Jada Helmer

I'm originally from Southern Illinois, where I grew up in a small country town with a cornfield as a backyard. I spent much of my free time hiking the trails of Giant City State Park, which sparked a lifelong love of nature. I earned my BS in Psychology and Anthropology from SIUC and went on to complete my Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at UNF. I am now a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a Qualified Supervisor for future therapists.

In 2019, I launched my private practice, Just Keep Swimming Counseling, LLC, after beginning my counseling career in the non-profit sector, where I truly learned how to swim in this work. Advocacy for mental health has always been at the heart of what I do. I've had the privilege of supporting survivors of sexual assault, counseling teens in diversion programs, and working with adults transitioning out of the penal system.

Since moving into the private sector, I've continued to grow through experience and training. I developed a Substance Abuse Group for teens and served as Clinical Director of an Intensive Outpatient Program for Substance Abuse. I don't believe in a "one glove fits all" approach to addiction treatment; instead, I offer a variety of evidence-based methods tailored to each individual.

Currently, I'm a DBT-Linehan Board of Certification, Certified Clinician, and have received intensive training in DBT Prolonged Exposure for trauma. I also run DBT Skills Classes for adults, teens, and their families. I also work with teens and adults facing emotional, behavioral, and interpersonal challenges.

Outside the office, I make it a point to put on my own life jacket first. Self-care is a big part of my life, and you'll often find me hiking, reading, working out, spending time with my fur babies, hanging out with friends, enjoying great food, or catching up on my favorite TV shows.

As a DBT-Linehan Board of CertificationTM Certified Clinician, I recognize that all behaviors—emotions, thoughts, and actions—have underlying causes. These causes often stem from the interplay between an individual's biological makeup and the environment in which they were raised. Understanding that every behavior has a cause allows us to approach ourselves with compassion rather than judgment.

Many clients seek therapy because their environments have, knowingly or unknowingly, invalidated their experiences, particularly when faced with emotional sensitivity characterized by intense, frequent, and long-lasting emotions. It's akin to being a rose in a tulip garden—unique and beautiful, yet misunderstood.

In our work together, we focus on identifying and reducing ineffective behaviors, fostering self-acceptance, and cultivating skills to navigate life's challenges. By embracing the principle that behaviors are understandable responses to past experiences, we move away from blame and toward healing and empowerment.

Each DBT session is carefully structured—not just to reflect on past experiences but to actively plan how to use what you’ve learned in your daily life. You're not simply talking—you’re cultivating a set of tools for emotional resilience, healthier relationships, and building a life that truly matters. Success relies on regularly practicing these skills and being open to applying them outside of therapy. As you consistently use and reflect on your DBT tools, you’ll gradually develop mastery—and with mastery comes growing confidence and self-assurance. With time, your skills become more automatic, your mindset stronger, and your ability to face life with clarity and calm steadily builds.