JANNETE PADILLA, LSW (she/her)
Associate
A core element of my approach to therapy involves cultivating a safe and comfortable space for clients to navigate their healing journey, ensuring they feel supported and never alone.
My clinical specialties include working with adolescents, young adults, and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, behavioral and relational challenges, and substance use.
La terapia está disponible en español para quienes se sientan más cómodos comunicándose en su idioma natal.
What’s one strength clients often notice about you?
Seeking help can feel scary. I create a space where clients feel safe and comfortable being themselves as they begin—and continue to navigate—their healing journey. I have a collaborative approach, but also value clients’ autonomy. Clients have told me they appreciate that I take the time to listen, because it shows them I care.
What kinds of challenges do people usually bring to you?
It’s important to me to meet clients where they are while we work together to meet their goals. Some of my clients find it tough to manage close relationships. They might be feeling overwhelmed or anxious about life events that others seem to take in stride. Some face challenges with substance use, which is a term I use intentionally in place of substance abuse.
I work with adolescents, young adults, and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, behavioral and relational challenges, and substance use. I use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and strength-based therapy, tailoring my approach to meet each client's individual needs.
What drew you to this work?
My lived experience means I can empathize with many of the issues my clients face, and it’s made me even more committed to helping them feel supported as we work through the process of healing and building strength.
How does your training help you support your clients?
I feel as if my education and professional experiences have all led me directly to this work. My background includes working as a bilingual substance use counselor at a nonprofit organization, where I conducted substance use and mental health individual sessions, facilitated adolescent skills and psychoeducational groups, and served as a translator to Spanish-speaking clients and their families.
Before that, I worked as a certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor intern at a psychotherapy private practice, where I conducted biopsychosocial assessments in English and Spanish to determine the appropriate level of care and conducted individual and family counseling sessions to address mental health, substance use, and behavioral issues.
But even before my career began I was drawn to work that would allow me to make a direct difference in people's lives, which is why I completed my bachelor’s degree at National Louis University with a major in Psychology and a minor in Human Services, then earned my master’s degree in Social Work at Loyola University Chicago with a specialization in Addictions.
Currently accepting new clients.