LSW
5-24
Hello, I’m Brett Jacobson. I am a Licensed Social Worker and School Social Worker based in the Chicago area. I’m passionate about helping people navigate life’s challenges and build the skills and confidence they need to reach their goals. My approach to therapy is warm, collaborative, and strengths-based. I believe in meeting clients where they are and working together to create a supportive space where growth feels possible.
I earned three Bachelor’s degrees from Northern Illinois University in Sociology, Psychology, and Philosophy, and later completed my Master’s in Social Work at Western New Mexico University. I also hold a Professional Educator License in Illinois. I am an Iraq War veteran, and after my military service I began my social work career working in the criminal justice system, supporting individuals involved in the correctional system and helping them transition back into their communities. That experience gave me a deeper understanding of the challenges people face and ultimately inspired me to focus my work on young people—helping them build skills, make positive choices, and stay on a path that leads to opportunity and growth.
Throughout my career, I’ve worked with a wide range of populations including children, adolescents, families, and justice-involved individuals. I also have experience working with individuals involved in extremist ideologies, supporting them as they disengage from those movements and rebuild healthier identities and connections in their lives. In my work in schools, I support students through social-emotional challenges, behavioral difficulties, and life stressors. I also have experience working with children with special needs, including students with autism and other developmental disabilities, helping them build emotional awareness, coping strategies, and communication skills.
In therapy, I use a mix of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, trauma-informed care, and strengths-based practices to help clients better understand their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. My goal is to create a space where clients feel supported while also learning practical tools they can use in their everyday lives.
Outside of my work as a therapist, I enjoy spending time with my family. I have a bicultural family and have been with my Mexican American wife for over 16 years, which has given me a deep appreciation for Mexican culture and traditions. In my free time I enjoy reading—currently working through every Star Wars book published since 2014—doing amateur genealogy research, playing video games, and working on home improvement projects. I recently built a set of bookshelves and am always looking for my next project.