Healing Talk Therapy for overwhelmed, burned-out working moms in Illinois
Meet Jolene Altman, LCSW
Are you a working mom feeling overwhelmed?Psychotherapy with Jolene Altman, LCSW helps stressed out moms, offering a safe space to reclaim your peace, energy and balance. Join me for telehealth sessions that fit your busy mom-life!
Come as You Are.
No Pressure.
Being a mom is a lot. It’s full of joy, but let’s be honest—it’s also overwhelming,
messy, and complicated. If you’re feeling the weight of it, you’re not alone.
What If You Could:
Get rid of the nagging voice inside who always tells you that you are failing
Stop feeling like you are not enough if you don’t say yes to everything
Actually figure out what you want to do, instead of what you feel you have to do
Create a sense of belonging in the life you created
Slow down without changing the essence of who you are
Show up more as the parent you envisioned yourself to be
Work on understanding patterns of behavior that you hate
I help working moms to slow down, feel connected and to show up more present in the lives they have created. Most of my clients come to see me because they have been over functioning, people pleasing and running on empty. Being a mom, working, running the household and pretending all is fine takes a lot of energy and it’s not sustainable. You might feel like you are failing at everything. Talk therapy for moms helps you to learn to navigate motherhood with more balance. With me, you’ll receive the guidance you need to break free from chronic overwhelm and prioritize your well-being amidst the demands of motherhood. If you are a tired working mom, let’s work together!
I help women cultivate mindfulness, connection, and insight
while developing practical skills to bring more peace into their lives.
If asking for help feels uncomfortable, I see you. Together, we’ll figure out
what works for you and what doesn’t.
Therapy is about helping you reconnect with yourself
and showing up the way you want to in the life you created.
M E E T J O L E N E A L T M A N , L C S W
I’m Jolene—a married, working mom of two, navigating the beautiful chaos of being a working mom in mid-life right alongside you.
I intimately understand the stressors, responsibilities, and self-doubt that can creep in, but I also believe in embracing the joy, peace, and meaning we all deserve. I know how hard it can be to ask for help—sometimes our struggles feel “stupid” or embarrassing—but I promise you, they’re not. I also understand that sometimes we don’t even know to ask for help until we are suffering. The people pleasing, high achieving, chronically busy mom often struggles with feelings of failure.
Whatever you’re carrying, you don’t have to carry it alone.
Are you…
Resentful
Lonely
Disconnected
Overwhelmed
Lost
Distracted
Stressed
Anxious
Overextended
Low Mood
Feeling Stuck
Irritable
My clients struggle as you do, despite being capable and caring. You’re taking care of everyone—partners, kids, colleagues, parents, friends—but who’s taking care of you? In therapy, we focus on balance, grounding, and breaking patterns that keep you stuck (hello, sleep deprivation and chronic overwhelm). This is your time to explore who you are now and what truly matters to you. In therapy, you don’t have to have it all figured out.
You get to show up as you are—messy, exhausted, and real.
Many of my clients feel lonely because they feel disconnected.
With constant responsibilities and endless to-do lists—like picking up your son at 4, but having a doctor's appointment at 4:15, needing soap and tissues, making dentist appointments, buying a birthday gift for your niece, ordering a yearbook, and dealing with a child’s earache—it’s hard to keep up. After managing all of this, there’s little energy left to give. Does this sound familiar? You're not alone, but the loneliness and invisible tasks can feel overwhelming.
You may not remember the last time you had coffee with a friend because organizing it feels exhausting. Resentment, irritability, and isolation creep in, and you may not even notice. Maybe it shows up as spending too much time in bed or being short with your family. This adds to the worry that you're not enough- you are high functioning and you feel pressure (mostly internal pressure) to always show up for everyone. For many of my clients, this fear of not being enough is a major source of stress. They worry about not being a good enough parent, partner, employee, or friend. This might look like an increase in anxiety about the impact you are having on your children, withdrawing from spending time with others, or doing too much because you are overcompensating for feelings of incompetency.
Many of my clients often feel like everyone else has it figured out while they struggle to find balance.
This leaves them feeling disoriented and disconnected. They may battle feelings of inadequacy, guilt, or resentment, which can manifest in avoiding family, taking on too much, or having trouble sleeping. Though they are used to being successful and managing many responsibilities, it has become unsustainable. As a result, they judge themselves harshly and fear that if they express these struggles, others will judge them too. This fear can lead to isolation and loneliness, making it difficult to share how they truly feel. My clients often say they feel like they are failing.
I see you, and I want to help you reconnect with the parts of yourself that matter most, so you can align with the things in your life that bring fulfillment.
Together, we will define your core values and align your responsibilities with them, while accepting that no one has it "perfectly figured out." We will work on having tangible skills to help manage it all.
This is a process—messy and imperfect!
