Interview with Jennifer Herbert, Licensed Professional Counselor in Schaumburg, IL

What do you enjoy about being a counselor?

I enjoy having the opportunity to meet and build relationships with many types of people. Being a counselor, and providing support to clients who are experiencing personal struggles, is a privilege that I don’t take lightly.  I consider it an honor be a witness to each client’s story and to collaborate in finding solutions and a sense of comfort. 

What specific issue(s) are you skilled at helping with?

I’ve had specific training and experience with domestic violence and trauma. I have worked with young children using play therapy and also have experience working with adolescents and teens. In addition, I am skilled at working with people experiencing depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and self-esteem issues. 

What is my role as a counselor?

I view my counseling role as a collaborator who works alongside clients on their individual journeys. I provide perspective that allows clients to identify patterns in their behaviors as well as opportunities for growth and change. Ultimately, my role is to help clients achieve their goals. 

What is your view on the purpose of counseling?

I believe that clients seek counseling because they are struggling with problems that are causing unhappiness and/or distress, and they have become unmanageable. So, the purpose of counseling is to find ways to resolve or relieve those issues and regain a sense of emotional balance.

How have your own life struggles helped you become the counselor you are today?

I believe personal struggles lead to developing empathy for others, and mine have also enhanced my counseling techniques. As a child and into my teen and early adult years, I experienced social anxiety that would keep me from participating in many typical everyday activities. As an adult and a parent, I’ve experienced the challenges of living with a spouse and children with severe depression and anxiety. Additionally, I’ve endured the emotional roller-coaster of a having a child express suicidal thoughts and behaviors. 

What is your counseling focus?

I tend to be person- or client-centered in my approach. Each client comes in with his or her own unique set of circumstances. I work to meet each individual client’s needs with a tailored approach that may include a variety of modalities.