Guiding Kids, Teens & Families Through Life’s Challenges

Supporting Kids, Teens & Families with a Unique Approach to School Anxiety & Emotional Well-Being

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About Us

Welcome to PFECT Downers Grove Therapists

At PFECT, therapy is more than just an appointment—it's an opportunity for growth. Our founders, two devoted therapists, believe that consistent support is the key to progress. PFECT guides children, teens, young adults, couples, and families toward significant growth. Our expertise lies in school refusal and anxiety. Additionally, Jena and Nicole each bring unique skills to tackle a broad spectrum of life.

Through life’s challenges — be it parenting difficulties, communication breakdowns, or overwhelming anxiety — PFECT is here to assist. Our approach is warm, understanding, and empowering, whether you're connecting with us remotely or visiting our welcoming space in Downers Grove.

Learn More About Us
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Green book titled "The Ripple Effect: An Educational and Activity Guide for Caregivers & Educators on School Anxiety and Avoidance" with a cartoon blue fish character on the top right corner.
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Introducing: Ripple

Introducing: Ripple

Hi, I’m Ripple! I’m here to help kids, parents, and professionals navigate school anxiety and school refusal—because it’s tough, and you shouldn’t have to do it alone.

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Services

Therapy Services at PFECT

At PFECT, we believe therapy should be a collaborative, empowering experience—not just for individuals, but for families as a whole. Whether you’re navigating school anxiety, relationship challenges, or family dynamics, we provide expert, compassionate support
tailored to your unique needs.

Meet Jena Griffin, LCSW, LBS-1

Child, Teen, and Young Adult Therapist

Say hello to Jena, your personal guide to help kids, teens, and young adults overcome anxiety, stress, behavioral issues, and executive functioning. And she's here to ensure that the positive strides made in therapy are carried through at home and school.

Jena’s Specialties

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Child & Adolescent Therapy

Growing up isn’t easy, and kids shouldn’t have to figure it all out alone. Our therapy sessions help children and teens build emotional resilience, improve coping skills, and manage concerns like anxiety, depression, and behavioral challenges—all in a safe, supportive space.

Common Focus Areas:

  • Anxiety & stress management

  • Mood and behavioral disorders

  • School challenges & peer relationships

  • Emotional regulation & coping skills

  • Self-esteem & identity development

Schedule a Child/Adolscent/Teen Therapy Session
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Young Adult Therapy

Life transitions can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re adjusting to college, navigating relationships, or figuring out your next steps, therapy can help. Our young adult therapy provides a space to explore challenges, build confidence, and develop strategies for managing stress, anxiety, and uncertainty.

Common Focus Areas:

  • Managing anxiety & stress related to life transitions

  • Career, academic, and personal goal-setting

  • Relationship & social challenges

  • Building independence & confidence

Start Young Adult Therapy

Therapy Modalities

CBT

Play Therapy

Solution-focused Therapy

Areas of Expertise

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Executive Functioning

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School Accommodation Recommendations

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School Stress

Anxiety Management

Meet Nicole Wiesman, LCPC

Couples and Family Therapist

Nicole supports teens (16+), families, and couples in strengthening communication, resolving conflict, and navigating challenges like school anxiety, adoption, and family transitions. Her approach centers on fostering connection by helping clients understand and appreciate each other’s perspectives..

Nicole’s Specialties

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Family Therapy

Families thrive when they work together. Our family therapy sessions help improve communication, strengthen relationships, and create a healthier home dynamic. Whether you’re dealing with major transitions or everyday stress, we support your family in finding solutions that work.

Common Focus Areas:

  •  Parent-child conflict

  • Sibling relationships

  • Blended family challenges

  • Communication & boundary setting

Book a Family Therapy Consultation
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Couples & Marriage Therapy

Relationships evolve, and sometimes they need a reset. Whether you're navigating communication struggles, conflict resolution, or life transitions, our couples and marriage therapy provides a space to work through challenges together—with the support of an experienced therapist.

