Meet
Rachael M. Jones
LMFT, PMH-C
Co-founder, Co-owner: Trailhead Therapy
Co-Creator, Nurturing Balance Method
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I'm a couple and family therapist and perinatal mental health specialist dedicated to helping people understand themselves and their relationships. I utilize compassion, curiosity, and humor to help my clients understand what is and is not working well in their lives and identify ways to capitalize on their strengths and address areas of pain or concern.
I take a collaborative, non-judgmental approach to ensure you feel safe and supported and that therapy is a space that reflects your needs and values. Whether you're dealing with perinatal mental health concerns, anxiety, depression, ADHD, life transitions, relationship issues, trauma, or parenting challenges I focus on relational patterns, values-based decision-making, and balancing connectedness and individuality to build tools to manage stress and be truly present in your life.
I believe in an evidence-based approach to therapy and in continuing education to offer my clients the most effective and informed services and hold several certifications, including PMH-C (perinatal mental health specialist through Postpartum Support International), Gottman Method Levels 1 and 2, SafeZone ally, and am EMDR-trained. I am also a Northwestern University-trained mediator.
Outside of my work as a therapist, I enjoy hiking, discovering new music, reading, cooking, fishing, visiting museums, and watching either very silly or very mysterious TV shows. Most importantly, I love spending quality time with my family and friends - especially my toddler son and husband.
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Individuals, Couples, and Families
Perinatal Mental Health
Anxiety and Depression
Trauma (EMDR Trained)
Relationship Concerns
Values-Based Decision Making
Life Transitions
Identity Formation/Values Work
Grief
Stress
Parenting
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PMH-C (Perinatal Mental Health Certification)
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Trained
Northwestern University Trained Mediator
Gottman Method Couple's Therapy Level 1 and 2 Certified
SafeZone LGBTQ+ Ally Trained
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2024 Postpartum Support International Conference
Breakout Session: "Nurturing Balance: A Tool for Equitable Division of Labor in the Perinatal Period"2024 Illinois Association of Marriage and Family Therapists Conference
Breakout Session: "The Use Conflict Mapping with Families"HuffPost
“How To Tell Your Family You’re Not Coming Home For The Holidays”Parents Magazine
"Kids Are Handing Out Business Cards for Playdates Now? We Have Thoughts""New Poll Shows Many Parents Worry About Their Kids' Friendships–How to Help Without Overstepping"
“My Nephew Wants to be Elsa for Halloween—An Expert Shares How to Prepare for Any Naysayers”
The EveryMom
"Back-to-School Hauls Are Blowing Up on TikTok—Experts Share What Parents Should Know"VeryWell Mind
“These 70+ Mental Health Coping Skills Will Help Your Kids Thrive”Music Therapy with Jessica Risker Podcast
"If I Could Just (Blank), My Life Would Be Great!" -
PMH-C (Perinatal Mental Health Certification)
EMDR Trained Provider
Certified in Gottman Method Levels 1 and 2
Northwestern University Trained Mediator
Purdue University Northwest, 2019: Masters of Science in Human Development and Family Studies, Specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy
Northern Illinois University, 2016: Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Studies, Specialization in Family Social Services