- Client-centered work
- Cognitive Behavioral tools
- Solution-focused steps
About Jennifer
Jennifer Forbes is an Illinois Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with 14 years of clinical experience. She founded Seed of Hope Counseling Services and has worked in nonprofit and private settings since 2009. She helps people who are dealing with relationship strain, trauma and abuse, stress, anxiety, grief, parenting challenges, and anger.
Her background includes program development and clinical leadership. She has consulted with agencies, helped design crisis and trauma services, and taken part in clinical committees in Illinois. This work informs how she organizes sessions and follows through with practical plans.
Her approach draws on client-centered work and solution-focused methods. That means she listens for what matters most to each person, then helps identify small, concrete steps to try between sessions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy tools are also used to address unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns.
Jennifer has worked with individuals, couples, and families across a wide range of concerns. She lists focus areas such as LGBT issues, intimacy-related concerns, addictions, sleep problems, self-esteem, and coping with life changes. She also notes experience with grief, career stress, and compassion fatigue.
She trained at Northern Illinois University, earning a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a Master’s in Applied Family and Child Studies with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy. She is a member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapist (AAMFT).
How therapeutic approaches translate to online work
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and following what matters to the person. Online sessions let the therapist ask open questions and reflect what the client says so goals become clearer. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) addresses unhelpful thoughts and behaviors through practical exercises and homework. In virtual sessions this often means practicing new responses, tracking moods or behaviors between meetings, and reviewing what worked.Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences, and what feels helpful, then try approaches that match those needs. That collaboration helps narrow down whether to emphasize CBT tools, solution-focused steps, or client-centered reflection.
Session formats are not listed in the biography, so confirm current online options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when time is limited, or avoid commuting time. It also makes it straightforward to practice skills in everyday settings and then review them with the therapist at the next meeting.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
14+ years
Listed in
Illinois
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does she address?
She works with relationship issues, trauma and abuse, stress, anxiety, depression, grief, parenting challenges, anger, and related topics such as intimacy and addictions.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
She uses client-centered listening combined with practical, solution-focused steps. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques are also part of her approach.
How long has she been practicing?
She has 14 years of experience working in nonprofit and private sector settings since 2009.
What credential does she hold and where is she based?
She is an Illinois Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist - IL LMFT - and works from Illinois.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How does payment or cost work?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What are the steps to get started?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule your first session.