Mary Jennifer Meister, LCSW
- Illinois
- IL LCSW 149016609
Not accepting new clientsVerified 14 hours agoInternational clients
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Open 8 of the last 30 days
Live availability history
Open on 8 of the last 30 days
When Mary was open to new clients. We re-check the BetterHelp listing once a day and record what it said, whichever way it went.
Availability over the last 30 days: open to new clients on 8 days, waitlist or full on 22 days. Most recent check, Oct 12: waitlist or full.
Days available
8/30
every one of the last 30 days checked
Availability forecast
Mary has been open to new clients on 8 of the last 30 days.
From the BetterHelp listing
About Mary
About Me 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 Read more Show less
What Mary helps with
Specialties and approaches
Specializes in
Trauma and abuseCoping with life changesStress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefParenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderDepressionCoachingCompassion fatigue
Approaches
Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)Gottman MethodMotivational InterviewingTrauma-Focused Therapy
Also experienced with
Additional focus areas
AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesBlended family issuesCancerCaregiver issues and stressCodependencyCommunication problemsDivorce and separationFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsHospice and end-of-life counselingLife purposeMood disordersPersonality disordersPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationSexual assault and abuseWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues