Jennifer Forbes , LMFT

Jennifer M. Forbes, LMFT, is the founder of Seed of Hope Counseling Services and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Illinois. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s in Applied Family and Child Studies with a Specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy from Northern Illinois University. As an LMFT - a license that reflects specialized training in relationships and family systems - she has guided individuals, couples, and families through complex life transitions and relational challenges.

Since 2009 she has worked across nonprofit and private sectors, providing counseling, consultation, supervision, and leadership. Her experience includes designing and evaluating community programs for crisis response, trauma care, and clinical services, and collaborating with agencies to implement innovative therapeutic initiatives. Over the years she has supported hundreds of people through difficult times, finding professional fulfillment in helping others rebuild and move forward.

Jennifer has served on clinical committees for the Illinois Health Practice Alliance, the Behavioral Health Consortium, and the Westside Community Triage and Wellness Center. She is also a member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. Grounded in faith and a commitment to compassionate care, she brings a blend of clinical expertise and practical program leadership to her practice.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Jennifer integrates client-centered therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) into her work. Client-centered therapy focuses on creating an accepting, nonjudgmental space where the person’s own goals and values guide the process - this approach can be especially helpful for clients working through relationship concerns, self-esteem, and life transitions. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) involves identifying unhelpful thoughts and patterns and developing practical skills to manage anxiety, depression, and stress-related issues.

She also draws on motivational interviewing when clients are weighing change or struggling with ambivalence. Motivational interviewing uses compassionate, goal-oriented conversations to strengthen motivation and support behavior change, which can be useful for issues such as addictions, coping with health challenges, and making meaningful life adjustments. Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process - Jennifer works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods best fit their needs, goals, and preferences so treatment feels personalized and practical.

Online therapy offers flexible ways to connect, including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. These options make it easier to schedule sessions around work, family, and other commitments, and allow continuity of care when in-person visits are not feasible. Licensed professionals can adapt these modalities to provide focused, effective support in ways that suit each client’s lifestyle.