Jill Chestang, LPC

Jill Chestang is a licensed professional counselor who uses practical, skill-based work to help people move through depression, anxiety, grief, and big life changes. She focuses on clear, achievable steps so clients can notice progress sooner. Her approach is calm and respectful, with an emphasis on listening and collaboration.

Jill draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people spot and change unhelpful thought patterns. She also uses Client-Centered methods to keep sessions focused on each person’s goals and values. Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills and Solution-Focused techniques are available when they fit a client’s needs.

Her practice includes support for stress, self-esteem struggles, coping with life changes, and seasonal mood shifts. Jill also helps with relationship communication problems, divorce and separation concerns, feelings of guilt or shame, and the isolation that can come with moving through transitions.

With 12 years of experience and an LPC in Michigan, Jill adapts conversations and plans to each person. She works to build trust, then teaches concrete skills such as thought tracking, behavioral experiments, grounding, and problem-focused goal setting. Progress is tracked in doable steps so change feels manageable.

People who choose Jill can expect straightforward guidance and encouragement. She helps clients set realistic short-term goals and celebrates the smaller wins along the way. The focus is on practical tools to manage symptoms and regain a sense of direction.

Approach-based care delivered online

Jill commonly draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Client-Centered methods when working online. CBT focuses on identifying patterns of thinking and testing new behaviors to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. Client-Centered work prioritizes the client's perspective, with the therapist following the client's lead and helping clarify goals.

She also uses Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills when helpful, teaching practical tools for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and better interpersonal effectiveness. Deciding which approach to use is collaborative; the therapist will discuss options and adapt the plan to a client's needs, goals, and preferences so therapy fits the person rather than the other way around.

Online sessions are offered as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation for skill coaching and role play. Phone sessions can be a good fit when less bandwidth is available or for a shorter check-in. Live chat and text messaging work well for ongoing support, brief skills practice, or when someone prefers writing to speaking. These options make it easier to fit therapy around work, caregiving, or busy schedules while keeping the focus on practical strategies and progress.