Jillyn Kaufman
Offering couples therapy intensives in Davenport, Iowa
Work Summary
I’ve been a social worker with a broad range of experience in a variety of settings. I’ve counseled adolescents, adults, elders, couples and families. I’ve always used evidence-based therapeutic approaches combined with my own emphasis on engaging clients to be their most authentic, healthy, and goal-achieving selves. I want you to live into your values and I offer a safe space for you to be vulnerable, open, and know your innate worthiness.
Personally Speaking
I grew up for many years with a single Mom and my siblings, moving a lot. I attended 3 elementary schools and 2 middle schools as a kid before my Mom married my step-father. In our blended home, I ended up being the oldest of 7 children, with a combination of blood, half-siblings, and step-siblings. It was a very busy four-bedroom household.
Despite living in a very busy household, for two weeks each year, I became an “only child” spending a week alone with both my paternal and maternal grandparents. My grandmother ran an ice cream shop in my early years. It was a great business as far as a grandchild was concerned!
My mom and grandparents were a huge influence on me growing up. I spent many of my teenage years working in a nursing home, and partly that was because of my love for my grandparents. It was devastating to lose my grandfather when I was pregnant with my second child.
I know what it’s like to live in small, rural communities. I grew up in pretty small towns. My high school graduating class was 91 people. And I also know what it’s like to live in big, busy cities. I lived in Chicago and the suburbs for several years after graduating college.
My family is important to me, and that’s what ultimately brought me back to my roots, in small-town Iowa.
Clinical Office
My office is a private office within a shared office space.
The vision of this unique, women-owned business is to develop a beautiful workspace in downtown Davenport, Iowa.
Our goal is to fill this space with a vibrant community of talented creatives, communicators, entrepreneurs, freelancers, writers, developers, photographers, consultants, and artists.
It’s a space for individuals to work with precision and passion, while colliding with other creators, self-starters, and leaders in a community that breeds satisfaction and success.
I work with other therapists that specialize in art therapy and play therapy; you may notice some toys, puppets, and several art supplies!
Family
I have a husband, four children, and two fur children (Bosco & Dorito), shown below. My husband, Adam, taught me how powerful a calm, accepting, and loving heart is to calm the jitters of a chaotic childhood. I met him in my mid-twenties in Chicago, and we’ve been married for 10 years now. We are both very family-oriented and knew we wanted a large family. However, making that family happen didn’t come easily.
I lived through many miscarriages and my oldest was born deaf. It was, however, through these moments of intense challenges that my marriage to Adam got stronger. We show ourselves to each other in moments of grief and hardship.
I try to be fully present when my family and I are together. It’s the small moments, and seemingly insignificant moments, that (almost) always make the biggest impact.
Hobbies
I enjoy reading, playing board games, and organizing. I’ve joined a book club from my former alma mater. While I spend most of my time reading in my field, I like a good book of fiction as well. But, as you can imagine, with an active professional and personal life, making time for games and hobbies is a challenge!
Community Leadership
Board of Directors Member, Child Health Specialty Clinics (September 2021 – Present)
Board of Directors Member, Iowa Board of Social Work (February 2020 – Present)
Board of Directors Member, Iowa Commission on Deaf Services (November 2019 – Present)
Board of Directors Co-President, Hands & Voices, Iowa (September 2019 – Present)
Board of Directors Secretary, Aegis Credit Union, Clinton, IA (April 2013 – April 2017)
Residential Assistant, Illinois State University Dorm, Normal, IL (January 2006 – May 2006)
Alpha Phi Omega, Volunteer Service Fraternity Member
Junior League, Member
Supervisor, Student practicums and licensure
