Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jill Lees. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Jill, appreciate you joining us today. What’s the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you?
My grandma had so much kindness. She had written out our Irish ancestry so I could explore the areas our family came from when I lived there. It was such a beautiful gift of love that deepened my connection to my roots. I also lived with her for a time while commuting to an internship in NYC, and we grew so close during that period. When I recently returned to Ireland with family, those memories of exploring our ancestry came flooding back, and it made me so happy. Moments like these remind me how lucky I am to have had her thoughtfulness and love shape my life.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I got into the mental health field somewhat by accident. I initially went to school for teaching but discovered that I was more passionate about understanding my students’ struggles at home and how those challenges impacted their mental health both in and out of school. After some soul-searching, I decided to return to school to pursue a master’s degree in social work.
Now, I work with adult women, focusing on anxiety, depression, and grief and loss. I love being a safe person for clients to process their emotions and share their unfolding stories. I also incorporate energy work into my practice, which adds a unique twist. I’m proud of what I bring to the table, including humor and a relational approach, which sets me apart from other mental health therapists.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
A lesson I had to unlearn was the belief that I didn’t have what it takes to be an entrepreneur. This mindset was driven by fear and rooted in a scarcity mentality, convincing me that I wouldn’t make enough money. I also had to learn that it’s possible to earn a living while helping others without sacrificing myself. In the mental health field, as with many helping professions, there’s often a narrative that self-sacrifice is a necessary part of the work. This is a belief I actively challenge on a regular basis.
Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?
If I could go back in time, I would choose the same life path I’ve been on. While it has been difficult and challenging, I believe there were important life lessons I needed to learn before reaching this point.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.meersoulcounseling.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meersoulcounseling/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558071321692&mibextid=ZbWKwL
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jill-lees-lcsw-19bb7275?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app
- Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/jill-lees-arvada-co/1250744?fbclid=PAY2xjawHF2GlleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABppKxwM-MSBC1O_c2n8Y6olL-vgGQO9K-4zNfOpxXVRg1iAFsF7rVEgbppw_aem_4PM5Ju0V_C60W8-acZ_o3A
