Jillian Anderson, LMSW
Location
Virtual therapy throughout New York State
Services
Individual Therapy
Therapy for Children and Adolescents
Anxiety and Depression Therapy
School Stress Support
Emotional Regulation Support
Specialties
School-related Issues
Anxiety
Depression
Self-esteem
Emotional Regulation
Peer Relationship Challenges
Family Changes and Divorce
Autism
ADHD
Trauma
Children Navigating Parental Mental Health Concerns
When School, Home, and Emotions Feel Hard to Manage
Your child may be having difficulty getting through the school day. They may have trouble focusing in class, often feel frustrated, have emotional outbursts, or get into conflicts with peers or adults.
At home, routines like homework, mealtimes, and bedtime may feel more stressful than they used to. You may notice more irritability, worry, withdrawal, or difficulty talking about what is really bothering them.
At night, they may think about problems at school, friendships, family stress, or fears about the next day. They may feel misunderstood, unsure how to express emotions, or less confident in themselves.
I’m Jillian Anderson, LMSW. I provide therapy throughout New York for children and adolescents who are struggling with anxiety, depression, school stress, self-esteem, emotional regulation, family changes, and peer and family relationships.
Why Work With Me
Many of the children and adolescents I work with want to feel calmer, better manage anxiety, and stop overthinking situations that create stress.
They may need support handling frustration, anger, sadness, school pressure, social challenges, or major life changes. They may also want to build confidence, improve relationships with peers and family, and communicate their needs more effectively.
My style is warm, approachable, and supportive. I focus on creating a safe and comfortable space where children and adolescents feel heard, understood, and not judged.
I also provide practical strategies and real support for managing emotions, school stress, and peer and family relationships. Teenagers and adolescents often connect with me because I am relatable and up to date on the new and “cool” norms.
My Approach to Therapy
I help by giving clients a safe place to talk about what has been going on and what feels hard right now.
Together, we figure out what may be causing stress, worry, or difficult emotions. We also work on ways to make things feel more manageable at school, at home, and in relationships.
I use a practical, tools-based approach, teaching coping skills, emotion regulation strategies, and problem-solving techniques that clients can apply in daily life. When appropriate, I also help clients build insight into their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors while gently challenging unhelpful patterns that may be keeping them stuck.
My goal is for clients to feel understood, supported, and more confident in themselves.
What Working With Me Is Like
In sessions, I tend to be gentle, supportive, and validating while creating a space where children feel safe and understood.
I balance warmth, structure, and encouragement so clients feel both supported and empowered. We may work on stress, anxiety, anger, school challenges, family conflict, friendship issues, low self-confidence, or coping with change.
I help clients learn tools they can use at school, at home, and with friends so they feel more confident and in control.
Over time, a meaningful change may look like a child pausing before reacting and using a coping skill instead of responding impulsively. They may start expressing their feelings with words instead of shutting down or acting out. They may begin to trust themselves more and second-guess themselves less.
Getting To Know Me
Outside of private therapy, I also work as a school social worker. I have strong knowledge of special education, related services, and navigating school-based supports and processes.
I also have experience helping clients understand and access mental health services, as well as experience with the criminal justice system and social welfare resources when those systems impact a client’s life.
Outside of being a therapist, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, staying active, and finding balance between work and home life. I value humor, authenticity, and meaningful connections with others. I also appreciate the small joys in everyday life and am an avid reader, especially of psychological thrillers.
Begin Therapy in New York
Starting therapy can give your child a safe place to talk about what is bothering them and begin making sense of their feelings.
They do not need to know exactly how to explain everything before they begin.
Therapy can help them learn tools to handle challenges at school, at home, and with friends while feeling understood, supported, and more confident in themselves.
Clinical Training & Credentials
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Licensed Master Social Worker, LMSW
School Social Worker
Licensed in New York
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Bachelor of Social Work, 2012
Minor in Criminal Justice, 2012
Master of Social Work, 2016
School Social Worker, 2016
CW Post
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More than 10 years of experience
School social work experience
Strong knowledge of special education and related services
Experience supporting children and adolescents
Experience with Autism, ADHD, trauma, anxiety, depression, and self-esteem concerns
Experience navigating school-based supports and mental health services
Experience with social welfare resources and the criminal justice system
When You Feel Nothing Changes
If part of you is tired of going in circles, that matters. If you’re at the point where you almost make a decision and then pull yourself back, that matters too. Lightpath Counseling Group offers in-person therapy in Port Jefferson and virtual sessions across New York. You don’t have to have the right words. You don’t have to have it figured out.