Common Focus Areas:

  • Improving communication & conflict resolution

  • Strengthening emotional & physical intimacy

  • Navigating parenting differences & co-parenting

  • Supporting major life transitions

Schedule a Couples Therapy Session

Therapy Modalities

DBT

Person-Centered Therapy

Narrative Therapy

Solution-focused Therapy

Areas of Expertise

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Parenting Difficulties

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Adoption Competency

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Family Communication Problems

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Emotional Safety in Relationships

Joint Approach

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Therapy for School Anxiety & School Refusal

School anxiety impacts the whole family, not just the child. Our specialized therapy for school anxiety focuses not only on helping kids feel confident about school but also ensuring that parents receive the support and tools they need to navigate the challenges alongside them.

What We Address

  • Anxiety around attendance, tests, or social interactions

  • Struggles with transitions or new academic settings

  • Parent coaching & family-based interventions

  • Personalized strategies to rebuild confidence & school engagement

Contact Us to Learn More

Therapy & Workshops

Group support can be a game-changer. Our therapy groups and workshops provide education, skill-building, and peer connection in a structured and supportive environment. Whether it’s anxiety management, parenting support, or social skills development, we’ve got a space for you.

Learn More About Upcoming Groups & Workshops
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School Anxiety Support Groups

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Parenting Workshops

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Emotional Regulation & Coping Skills Training

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Teen & Young Adult Support Circles

Get Started

Start Your Therapy Journey Today

We know reaching out for support is a big step, and we’re here to make it easy. Contact us to schedule a session or learn more about how PFECT can support you and your family.

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Call or Text
847-801-9180

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Email
theteam@pfecteam.com

Schedule A Free Consultation
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These two dedicated therapists united over a shared belief that therapy should be a multifaceted journey where the family’s active involvement and empowerment are essential to lasting progress.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes! We are in-network with the following insurance providers:
    Anthem EAP
    Carelon Behavioral Health
    Oscar
    United Healthcare
    Optum
    Oxford
    Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
    Aetna
    Cigna

    If you don’t see your insurance listed, you may still have out-of-network benefits that allow you to get reimbursed for therapy. We can provide a superbill to help with this process. If you have questions about coverage, we recommend checking with your provider or reaching out—we’re happy to help you navigate your options!

  • We make scheduling as easy as possible! You can:

    • Book directly through Zocdoc.

    • Fill out our contact form on this page, and we’ll reach out within 1-2 business days.

    • Email us at theteam@pfecteam.com.

    • Call us at 847-801-9180—if we’re in session, leave a voicemail, and we’ll call you back.

    Not sure where to start? Reach out, and we’ll help you figure out the best next steps!

  • We see:

    • Kids (5+) and Teens—especially those struggling with school anxiety, school refusal,
      and family stress.

    • Young Adults & Adults—navigating life transitions, relationships, and mental health
      challenges.

    • Couples—working through communication struggles, conflict, and connection.

    • Families & Parents—because support works best when everyone is involved.

    Not sure if we’re the right fit? Let’s chat and see how we can help.

  • Your first session is about getting to know you—no pressure, no judgment, just a space to
    talk. We’ll focus on:

    • Understanding what’s bringing you in—whether it’s anxiety, school struggles,
      relationship challenges, or family stress.

    • What’s working (and what’s not)—so we can figure out how to best support you.

    • Setting initial goals for therapy—even if you’re unsure, we’ll figure it out together.

    • Building comfort and trust—so you feel supported from the start.

    For individual therapy, we’ll explore your personal goals and what support looks like for you.

    For couples therapy, we’ll focus on relationship dynamics, challenges, and strengths.

    For family therapy, we may meet with parents first or together—it depends on what feels right.

    Therapy is a process, and we’re here to help you feel comfortable, heard, and supported every step of the way. Let’s get started!