Jillian I. Gomez

Jillian I. Gomez, Psy D (she/her):  I believe that healing happens through authentic human connection. As a relational, trauma-informed therapist, I bring warmth, curiosity, and true collaboration to therapy.  Together we’ll create a safe space where you can explore your experiences openly and connect with yourself more deeply.

I offer compassion and support while also challenging the patterns that may be keeping you stuck, helping you build greater self-understanding and feel empowered to create lasting change.

I enjoy working with adolescents and adults navigating anxiety, ADHD/AuADHD, eating disorders, identity exploration, relationship concerns, substance use, and trauma, including intergenerational, developmental, and complex trauma.

My approach is deeply informed by the understanding that our identities, cultures, families, communities, and social experiences shape how we move through the world. I am committed to creating an affirming, culturally responsive space where all parts of your identity are welcomed and respected. Together, we can explore the messages you’ve learned about yourself, hold onto what aligns with your values, and let go of what no longer serves you.

I draw from insight-oriented and evidence-based approaches, including psychodynamic therapy, DBT, CBT, and ACT. I also incorporate mindfulness, meditation, spirituality, and a focus on the mind-body connection. Together, we’ll explore the connection between your thoughts, emotions, relationships, and lived experiences, helping you develop new ways of relating to yourself and others.

My clinical experience includes work in community mental health, private practice, inpatient hospitals, intensive outpatient programs, and juvenile justice settings. Most recently, during my internship, I worked exclusively with tweens and teens navigating severe mental illness, substance use, trauma, and complex family dynamics. Combined with my interest in juvenile forensics, this work highlighted how uniquely receptive adolescents are to positive influence and growth, reinforcing my passion for guiding youth through these pivotal years.

I’ve had the privilege of working with people from a wide range of racial, cultural, socioeconomic, gender, sexual orientation, and ability backgrounds. These experiences have continually reinforced the importance of meeting each person with humility, flexibility, and deep respect for their unique story.

Education and Credentials

• Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (PsyD) from Roosevelt University
• Masters (MA) in Clinical Psychology from Roosevelt University
• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, with a minor in Criminal Justice from Bradley University

Please list any links to articles, blog posts, podcast interviews, publications that you would like listed on your bio, if applicable.

Dissertation: “The Effect of Treatment-Related Stigma on Those with Substance Use Disorders (SUDs)”

• https://www.proquest.com/docview/3359028008

Please describe the therapeutic modalities you practice and any relevant certifications or specialized training you’ve completed.

I pull from interventions based in dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). A lot of healing includes being honest with yourself, tolerating discomfort, and learning to accept all parts of yourself. I often integrate mindfulness, meditation, spirituality, and emphasize a mind-body connection to facilitate self-alignment.

What do you like about being a therapist?

I’ve wanted to become a therapist for as long as I can remember. What I love most about being a therapist is the privilege of being invited into someone’s inner world. I’ve always been fascinated by how humans think and how our individual histories shape our view of the world and how we interact with others.

In my practice I lead with my number one value: authenticity. There is a specific palpable and harmonious energy that happens when two people connect honestly. By meeting clients where they’re at, I strive to build a trusting partnership where clients can explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences with openness, curiosity, and self-compassion.

What are you excited about? What is your passion? What do you want to learn more about?

I’m passionate about life-long learning, self-reflection/exploration, and connection with others. I’ve learned that mastery is a bit of a paradox. Even when I feel I’ve mastered a concept or technique, processed a part of my past, or reached a point of clarity, I’m reminded that there are always a thousand other ways to see it. This keeps me grounded and open. Like Socrates said, “the only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing”.

I want to learn more about the intersection between spirituality, psychology, philosophy, and astrology. Also, learning American Sign Language (ASL) is on my bucket list!