The Juniper Center

04/03/2026

Meet Renae Mendez! As a therapist, Renae practices from a trauma-informed, Person-Centered approach incorporating attachment and interpersonal dynamics, cognitive strategies, polyvagal theory, and neuroscience from a strengths-based perspective. She believes in working collaboratively to develop a clear plan to reach your goals for therapy while uncovering and building from your strengths. Developing a holistic understanding of the connection between how our brain processes information, our body responses, our emotions, and thoughts can help us take a fresh perspective on challenges that someone may have been struggling with for a while. https://www.thejunipercenter.com/our-staff/renae-mendez/

Renae has experience working with emerging adults, adults, and couples navigating what it means to overcome obstacles to live a life they find meaningful. Renae is also trained in group therapy and has been leading experiential and process groups for 11 years.

04/02/2026

Today is World Autism Day, a day focused on promoting understanding, acceptance, and support for autistic individuals across the globe. It’s a meaningful opportunity to learn more about autism, celebrate neurodiversity, and advocate for a more inclusive world. Triumph Behavioral Health explores why this day matters and offers ideas for how you can get involved and support the autistic community. https://www.triumphbh.org/new-blog/world-autism-awareness-day

What is World Autism Awareness Day and why is it important? Learn about this holiday and how to celebrate this April.

04/01/2026

We have an important announcement to share regarding our CEU School courses for April. Due to unforeseen circumstances, we will not offer CEU courses in April. Please stay tuned for updated course dates and times. Thank you!

03/31/2026

Today we celebrate Transgender Day of Visibility—a moment to honor the courage and impact of the transgender community. With challenges and discrimination on the rise, it’s essential to stand together and provide affirming spaces where individuals can live authentically. Council of Relationships offers guidance on how we can support and celebrate transgender voices. https://councilforrelationships.org/transgender-day-of-visibility-and-mental-health/

Transgender Day of Visibility, or TDoV, is a day where we celebrate the lives and contributions of the transgender community. At a time of unprecedent

03/30/2026

The Juniper Center is hiring! Experience the joy of practicing where you can bring your authentic self to work. Check out current openings! https://www.thejunipercenter.com/about-us/jobs/

Job OpeningsAt The Juniper Center we provide care we would want for ourselves or a loved one. Here you will find independence to build a practice that

03/26/2026

Meet Katrina Wlodarczyk! Katrina wants anyone who spends time in the counseling space with her to feel understood and accepted. She is an affirming therapist with a strong commitment to working with LGBTQIA+ clients, creating a safe and supportive space for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Her counseling style is person-centered and collaborative, drawing from ACT, CBT, and mindfulness techniques. https://www.thejunipercenter.com/our-staff/katrina-wlodarczyk/

Katrina (she/her) is a graduate of Marquette University. She is a trauma-informed counselor who works with adults across the lifespan who are navigating life transitions, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, and PTSD. Her passion is supporting people through grief and trauma, helping them heal as the...

03/25/2026

After a bit of a hiatus, we have a new episode of the Mental Health Business Mentor podcast live on our website! In this episode, we explore how informed consent can be more than just a required form—it can be a powerful foundation for trust, safety, and connection. Our guest, Scott Stolarick from Mosaic Pathway Counseling, Inc., shares how private practices can approach informed consent in a way that truly supports client comfort, clarity, and empowerment from the very first interaction. We discuss practical strategies for turning what is often seen as a procedural step into a meaningful conversation that sets the tone for the therapeutic relationship. This episode invites clinicians to rethink how they introduce their work, build rapport early, and create a more transparent, client-centered experience from day one. https://youtu.be/5FwbgMki4W4?si=a-rl6EhV_jH5c64k

In this episode of The Mental Health Business Mentor, we explore how informed consent can be more than just a required form—it can be a powerful foundation f...

03/25/2026

Have questions about the business side of your practice? Ask about 1-on-1 consulting with Dr. Margo Jacquot, award-winning founder and Chief Care Officer of The Juniper Center and host of Mental Health Business Mentor podcast. https://www.thejunipercenter.com/one-on-one-mental-health-business-consulting/

Dr. Margo Jacquot owns one of the largest mental health practices across Illinois. Get 1-on-1 consulting to grow your mental health business.

03/24/2026

When your days are filled with necessary (but sometimes repetitive) responsibilities, it’s easy to feel stuck on autopilot. While some tasks bring satisfaction, others can leave you drained. The good news? Even everyday chores can hold small moments of meaning or joy. Psychology Today shares simple strategies to help shift your mindset and find purpose in the routine. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/fulfillment-at-any-age/202602/to-live-your-best-life-ask-yourself-whats-truly-important

Self-determination, personality, and progress.

03/23/2026

Meet Katelyn Holsclaw! Katelyn enjoys working with all ages and feels passionate about how people grow throughout their life span. She is especially drawn to the needs of those who have experienced abuse, particularly those in the LGBTQIA+ community. She feels inspired to work with people from all walks of life, and she is particularly skilled in collaborating with individuals experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, stress, and eating disorders. Katelyn also offers couples and family counseling. https://www.thejunipercenter.com/our-staff/katelyn-holsclaw/

Katelyn enjoys working with all ages and feels especially drawn to the needs of those who have experienced abuse, particularly those in the LGTBQ+ community.

03/20/2026

It’s the International Day of Happiness! Prioritizing joy is an important part of supporting your mental health. From practicing gratitude to strengthening connections, small habits can help build lasting well-being. Western Youth Services explores easy ways to bring more happiness into your daily routine. https://www.westernyouthservices.org/embracing-joy-nurturing-happiness-on-international-day-of-happiness/

Learn to nurture joy and well-being in our latest blog post. Explore happiness hacks, self-care tips, and mental health insights.

03/19/2026

We have another CEU presentation coming up tomorrow at 9:30am CST, and it's hosted by the wonderful Caren Jeskey! In this presentation, we will explore what's going on inside of us while practicing as therapists. We will learn ways to stay focused and grounded while taking in the stories that we hear. We will learn to mitigate the possibility of invalidating others due to our own internal activation, and learn to increase our ability to remain impartial even when attached to outcomes and invested in others' well-being. We will learn to accept others and ourselves as we truly are and model wisdom and self-regulation during our time with clients, which will reinforce our own power, authenticity, and efficacy as catalysts for growth. https://ceu.thejunipercenter.com/courses/using-metaphors-for-mindfulness

In this presentation, we will explore what's going on inside of us while practicing as therapists. We will learn ways to stay focused and grounded while taking in the stories that we hear. (1.5 CEUs)