At Cairn Counseling, we understand that life doesn’t always go as planned, and sometimes we all need a little guidance when we feel stuck.
Our approach to therapy is never one-size-fits-all—every person who walks through our doors has a unique story, and we honor that individuality. We’re here to walk alongside you as you navigate your own path.
Cairns, the stone markers for which we are named, have long symbolized guidance along difficult paths. They serve to help travelers find their way and persevere, even when the journey is tough. In some traditions, cairns are also welcoming symbols, offering hospitality to strangers.
To us, cairns represent connection—to where we’ve been, where we are, and where we’re going. And that’s what we hope to offer you: support from the past, encouragement in the present, and hope for the future.
Our Services
Individual Therapy
We are here to help you navigate through the noise and get through the rough patches.
We can assist you in rewriting the narrative of your journey while encouraging your well being and growth. Along the way, we’ll explore learning healthy coping skills while gaining strategies to manage the challenges life brings.
Child Therapy
We're here to help your child better understand their emotions and discover healthy ways to cope with them. We also encourage children to express how they’re feeling, while building important social skills and confidence along the way.
Jennifer, our registered play therapist, uses play therapy to make the journey fun and engaging, supporting your child as they reach their goals.
Adolescent Therapy
We’re here to help your adolescent navigate the daily pressures they face—from school, friends, family, and even themselves. We support teens in understanding the “Why do I feel this way?” question that so many struggle with.
Our goal is to help your adolescent build self-esteem, explore relationship issues, develop healthy ways to manage emotions, and cope with school-related stress. If needed, we can also serve as an advocate within the school system to ensure they get the support they deserve.
Family Therapy
We’re here to support you as you navigate your family’s unique dynamics and work together to strengthen your bond. With empathy and understanding, we help families resolve conflicts and explore the underlying causes. Together, we’ll build better communication and problem-solving skills, fostering a stronger and more connected family.
Cairn Counseling
Jennifer Pfaff, LCSW, RPT-S
Therapist/Owner
I believe in working with clients to help them reach their goals and improve their overall quality of life. I utilize a warm, relaxed, and welcoming approach to therapy. I work with clients to create solutions to what has brought them to treatment. I don’t believe in one theory that fits all clients or problems and adapt to meet the needs of those I am working with.
I have experience working with clients facing anxiety, depression, trauma history, grief and loss, school issues, and low self esteem.
I am a registered play therapist.
Common Questions About Starting Therapy
Do you take my insurance?
We are in network with all major insurers. BCBSIL, Aetna, United HealthCare, Cigna/Evernorth, Magellan. If you have an HMO please contact us to verify we are in network.
We are also partnered with Spring Health and Lyra.
What can I expect at my first appointment?
The first session is an intake and will be different from follow up appointments. The first session is used to get to know you and it may feel like we are asking a lot of questions but that is our time to gather what has brought you to us. You also have the ability to ask questions as well.
If you are scheduling the first appointment for your child or adolescent there is the option to meet first with the therapist without the child/adolescent present. Please know parents are expected to be at the first appointment if the child/adolescent is under the age of 12.
How often do I have to come to therapy?
Most clients find that weekly therapy sessions work best for them, however, since therapy is individualized and we are working to meet your goals we will make the best decision for you at your intake appointment. We can also change the frequency of therapy sessions during the treatment process.
Why play therapy for my child?
Play therapy provides a safe way for children to process difficult emotions, develop coping skills, and improve their overall well being. Through play therapy children can process emotions and learn to verbalize their emotions while learning to manage them more effectively.
What is your cancellation policy?
All clients are asked to provide at least a 24 hour notice if they need to cancel a session. Clients will be charged a cancellation fee of $100 if appointments are canceled with less than 24 hours.
Careers
Cairn Counseling is looking for a motivated and reliable licensed therapist to join our supportive team. License eligible therapists are also welcome to apply. We offer a welcoming environment where you can focus on your clients without the extra distractions often found in private practice settings. There’s no expectation for marketing—we’re a thriving, established practice with multiple referral sources.
Our clinicians work with a clinically diverse population, including individuals, families, and couples. As a member of our team, your primary responsibility will be providing behavioral health services to your clients. This position is onsite, as the majority of our referrals request in-person therapy.
We offer compensation that is above the typical private practice rates in the Chicagoland area. Both part-time and full-time opportunities are available, with flexible hours ranging from 10 to 30 hours per week. You’ll have the freedom to set your own schedule, and we also offer a bonus model.
Email your resume to Jennifer: jap@chicagotherapist.net
Contact Us
Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. You can also call and leave a message on the new client voicemail: 847-699-2100
Email Jennifer: jap@chicagotherapist.net