Jessica Ortiz, LCSW therapist and owner of Catalyst Therapy & Consulting smiling sitting in a cozy chair

I’m Jessica Ortiz, LCSW

I’m a licensed therapist offering in person therapy in Barrington and online sessions across Illinois.

I help adults break free from anxiety, stress, and the lasting impact of challenging relationships.

Working together, we’ll help you feel more content, more connected to yourself and in your relationships, and more present— so you can fully enjoy the moments that matter most in life. 

Whether you’re looking to let go of the past, ease overwhelm and worry, or are ready to live a more ambitious future, I’m here to help you find a clear path forward.

Schedule Your Complimentary Consultation

Areas of Specialization

Anxiety, Stress, & Overwhelm
– Manage racing thoughts, release tensions, feel more grounded.

Family Challenges
– Navigate conflict, criticism, control, rejection or emotional immaturity.

Healing from Difficult Relationships
– Get clarity, balance and resilience after narcissistic or emotionally immature relationships.

Other Areas Often Addressed in Therapy

  • Overthinking & Worry
    –Learn to relax and trust yourself

  • Depression, Burnout, & Loss of Motivation
    –Restore energy and purpose

  • Dysfunctional or Distant Relationships
    –Develop healthier ways to connect

  • People-Pleasing & Perfectionism
    –Set limits, prioritize needs, build confidence

  • Developing More Fulfilling Relationships
    –Build supportive, meaningful connections

  • Personal & Professional Growth
    –Gain clarity and direction to achieve goals

  • Parenting Support
    –Navigate challenges or change family patterns

My Approach

My background in research, education, evaluation shape how I practice therapy. My collaborative, conversational style focuses on making therapy practical and useful in everyday life so that you can create the meaningful, lasting changes you’re ready for.

You’ll leave sessions with ways to interrupt anxiety and relieve stress. Together, we’ll explore what’s pulling you out of the present and find ways to move forward. The goal is lasting changes in how you think, feel, and relate — helping you experience greater balance, clarity, and connection in your life.

Professional Background

  • Education and Licensure

    Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

    Professional Educator License (PEL)

    B.S., University of Illinois

    M.S.W., Washington University in St. Louis

    M. Ed., University of Illinois

  • Experience

    I bring over 15 years of clinical experience supporting children, adolescents, adults, and families. Drawing on a variety of therapeutic approaches, I help clients reduce anxiety, calm their minds and bodies, and feel more empowered, connected, and fulfilled in their daily lives and relationships.

    My background includes extensive experience in education, research, and program evaluation across academic, social-emotional learning (SEL), STEM, and youth development initiatives for public and private organizations. I have taught at both undergraduate and graduate levels in the United States and internationally. Across these settings, I specialize in making data and evidence-based research easy to understand and use in every day life.

    Learn more about my evaluation consulting services here. 

  • Specialized Training

    Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

    Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction

    Somatic psychology and nervous system regulation

    Trauma-informed and complex trauma therapy

    Narcissistic Abuse and Co-Dependence recovery

    Adult children of emotionally immature parents

What To Expect

Strengthen your resilience, self-compassion, and self-trust
Recover from setbacks with less self-criticism and trust your decisions.

Honor your needs with confidence
Set boundaries without guilt or fear of disappointing others.

Shift how you think, feel, and relate to others
Notice unhelpful patterns, communicate more effectively, and respond instead of reacting in stressful situations.

Deepen connections with yourself and those around you
Feel connected and present with loved ones or in daily activities.

Ready to Begin?
Let’s Connect.

Schedule Your Complimentary Consultation