Jennifer Forbes , LMFT

Jennifer M. Forbes, M.S., LMFT founded Seed of Hope Counseling Services and brings a blend of clinical training, program development experience, and faith-informed gratitude to her therapeutic work. She holds an M.S., a Master of Science degree in Applied Family and Child Studies with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy, and is an LMFT - a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Over the course of her career she has counseled hundreds of individuals, couples, and families through periods of trauma, loss, relationship strain, and life transitions.

Since 2009 she has worked across non-profit and private sectors, offering counseling, consulting, supervision, and leadership to teams, clinicians, and organizations. Her experience includes designing and evaluating community programs focused on crisis response, trauma services, and clinical care, and she has partnered with agencies to implement innovative therapeutic initiatives. Jennifer has also served on clinical committees for the Illinois Health Practice Alliance, the Behavioral Health Consortium, and the Westside Community Triage and Wellness Center, and she maintains membership in the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.

Jennifer draws on extensive training from Northern Illinois University, where she completed a bachelor’s degree in psychology and her graduate studies. Her background combines clinical practice, program development, and collaborative work with community partners to support individuals and families facing complex challenges.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care with Jennifer Forbes

Jennifer uses client-centered therapy to create a respectful, empathetic space where clients’ own goals and experiences guide the work. This approach helps people feel heard and supported while they explore relationship patterns, parenting challenges, or self-esteem concerns.

She also draws on cognitive behavioral therapy - CBT to identify and shift unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns. CBT can be useful for anxiety, depression, coping with change, and building practical skills to manage stress and sleeping difficulties.

Motivational interviewing is another tool Jennifer employs when clients are navigating ambivalence about change, such as in recovery from addictions, making career shifts, or addressing commitment and codependency issues. It focuses on uncovering personal motivation and supporting gradual, sustainable movement toward goals.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Jennifer will work with each person to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, and she adapts strategies as therapy progresses in partnership with the client.

Online therapy options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, which provide flexibility for busy schedules, care responsibilities, or limited local resources. These formats make it easier to maintain continuity of care, access support from home, and choose the communication style that feels most comfortable while working with licensed professionals and therapists.