Meet the Team
Areas of Service and Expertise Jessica Williford
Dr. Jessica Dennis PsyD, LCPC
Founder & CEO
Dr. Jessica Dennis is a dedicated mental health professional and educator based in Illinois, with a profound commitment to fostering mental and emotional wellness in individuals and communities. With a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from California Southern University and extensive experience in various therapeutic settings, Dr. Dennis has established herself as a compassionate advocate for mental health.
As the owner and clinical therapist at Wise Counsel for Mental Health, Dr. Dennis provides personalized therapy services, drawing on her diverse expertise in areas such as addiction, anxiety, depression, and family dynamics. Her clinical experience spans over a decade, during which she has worked with clients of all ages, helping them navigate life's challenges and achieve their mental health goals.
In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Dennis serves as an adjunct professor, where she develops and delivers engaging online courses in counseling and psychology. Her passion for education is evident in her commitment to creating inclusive learning environments that empower students to excel in their academic and professional pursuits.
Dr. Dennis is also an accomplished community educator and trainer, known for her ability to connect with audiences and facilitate workshops that promote understanding of psychological processes. Her dedication to lifelong learning and professional development is reflected in her numerous certifications, including Certified Case Manager and Certified Court Mediator.
With a holistic approach to mental health, Dr. Dennis emphasizes the importance of collaboration and community support in the therapeutic process. She is committed to staying current with advancements in the field, ensuring that her practice is informed by the latest research and best practices.
For those seeking guidance on their mental health journey, Dr. Jessica Dennis is a trusted resource, ready to help individuals and families find their path to wellness.
Dana Barakat, MA
Staff Therapist
LCPC
My name is Dana Barakat, and I am a doctoral candidate at Adler University and licensed as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Illinois. I am Syrian American and serve all clients throughout the greater Chicagoland area. I believe therapy is a collaborative and supportive journey, where your goals, experiences, and needs guide the process. Together, we work to create a safe and compassionate space that supports growth, self-understanding, and balance.
I take a person-centered approach to therapy and integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). My work is grounded in trauma-informed care, helping clients build awareness, resilience, and meaningful change at a pace that feels right for them. If you are also in a period of grief, whether that be from losing a loved one, a relationship, or even parts of yourself, we will work together not only to process these heavy emotions but to rebuild your sense of self and find and create meaning in your life. Therapy should be a positive experience overall where you feel safe to share. In my work, I balance warmth and humor with the ability to sit gently with serious and complex material. I believe therapy can include moments of lightness while also making space for deep emotional exploration, helping clients feel both supported and understood as they work toward meaningful change.
I work with adolescents (ages 12 and older) and adults who are navigating mood and anxiety-related concerns, trauma, life transitions, and relationship challenges. I believe therapy is a collaborative journey where your goals, needs, and experiences are prioritized within a supportive and safe environment.
Outside of my clinical work, I value balance and connection, I enjoy creating art, staying active, reading, and spending quality time with loved ones—practices I believe support overall psychological well-being.
Michelle Baich, MS
Staff Therapist
LPC
I am dedicated to supporting individuals aged 11 to 65 with a wide array of mental health challenges, including ADHD, anxiety, trauma related childhood and family, depression, workplace stress, and LGBTQIA+. Additionally, I offer valuable parenting support for tweens and teens facing social and relational challenges, school-related stress sports pressures, and transitions into adulthood.
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My extensive experience encompasses various settings, such as schools, inpatient and rehabilitation facilities, outpatient care, crisis intervention, and both long- and short-term therapeutic.
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While I primarily focus on tween and teenage girls, I am committed to serving a diverse clientele, adapting my approach to meet their specific needs.
For adults, I utilize a person-centered therapy approach, drawing from various therapeutic modalities like psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and family systems therapy. This adaptability allows me to effectively support clients on their therapeutic journeys.
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For younger clients, I incorporate elements of pop culture—such as TV shows, movies music, art, and play—into our sessions, making therapeutic concepts more relatable and encouraging open expression.
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I emphasize collaboration and actively involve parents in their child’s treatment. By building a strong support system together, we can facilitate healing and growth, ensuring that each client feels understood, supported, and empowered on their journey to mental wellness.
