mary Jennifer for 2 weeks
Mary is wonderful, insightful, and kind. She's helped me understand myself far better, and I look forward to continuing to work with her.
Written on Nov 27, 2016 after therapy with Mary Jennifer for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship, grief, intimacy-related, and bipolar
Very insightful and compassionate. Really able to dig at what matters and to assist in finding solutions that really help you figure out your life's challenges.
Written on Nov 11, 2016 after therapy with Mary Jennifer for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship, family, trauma and abuse, and intimacy-related
I like how to the point she is; she is very good at identifying issues and finding ways to help me work through them. She's a wonderful counselor, very constructive and insightful.
Written on Dec 09, 2015 after therapy with Mary Jennifer for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship, family, trauma and abuse, eating, and depression
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