Jean Hannigan

Jean Hannigan is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) who helps people facing stress, anxiety, depression, grief, and concerns about narcissistic abuse. She meets clients where they are and focuses on practical steps to reduce distress and regain a sense of balance. Her style is collaborative and nonjudgmental, and she emphasizes using a person’s strengths to reach their goals.

Hannigan brings 25 years of experience across school settings, social services, Early Intervention with the State of Illinois, and private practice. She holds a master’s degree in clinical psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology and an LCPC license in Illinois. Her background also includes certificates in Grief Counseling and Narcissistic Abuse Recovery, which inform her work with relationship-related grief and recovery after emotionally harmful relationships.

In the first sessions she listens closely to what matters most and helps build a clear, realistic plan. Therapy often focuses on small, achievable steps that fit into daily life. She uses a mix of client-centered methods, emotionally focused ideas, mindfulness, narrative techniques, and solution-focused work to tailor the process.

Jean commonly supports people navigating parenting challenges, communication problems, divorce and separation, life-purpose questions, and health-related stress such as cancer or end-of-life concerns. She also addresses issues related to gender identity and sexuality while respecting each person’s values.

Her approach is direct but compassionate, aiming to restore stability and help clients move forward. People seeking help for post-traumatic stress, seasonal mood changes, or smoking and vaping cessation will find practical strategies in sessions.

How her therapeutic approaches translate online

Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and reflecting what matters most to the person. Online sessions using this approach center on your priorities and use the therapist’s questions to help you clarify goals and next steps.

Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) helps people notice and name emotional patterns that shape relationships. In online work EFT tools can help identify feelings, shift interaction habits, and rebuild trust in close relationships.

Mindfulness therapy teaches simple practices for noticing thoughts and bodily sensations without judgment. These practices can reduce reactivity, improve focus, and support mood regulation in daily life.

Finding the right approach is part of therapy. The therapist will work collaboratively to test methods and adjust them to your needs, goals, and preferences. Conversations early on help decide whether client-centered listening, emotionally focused work, or mindfulness exercises will be most useful.

The original biography does not specify which session formats are used for remote work, so confirm current options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. It also makes access possible for people who live outside the therapist’s immediate area while keeping the focus on practical progress rather than on location.