Jen Zolper

Hi! I’m Jen Zolper, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. I know that seeking therapy can be an incredibly difficult decision, and it's one that I hold with the utmost respect. I believe that we’re each doing the best that we can with the tools that we currently possess and that each of us deserves compassion and support as we continue making our way through life. I will embark on this journey with you, offering a space free of judgment and evidenced-based techniques to support your growth. For some, this may involve safely processing past traumas in order to make sense of your life today. For others, we may begin with finding a handle on aspects of life that currently feel unbearable. I find it immensely important that we collaborate in developing specialized goals that fit within your needs and values, and ultimately build a life worth living, whatever that means to you. What it’s like to work with me Sometimes, therapy might seem like you’re having an in-depth conversation with a trusted friend who wants to help. However, for change to truly happen, therapy must go beyond this comfortable, known feeling into a more profound and vulnerable space within you. In this process we will gain a better understanding of who you are by tuning into how you feel in the present moment, how you cope, and what you truly need to heal and grow. I will be present with you throughout this process, not simply listening to your feelings but feeling alongside you. Therapy usually works best with weekly or bi-weekly sessions to develop trust and increase effectiveness through consistency and commitment to the work. My Approach Like many modern therapists, I use a combination of approaches to suit my client’s unique needs. My background is in psychodynamic psychotherapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). I believe that we’re each doing the best that we can with the tools that we currently possess and that each of us deserves compassion and support as we continue making our way through life. I will embark on this journey with you, offering a space free of judgment and some evidenced-based techniques to support your growth. For some, this may involve safely processing past traumas and using the therapeutic relationship to facilitate the repair of old patterns and ways of relating that may not be working anymore. For others, we may begin with finding a handle on aspects of life that currently feel unbearable. I find it really important that we collaborate in developing specialized goals that fit within your needs and values, and ultimately build a life worth living, whatever that means to you. My Training Background Here are somethings you might like to know about me: Credentials o Masters of Education Degree in Community Counseling from Loyola University Chicago o Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Illinois Post-Graduate Training o Trauma Consultation Training Program with WomenCare Counseling Center o Chicago’s Center for Psychoanalysis Fellowship o National Dialectical Therapy Certification o EMDR trained through EMDRIA Professional Experience o Graduate training at community mental health agency o Eight years of experience with individuals and groups as an outpatient clinician Professional Interests o Providing licensed supervision for licensure candidates o Continued therapeutic training in psychodynamic technique