In-Person in Wheaton, IL 60187
Online in Illinois
My name is Jake Johnson and I am the founder of Bristlecone Therapy. I've been practicing marriage and family therapy (MFT) for over 17 years. I also work as a professor of MFT at Wheaton College, where I have taught for 13 years. In more recent years I've become a certified life coach, and I am currently the president-elect of the International Family Therapy Association.
On a personal note, I've been married for 15 years. I have four boys, ages 13 to 6. I love to travel, hike in the mountains and read fiction. I have done a whole bunch of my own therapy, spiritual direction, and personal and group retreats (as I deeply believe that if I am not healthy, then I certainly can't help my clients to be).
Client Focus
Session Format: Couple, Family, Individual sessions.
Age Specialty: Adult
Demographic Expertise: Christian, Men, Women clients.
Languages: English, Spanish
Treatment Approach
- Christian Counseling Blends psychological practices with Christian values and scripture. It provides faith-based support for life challenges and spiritual growth.
- Experiential Therapy Involves hands-on activities to bring emotions into the present moment. It helps clients process feelings more deeply than through conversation alone.
- Family Systems Therapy Looks at problems within the context of the family as a whole. It aims to improve communication and balance in family relationships.
- Internal Family Systems (IFS) Helps clients heal by working with different ‘parts’ of themselves, like inner critics or wounded children. It fosters harmony within the self.
- Sandplay Therapy Uses sand trays and miniature figures to allow symbolic expression. It is especially helpful for children and trauma survivors.
- Somatic Therapy Helps clients notice how emotions are stored in the body. It uses breath, movement, and awareness for healing trauma and stress.
Approach Description: As a marriage and family therapist, I specialize in creating space for clients to explore how old wounds, developmental traumas and experiences of shame connect to their present life stressors. My approach to therapy is client-centered, experiential and highly relational. In my practice I make use of various somatic and body-based approaches to treatment alongside sandtray and Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapies to support my clients in finding the freedom and healing they desire.
Fees & Insurance
Fees
- Average Session Fee $195
- Affordable sliding scale therapy: apply if you may be eligible.
- On a limited basis I offer sliding scale therapy based on clients' income and ability to pay for services.
- Accepts Insurance
- Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO, United Healthcare PPO
Education & Credentials
Dr. Jake Johnson LMFT
- Male
- License # 166.000941
- Licensed in Illinois
- Practicing Since 2008
Education: - PhD in Human Development (emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy) from Virginia Tech
- MS in Marriage and Family Therapy from Northwestern University
- Sensorimotor Psychotherapy for Trauma (Level 1) trained
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) trained
Dr. Jake Johnson Practice Details
Therapy Sessions
- Available In-Person in Wheaton, IL 60187
- Available Online for residents of Illinois
- Online Therapy Details: SimplePractice
Bristlecone Therapy (BCT) is a Chicagoland-based practice offering individual, couple and family therapy. At BCT we desire to care for the whole person—body, mind and soul—by creating spaces where clients find new pathways to health and healing. We offer high quality care that is relationship-focused, body-informed and spiritually sensitive.