Jennifer Forbes, LMFT
Experienced Illinois Marriage and Family Therapist
- Couples and family therapy
- Trauma and grief support
- Stress and anxiety care
About Jennifer Forbes
Jennifer M. Forbes, M.S., LMFT brings 14 years of clinical experience to her role as founder of Seed of Hope Counseling Services. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist - LMFT indicates specialized training in relationship and family systems - and holds a Master of Science in Applied Family and Child Studies with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy from Northern Illinois University. Her training began with a bachelor�s degree in psychology and continued into advanced study focused on supporting couples, families, and individuals.
Over the course of her career she has worked in both the nonprofit and private sectors providing counseling, consultation, supervision, and leadership. Her work has included developing and evaluating community programs for crisis and trauma services, and partnering with agencies to implement new therapeutic initiatives. Jennifer has counseled hundreds of individuals, couples, and families through difficult transitions and high-stress circumstances, helping clients navigate trauma, relationship struggles, grief, addiction, anxiety, parenting challenges, and changes across the life span.
She has contributed to regional clinical efforts by serving on committees such as the Illinois Health Practice Alliance, the Behavioral Health Consortium, and the Westside Community Triage and Wellness Center, and she is a member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. Jennifer approaches clinical work with a focus on practical strategies, relational healing, and a strengths-based perspective informed by years of direct practice and program development.
Over the course of her career she has worked in both the nonprofit and private sectors providing counseling, consultation, supervision, and leadership. Her work has included developing and evaluating community programs for crisis and trauma services, and partnering with agencies to implement new therapeutic initiatives. Jennifer has counseled hundreds of individuals, couples, and families through difficult transitions and high-stress circumstances, helping clients navigate trauma, relationship struggles, grief, addiction, anxiety, parenting challenges, and changes across the life span.
She has contributed to regional clinical efforts by serving on committees such as the Illinois Health Practice Alliance, the Behavioral Health Consortium, and the Westside Community Triage and Wellness Center, and she is a member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. Jennifer approaches clinical work with a focus on practical strategies, relational healing, and a strengths-based perspective informed by years of direct practice and program development.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigue
Additional Focus Areas
AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesBlended family issuesChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDivorce and separationEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFertility issuesForgivenessImmigration issuesInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMulticultural concernsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Sexual assault and abuseSexualityWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic Approach
Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Motivational Interviewing Narrative Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Jennifer Forbes have?
Jennifer Forbes has 14 years of clinical experience.
Is Jennifer Forbes a licensed therapist?
Yes. She holds the credential LMFT, which stands for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. License details: IL LMFT 166.001007.
In which languages does Jennifer Forbes provide therapy?
Jennifer Forbes provides therapy in English.
Where is Jennifer Forbes located?
Jennifer Forbes is located in Illinois.
How can I work with Jennifer Forbes as my therapist?
You can work with Jennifer Forbes through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Jennifer Forbes work with international clients?
Jennifer Forbes does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Jennifer Forbes cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care
Jennifer draws from client-centered therapy, which emphasizes a respectful, nonjudgmental stance and centers the client�s own goals and experience. This approach helps people who want to explore personal values, relationships, and self-understanding while feeling heard and validated.She also uses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to identify and shift unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors. CBT offers practical tools for managing symptoms of anxiety, depression, stress, and sleep difficulties, and for building coping strategies that fit day-to-day life.
Motivational interviewing is another approach Jennifer integrates when clients are facing ambivalence about change. This collaborative method supports clients in exploring their own motivations and strengthens resolve for moving toward meaningful goals.
Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process and Jennifer works collaboratively with clients to tailor methods to each person�s needs, goals, and preferences. She and the client determine what combination of approaches will best support progress.
Online therapy offers flexibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, making it easier to fit sessions into busy schedules, access care from home, and maintain continuity during life transitions. Licensed professionals can adapt these formats to provide focused, practical support and ongoing therapeutic work without requiring travel.