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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

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