If you are a people pleasing, high functioning mom, it's easy to get lost in the constant cycle of caring for others (especially for women who often feel the pressure to be everything to everyone). We forget what it feels like to truly connect with our inner selves in meaningful ways. My goal is to help you rebuild trust in yourself, which is essential for managing life's uncertainties and stressors. If you're scared that you’ll never feel like yourself again or to admit that holding it all is too much, I’m here for you. I understand that uncertainty and fear, and I can help you. Are you ready to learn to navigate motherhood with more balance? Therapy with me is designed to help you find your footing, explore your identity, and equip you with essential tools for a healthier, happier life.
W H Y I ’ M D I F F E R E N T
Many of my clients say therapy gives them a sense of relief—
like they can finally slow down and breathe.
They describe me as warm and approachable, yet I gently challenge them to dig deep and do the work.
We’ll explore the hard stuff together, and through it all, you’ll feel supported and encouraged.
I love laughing with my clients, swapping book and podcast recommendations,
and showing up as my full, authentic self—because I ask you to do the same.
I invest deeply in this work because life is short, and you deserve to feel at peace with yours.
Whether you’re new to therapy or have been before, my clients often say I’m different
because I value the relationship as a vehicle for growth.
I ask you to truly connect with yourself—because when you do,
it’s easier to connect with others and fully participate in your life.
W H O I W O R K W I T H
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New Moms (Pregnancy Through the First Two Years):
Becoming a mom is overwhelming, and we all deserve the space to process the changes and fears that come with it. From not knowing what's happening with your mood and your body to navigating how your relationships shift with your new role, the transition into motherhood is filled with complex experiences. I'll help you identify, understand, and even embrace these complexitites. As a mom myself, I truly understand the need for a safe space to express questions, fears, and even the darkest thoughts. Want to show me pictures of your little one? I love that! Every new aspect of motherhood deserves support, and I’m here to guide you through it.Maybe you're used to having everything figured out, but motherhood is unlike anything you expected. Perhaps you’re struggling to find joy and are feeling low or guilty. It’s okay. Whatever you're feeling, I provide a non-judgmental space to explore it honestly. Sometimes, we don’t even know what we're feeling because we’re so overwhelmed, but we know something doesn’t feel quite right. Together, we can work through that uncertainty and give you tools to make this time more manageable.
Mid-Life Moms:
You want to be the best mom possible, but the demands of modern-day motherhood leave you feeling irritable and resentful. You might catch yourself saying things you never thought you would, or you just can't seem to slow down enough to be the parent you want to be. I specialize in supporting moms because, as a mom myself, I know how challenging it can be.
Throughout the different stages of your child's development, we often respond to situations based on our formative experiences and what’s happening in our bodies and minds. Raising children can stir up feelings from the past that we may not even realize are still affecting us (yes, I’m looking at you, middle school trauma). Whether you’re a new mom or a seasoned one, we all need space to understand who we are within our motherhood journey. Therapy is a dedicated space to unpack how you were raised, how society shapes our expectations of motherhood, and how you feel about being a mom. Let’s dig into the things you have been afraid to say out loud, because we all have them!
I’ll help you process how hormones and mood impact you and work with you to tend to these parts of yourself. Even with the best intentions, motherhood can feel overwhelming, and I understand how high the stakes are when it comes to showing up as the mom you envision. Mid-life motherhood often brings challenges like loneliness, exhaustion, a sense of time slipping away, difficulties in long-term relationships, and dealing with the gap between who you thought your children would be and who they are. If any of this resonates with you, I’m here to help.
Will You Work With Me If I’m Not a Mom Yet?
Absolutely! I also work with women who are contemplating motherhood, trying to conceive, experiencing pregnancy losses, or newly pregnant.
I hold a certificate as a Women’s Mental Health Specialist, with a focus on perinatal loss and Pre-Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD).
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It’s becoming a buzzword, but let's face it—women still don’t have enough space to talk about the multitude of symptoms we experience during mid-life and how they affect our daily lives. We deserve to understand, process, and integrate these changes in ways that make sense for us. Together, we’ll work on identifying, naming, and processing the symptoms of this season of life. I’ll help you problem-solve (including navigating who to follow up with and how) and integrate these new changes into your life.
I hold a certificate as a Women’s Mental Health Specialist, with a focus on Perimenopause.
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I know what it is like to be a therapist and feel like it’s impossible to find a therapist for many of the reasons (excuses) we tell ourselves. I know that it feels good to hold everything and help everyone- until it doesn’t.
Many therapists tell me they feel imposter syndrome or struggle to reconcile their own humanity with their role as a therapist. I’m here to remind you that it's okay to be human and show up as a client. I know you know how to do the work, it’s just finding someone you can actually be vulnerable with that can be the harder part.
We know the theory, we know the language, and we’re masters at turning vulnerability into a well-articulated insight. We spend our days holding space, reading between the lines, containing chaos, and reminding people to feel their feelings. But when it comes to ourselves? We over-function like it’s an Olympic sport, and often quietly burn out while saying, “I’m fine, just busy.”
I get it. I really get it. I’m a therapist. I’m a mom.
