Wondering if Therapy for Anxiety Is Right for You?
I’m Jennifer Waterman, LCSW, founder of JR Counseling Services, Inc., and a telehealth therapist serving…
Therapist / Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Many people start the year with a New Year’s resolution, only to abandon it once the reality of everyday life sets in. Instead of focusing on resolutions, consider approaching this new year as a fresh start — one that feels realistic, compassionate, and sustainable.
Are there people, places, or things in your life that no longer bring you peace?
Sometimes we hold onto relationships — with friends, family members, or romantic partners — that may have been healthy at one point but no longer are. Are there people in your life who are draining your energy or affecting your well-being? Is your job weighing you down, and is it time to consider something new? Could a move or reorganization of your home bring some relief? Could asking for help with parenting or caregiving ease some stress? Are there stressors from your past that you are still carrying like a heavy weight on your shoulders?
Try this:
Take a look at different areas of your life — occupational, educational, spiritual, physical health, mental health, relationships, hobbies, immediate family, extended family, and more. Ask yourself:
From there, consider what you may want to let go of in 2026, what you want to keep, and what areas may need more attention or support.
If you could make one small change today or do one small thing for yourself, what would it be?
Many women, especially mothers and caregivers, feel overwhelmed by expectations, responsibilities, work stress, and endless to-do lists. When everything feels urgent, it can be hard to know where to start — and sometimes we don’t start at all.
Try this:
Do one thing today that is just for you. It doesn’t have to be big, expensive, or time-consuming. It simply needs to be something that nourishes you.
Does your mind tend to focus on what’s missing or what’s going wrong?
When we are stressed or overwhelmed, our brain naturally looks for problems. This can cause us to overlook the positive things that are already present in our lives. The good news is that we can gently retrain our brain to notice more of what’s going well.
Try this:
Each day, identify one thing you are grateful for. Try doing this in the morning before your day begins or at night before bed. Write it down, and for one week, aim to choose something new each day. Take a moment to intentionally reflect on the positive moments you notice.
Do you feel like you’re constantly rushing from one thing to the next, as if life never slows down?
Even when life feels nonstop, we can still find small moments to pause and reconnect. Mindfulness allows us to slow down, notice what we’re doing, and become more aware of our thoughts, feelings, and surroundings.
Try this:
Take a mindful walk — this can be especially meaningful to do with children or by yourself. Slow your pace and notice what you see, hear, smell, and feel. Pay attention to the air moving in and out of your lungs, your feet touching the ground, and the sensations around you. Even a few minutes outside can help reset your nervous system and bring a sense of calm.
What do you want to accomplish today, this week, this month, this year — or even this decade?
So many things compete for our attention each day. When was the last time you intentionally focused on your emotional well-being, physical health, and personal goals? Setting meaningful goals can help shift us from simply surviving to intentionally living.
Try this:
Spend five minutes today reflecting on what you want for this year. This can be harder than it sounds — finding the time, identifying your feelings, and quieting the “How would I even do that?” thoughts. Start small. Take the first step and simply notice how it feels to reflect.
Making small changes each day can help you feel more grounded and in control of your life — and therapy can help support that process.
At JR Counseling Services, Inc, therapy with Jennifer Waterman, LCSW can help you work through external stressors, untangle internal thoughts and emotions, manage the demands of daily life, and reconnect with you — creating a calmer, more balanced version of yourself in 2026.
Have you been thinking about therapy? Today can be the day you take one small step for yourself — toward a fresh start in 2026.
Jennifer Waterman, LCSW at JR Counseling Services, Inc provides one-on-one virtual therapy via telehealth to adults ages 18+ in La Grange, Hinsdale, Western Springs, and throughout Chicagoland and Illinois. I currently have immediate availability, including daytime and evening appointments. I am in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO and UnitedHealthcare.
Your stress-free opportunity to see if this is the right next step for you. A path to reach your goals in 2026 starts here.
I’m Jennifer Waterman, LCSW, founder of JR Counseling Services, Inc., and a telehealth therapist serving…
Many people start the year with a New Year’s resolution, only to abandon it once…
Hi there! I’m Jennifer Waterman, LCSW, a telehealth mental health therapist/founder of JR Counseling Services,…
JR Counseling Services Inc.
Jennifer Waterman, LCSW
Illinois Licensed Clinical Social Worker: 149014375
No surprise act: You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate of what your services may cost.
Disclaimer: I provide services through scheduled appointments only. If you or someone else is in immediate danger or having a life-threatening emergency, please call 911 immediately.
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