Meet Jillian Kotlar,
Therapy Resident
My STORY
My path to becoming a therapist began as early as I can remember — I’ve always been drawn to understanding people and supporting them through challenges both big and small. Over time, I realized creating a safe, nonjudgmental space for someone can be transformative, especially during seasons of uncertainty, change, or heartache.
One belief that guides my work is: “When life feels out of control, your greatest strength is the way you choose to respond.” Whether my clients are navigating the heartbreak of a breakup, struggling with people-pleasing, adjusting to a major life transition, or working to manage anxiety and overwhelm, I help them focus on the choices, boundaries, and patterns that move them toward the life they want.
I believe everyone deserves to have someone firmly in their corner — a trusted ally who will challenge unhelpful patterns while celebrating every bit of progress. My person-centered approach blends warmth with practical tools, helping clients improve their daily lives while deepening their self-worth, relationships, and resilience. Together, we work toward creating lasting change extending far beyond the therapy room.
Contact Information
For Current Clients: You can reach your therapist directly at the contact information below.
- Email: jillian@lilycounseling.com
- Phone: 773-217-0205
New Clients / First-Time Consultations: Please reach out to us here for more information.
get to know me
STYLE/PERSONALITY
Friends and clients describe me as warm, easygoing, and deeply engaged. I bring a steady presence to the therapy room, creating a space where it feels safe to explore even the most difficult or vulnerable topics. I’m not afraid to tackle challenges head-on, but I do so with compassion, curiosity, and a sense of collaboration. My goal is for clients to feel truly seen and supported as we work together to navigate life’s complexities, celebrate growth, and build skills extending far beyond our sessions.
Sometimes our conversations will dive into deeper topics, like childhood experiences and attachment wounds. Other times, we’ll focus on navigating everyday moments — like how to respond to a text from someone you’re interested in. Whatever the topic, I’ll be here to support you through it all.
Outside of my work as a therapist, you’ll often find me walking along the Lakeshore Trail, enjoying a good shopping day, or discovering new Italian restaurants around the city — especially if there’s a sunny patio involved. I particularly love fall, with its changing leaves, crisp air, and Sundays spent watching the Detroit Lions.
SPECIALITIES
- Relationship dynamics including dating, breakups, friendships, family
- Attachment styles and patterns
- Grief and loss, including relationship loss, rejection, and betrayal
- People-pleasing, self-worth, self-advocacy, and boundary-setting
- Anxiety and desires for control / certainty
- Stress reduction and emotional regulation for students and professionals
- Neurodivergence and productivity challenges including ADHD, procrastination, focus, time management
- Navigating new seasons of life (college, graduate school, and professional life)
- Faith-integration (personal perspectives rooted in Christianity/Catholicism)
CREDENTIALS
- Bachelor of Science, Psychology – Loyola University Chicago
- Master of Social Work Candidate – Loyola University Chicago
