Jacob McGrath, LSW
Licensed Social Worker
Seeing clients in Illinois, in-person or virtually.
Some people come to therapy carrying a quiet, persistent tension — a sense of inner turmoil they can’t quite name. There may be a struggle to find peace within, to make sense of emotions, or to feel in control of thoughts that seem to spiral. On the outside, it might look like difficulty maintaining close relationships or feeling stuck in patterns that never seem to change. This internal struggle is often accompanied by low self-esteem, limited self-awareness, or a sense of being stuck in patterns rooted in the past. It’s exhausting — and can leave people unsure of how to move forward.
I help clients understand themselves more fully, especially in the context of their early experiences. Together, we’ll work to make sense of the past, build self-awareness, and develop practical tools to create a healthier, more compassionate relationship with yourself — cognitively, emotionally, and relationally.
In our work together, I offer a structured yet flexible space where we can explore your inner world with curiosity and care. I integrate mindfulness, acceptance, and grounding practices to help reduce emotional reactivity and foster a greater sense of control. As we deepen your self-awareness, we’ll also draw on your strengths, support systems, and past successes to build confidence in your ability to grow and heal.
I use tools from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help shift negative thought patterns, challenge inner criticism, and break out of cycles that no longer serve you. Through Socratic questioning, narrative exploration, and skills training, we’ll develop practical ways to manage stress, navigate conflict, and move toward your goals with clarity. Therapy with me is collaborative and adaptive — we move at your pace, always guided by what’s most helpful for your well-being.
Finding a therapist who’s not only trained and experienced but also someone you feel safe with is one of the most important parts of starting therapy. The best way to know if we’re a good fit is to connect for a brief video call — no pressure, just a chance to talk and see how it feels.
If you're interested, I'd be happy to schedule a consultation. And if you're still sorting through your options, feel free to reach out with any questions. Whether or not we end up working together, I’m glad to help you find the right support.
Specialties and Expertise
Relationship Issues
Men's issues
Mood Disorders
Addiction
ADHD
Alcohol Use
Anxiety
Behavioral Issues
Bipolar Disorder
Caregivers, Child
Codependenclls
Depression
Domestic Abuse
Domestic Violence
Drug Abuse
Dual Diagnosis
Emotional Disturbance
Family Conflict
Geriatric and Seniors
Grief
Life Coaching
Life Transitions
Marital and Premarital
Medication Management
Men's Issues
Oppositional Defiance (ODD)
Parenting
Peer Relationships
Relationship Issues
School Issues
Self Esteem
Spirituality
Sports Performcance
Stress
Substance Use
Suicidal Ideation
Teen Violence
Trauma and PTSD
Mood Disorders
Thinking Disorders
Treatment Approach
Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
Adlerian
Attachment-based
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Dialectical (DBT)
Emotionally Focused
Existential, Family / Marital, Humanistic
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Mindfulness-Based (MBCT)
Rational Emotive Behavior (REBT)
Somatic
Strength-Based
Trauma Focused