Jillian Watson (she/her/hers)
If you’re feeling stuck in your relationship, overwhelmed by a difficult transition, or trying to make sense of what you’re going through, therapy can offer a place to slow down, feel understood, and gain some clarity.
I’m Jillian Watson, a pre-licensed therapist intern who works with individuals, couples, and families, including children and adolescents ages 5–18.
I especially enjoy working with couples navigating infidelity, communication difficulties, or concerns around intimacy. I also work with college-aged young adults and people experiencing significant life transitions, including infertility, grief, loss, and difficult past experiences.
I enjoy supporting children and adolescents who are navigating their parents’ separation or divorce, having difficulty getting along with siblings or peers, or adjusting to major changes at home or school.
What It’s Like to Work With Me
When people first reach out, they may be feeling anxious, ashamed, depressed, overwhelmed, or unmotivated. My goal is to create a safe, empathetic space where you can talk openly without feeling judged.
With younger clients, I want therapy to feel welcoming and comfortable, allowing them to express themselves in ways that feel natural.
I believe therapy can hold both depth and humor. Even during painful or confusing seasons, I think it can be meaningful to notice what still makes us laugh and find some light in the absurdities of life.
Therapy Approach
I start by connecting with the person sitting across from me and taking time to understand their story and their world.
Together, we explore the experiences that have shaped you and make sense of what they mean in your life. My hope is to help you gain perspective, understand yourself and your relationships, and feel more able to take charge of the life you want to live.
With children, I incorporate play, art, and other creative activities to help them express their feelings, explore their experiences, and work through challenges that may be difficult to put into words.
Jillian Watson, MFT Intern | Couples & Family Therapist in Oak Park, IL
You may be a good fit for my work if you:
Are navigating communication, intimacy, or infidelity concerns in your relationship
Are a college-aged young adult adjusting to adulthood
Are experiencing infertility, grief, loss, or difficult life transitions
Have a child or adolescent struggling with their parents’ separation or divorce
Have a child experiencing difficulties with siblings or peers
Have a child adjusting to significant changes at home or school
Want a therapist who listens deeply and helps you find perspective and clarity
Jillian provides individual, couples, and family therapy in Oak Park and virtually throughout Illinois. She is a therapist intern pursuing her M.A. in Couple and Family Counseling at Northeastern Illinois University under the supervision of Isabel Caisse, LMFT.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is it like to work with you?
I want therapy to feel like a safe, empathetic place where you can talk openly without feeling judged. I listen closely and take time to understand your story. I also believe there can be room for humor and lightness, even when we’re talking about difficult things.
Who do you help best?
I particularly enjoy working with couples navigating communication, intimacy, or infidelity concerns. I also support college-aged young adults, individuals experiencing significant life transitions, and children and adolescents ages 5–18 who are navigating family changes, parental divorce, sibling or peer difficulties, and adjustments at home or school.
What should I expect in the first session?
The first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and talk about what brings you to therapy. I’ll want to understand your story, what you’re experiencing right now, and what you hope to get from therapy. It’s also a chance for you to see whether working together feels like a good fit.
Do you work with couples after infidelity?
Yes. I especially enjoy working with couples who are trying to understand and work through the impact of infidelity on their relationship. We can create space to talk honestly about what has happened, how each person is affected, and what you hope for moving forward.
How do you approach therapy with younger children?
With children, I incorporate play, art, and other creative activities to help them express their feelings, explore their experiences, and work through challenges that may be difficult to put into words. I want therapy to feel comfortable and welcoming while giving each child space to express themselves in their own way.
Where do you offer therapy?
I offer in-person therapy in Oak Park, Illinois, as well as virtual therapy throughout Illinois. I provide individual, couples, and family therapy for clients of all ages.