We hold the invisible. We are so good at pushing down our needs that we end up feeling resentful or irritable. I’ve been there- I know the deep internal conflict we find ourselves in when we don’t have a place to process and share. We are so invested in showing up as “good enough” for our kids and for our clients that we forget to show up for ourselves. It feels like we just keep pushing off our needs until the internal conflict is so loud we can’t turn it off.
My professional and personal experience give me a deep understanding of what it means to be a therapist who’s also a human. I offer a space that’s safe for the parts of you that are raw, real, messy, and unsure. A space where you don’t have to perform, over-explain, or be “on”.
This is therapy for the therapist who don’t want bullshit therapy. I know how imperative it is to feel like you can do everything- the desperation to just not have to slow down. Finding time for your own emotional needs often feels like a luxury you don’t have the space for, but t I also know how important it is to have a place for all the shit we hold. To pause and take a breath. You don’t have to keep it all together here, and you don’t have to keep pretending that you know you need to talk to someone and will “when it works.”
Because I have had excellent therapists help me in times of need, I know how much it can mean to just get it out. I also know how challenging it is to find a therapist who you feel confident in, who you see as someone who can actually help you. Whatever you need, I can handle it. Together, we can figure out what works and what doesn’t.
New Therapists:
If you're new to the field, I’d love to work with you. It’s like professional development and therapy all in one! New therapists are some of my favorite people to work with. I love nurturing insight and helping you make those powerful connections that can lead to growth. Mentoring is one of my all-time favorite aspects of this work. I’ve had amazing mentors along the way, and I want to pay it forward.
H O W I S H O W U P I N T H E R A P Y
I bring my full, unapologetically real (and sometimes hilariously imperfect) self to every session. That means we’ll laugh, we’ll vent about how aging is a b*tch, and we’ll get your shit sorted—because we all need support and guidance at times. If swearing is part of your emotional processing, go for it. I believe therapy should feel human, relatable, and grounded in real connection.
I show up with compassion, humor, and honesty because that’s what helps us move through the hard stuff. My values—authenticity, connection, growth, and honesty—shape every session. I regularly consult with colleagues, take courses, and attend trainings to ensure I’m always growing as a therapist. Being highly trained, skilled, and intuitive is at the heart of my practice.
W H Y I D O T H I S W O R K
I get it—balancing work, family, and the relentless demands of life can be overwhelming. As a mom, I know how hard it is to ever fully switch out of "mom mode"—even when we’re on vacation or doing “self-care.” Self-care that helps us actualize change goes beyond a yoga class or a girls’ trip. It’s about understanding how we store emotions, unpacking the stories we tell ourselves, and learning to truly care for our minds and bodies in a way that creates lasting change.
I work with my clients to explore their emotions, behaviors, and the deeper patterns that shape their lives. We’ll make space for the discomfort that comes with growth while ensuring you feel held, heard, and supported every step of the way.
C R E D E N T I A L S & E X P E R I E N C E
I hold a Master’s in Social Work from Loyola University (2006) and a BA from Augustana College (2000) and am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Since 2000, I’ve worked in various roles, including supervising and managing therapists. With over two decades in this field, I bring both expertise and lived experience to my practice. I hold a certificate as a Women's Mental Health Specialist.
W H A T I L O V E
Eucalyptus candles
Walks
Mind-numbing TV like “Singles Inferno” and “Southern Charm”
Jigsaw puzzles
Travel
Cats
Most Historical Fiction books and What My Bones Know by Stephanie Foo
Billie Eilish & The Cure
Watching ballet
Yoga
The right therapist can make
all the difference.
I fully support my clients in finding someone they feel truly comfortable with—even if that’s not me.
If we work together, I want you to feel at ease, even when sitting in the discomfort of growth.
You deserve a space where you can show up as your full self, without judgment—
because that’s where real transformation happens.
If this resonates with you, let’s connect.
Frequently Asked Questions
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I accept BCBS, Aetna or Medicare. If you don’t have one of these insurance providers, my fee is $225 for 50 minute sessions. I am happy to provide you with a super bill that you can send to your insurance to get partial reimbursement at the percentage rate that is set by your particular plan. You can call your insurance provider to find this out-of-network provider reimbursement rate. Insurance requires a diagnosis for treatment.
Extended sessions are also offered for self-pay clients:
$300 for 90 minutes
$400 for 2 hours
If you are interested in an intensive day or two of therapy (4 or more hours over one or two days), we can discuss my fees based on your needs.
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Per the 2022 No Surprises Act, clients have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate explaining how much healthcare services will cost if not utilizing health insurance to assist in payment. If applicable to you, once we are establishing services a Good Faith Estimate with be emailed to you outlining the estimated cost of therapy weekly, biweekly, monthly and so on for your informed consent.
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Yes! I offer a free 15 minute consultation to see if we are a good fit. Click the contact me button and reach out today to get scheduled
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I offer day time sessions Monday-Thursday. I try to be flexible within that time-frame as I know we are all busy!
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We can meet weekly, bi-weekly or once a month. The frequency is up to you and your needs.
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Fill out this contact form and I will email you to get our first session scheduled.
“Nothing ever goes away until it has taught us what we need to know.”
— Pema Chodron
