Jennifer Kestner (she/her/hers)

I am a licensed clinical psychologist and have been at NIU since 2014. I realize that reaching out for help can be difficult. Therefore, I strive to provide a safe, non-judgmental, empathetic space in which we can work collaboratively to explore the challenges you are facing.

It is my goal to foster a supportive therapeutic relationship in which insight, healing and growth can take place. I approach counseling from a primarily interpersonal and psychodynamic lens, also integrating acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and mindfulness-based techniques.  I am committed to working towards social justice, use a multicultural orientation framework, and incorporate an ethnopolitical approach that recognizes the impact of oppression, racism and political repression.

I believe in engaging in cultural humility and value ongoing self-examination of my own biases, blind spots, and privileges. At NIU, I have participated in Ally training, Trans Ally training and Undocumented Student Ally training.

Education/Licensure/Accreditation

• M.A. in Counseling Psychology, University of Missouri Columbia (2004)
• Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology, Loyola University Chicago (2009)

Areas of Interest

As the first (and only) person in my family to graduate from college, I have a passion for working with first-generation college students. I also enjoy working with family of origin/relational concerns, adjustment to college, anxiety, depression and identity development. As the assistant director/training director, I also focus on issues related to supervision and training.