Jayshree Panchal, MA, LCPC, NCC

I am a client-centered, strengths-based Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor dedicated to creating safe, empathetic spaces for healing, growth, and meaningful self-exploration. I believe every person carries innate resilience and strength within their story, and one of the most rewarding parts of my work is witnessing the moment clients begin to trust themselves again—recognizing they already hold the tools to face life’s challenges.

My professional journey began in education, with a BA in English and Secondary Education from the University of Illinois at Chicago. I spent seven years as a high school English teacher in Chicago, where I supported students in both academic and personal growth. While serving as a Career Counselor at Bradley University's Smith Career Center, I pursued and completed a Master of Arts in Human Development Counseling.

For more than a decade, I have worked as a School Counselor in Central Illinois and the western suburbs of Chicago. In this role, I facilitated grief and anxiety support groups for teens and guided students through significant life transitions. I also served four years as a PRN Clinician in inpatient settings, providing individual, family, and group counseling for children, adolescents, and adults.

I have been part of Summit Family Therapy since 2021, where I work with individuals and families navigating depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, and major life changes. I remain committed to ongoing professional development through training and conferences with the Illinois Counseling Association, Illinois School Counseling Association, and Illinois Affiliation of Marriage and Family Therapists. In addition, I serve as an Adjunct Professor at Bradley University, helping prepare the next generation of counselors.

Education

• Master of Arts in Human Development Counseling, Bradley University, Peoria, IL

• Bachelor of Arts in English/Secondary Education, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL

Licensing, Training & Certifications

• National Certified Counselor (NCC)

• Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC)

• Illinois Professional Educator: K-12 School Counselor

• Illinois Professional Educator: English Secondary Education Teacher

With more than 15 years of experience supporting teens and young adults, my background spans education, career counseling, school counseling, and clinical practice in both academic and hospital settings. I hold a deep passion for walking alongside those experiencing grief, loss, and chronic illness, offering compassionate and holistic support during pivotal seasons of growth and healing.

Whether working with teens, adults, or families, I strive to meet clients exactly where they are and walk with them on their journey toward resilience, self-discovery, and hope.