About Jolene Altman, LCSW
I’m a married, working mom of two, navigating the beautiful, messy chaos of mid-life right alongside you. Whatever you’re carrying, you don’t have to carry it alone.
The mom behind the practice
I intimately understand the stressors, responsibilities, and self-doubt that creep in and I also believe in the joy, peace, and meaning we all deserve. Maybe you’re asking, “if I’m high-functioning, will therapy even help me?” The answer is yes. I know how hard it can be to ask for help. Sometimes our struggles feel “stupid” or embarrassing. They’re not. The people-pleasing, high-achieving, chronically busy mom often quietly struggles with feelings of failure. Whatever you’re carrying, you don’t have to carry it alone.
How I show up in therapy
I bring my full, unapologetically real (and sometimes hilariously imperfect) self to every session. We’ll laugh, we’ll vent about how aging is a b*tch, and we’ll get your sh*t sorted because we all need support sometimes. If swearing is part of how you process, go for it. I believe therapy should feel human, relatable, and grounded in real connection.
I show up with compassion, humor, and honesty, because that’s what helps us move through the hard stuff. My values — authenticity, connection, growth, and honesty — shape every session. Real self-care goes beyond a yoga class or a girls’ trip; it’s about understanding how we store emotions, unpacking the stories we tell ourselves, and learning to care for our minds and bodies in a way that creates lasting change.
My approach
I work from a relational, trauma-informed foundation. I’m not the “nod and smile” therapist. I’m an active partner in your growth. As a relational therapist, we create an individualized experience to meet you where you are at. Together, we look at patterns that cause discomfort and challenge the thoughts, somatic responses and the story of who you are. I want you to feel better and understand your mid-life self. My work draws on:
Internal Family Systems (IFS) & Somatic Therapy to help you regulate your nervous system and understand the parts of you working overtime.
Relational Therapy & EFT to navigate the complexities of your family life and connections.
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help you pivot from obligation to living by your core values.
Direct, human guidance: seasoned, warm, and honest, swearing welcome.
Credentials & experience
Master of Social Work (MSW), Loyola University Chicago (2006)
BA, Augustana College (2000)
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Illinois License #149.013289
Women’s Mental Health Specialist certificate (focus: perinatal loss, PMDD, and perimenopause)
20+ years in the field, including supervisory and management roles
Who I don’t work with: If you are struggling with active suicidality, my services are not the appropriate level of care for you. I am happy to direct you to services that are appropriate for you- please reach out or call 988 or 911 for direct help.
If you are struggling with an eating disorder, this is not an area I specialize in. But, I can help direct you to someone who does specialize in this area, again, please reach out for appropriate resources.
What I love
Bergamot candles. Long walks. Period-piece TV. Scrabble (and yes, I take scrabble very seriously).
Traveling with my family, historical fiction, watching ballet, practicing yoga, and music ranging from Led Zeppelin, to R.E.M., to The Cure.
Time with my family and friends. Cats (we have 4!).
And getting completely lost in a really good book—The Golden Hour by Salman Rushdie is a recent favorite.
The right therapist can make all the difference.
I fully support you finding someone you feel truly comfortable with even if that’s not me. If this resonates, let’s connect.