Dr. Jessica Ransom & Associates

Dr. Daniel G. Morjal  

I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist practicing since 2006. In addition to my Clinical Psychology degree, I have also earned a degree in Clinical Psychopharmacology. Doing so has allowed me to become one of the very few Prescribing Psychologists in the State of Illinois. Additionally I serve as a board member of the Illinois Association of Prescribing Psychologists (IAPP). 

Being a Prescribing Psychologist allows me to take a more comprehensive approach when working with clients. It provides clients the opportunity to work with a single provider so that we can tend to the mind and the body with the goal of achieving balance.

Often, the ‘right’ decision is not an easy one and this includes the decision to start therapy. It is frequently thought of as a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Once you have found a Psychologist that suits your needs, you will likely find feeling better is closer than you thought.

My approach to psychotherapy focuses on thoughtfulness, humor, and balance.

Individuals

Sometimes it may seem like our emotions, thoughts, or behaviors have more control over us than we do over them. We can work to reinstate you as the one in control and enjoy the stability and serenity that comes with it. Together, lets set out to make the you that you want to be a reality. Therapy gives us the opportunity to work on a wide range of issues, making it endlessly customizable to fit your needs. Whether its depression, anxiety, dealing with past traumas, the struggles of substance use, anger management, personal or professional relationship difficulties, existential concerns, or simply the desire to know yourself better, they are all worthwhile endeavors. Regardless of the topic, I provide a supportive and collaborative environment, free of judgment.

Medication management

Whether you are already on medication or are looking to see if it would be an appropriate and helpful decision, being a Prescribing Psychologist allows us to incorporate that in our work together. Each client will receive a thorough evaluation, making sure to take the time to carefully review the many facets of your physical and emotional health. This may include vital signs, lab work, collaboration with your Primary Care Physician, as well as other relevant information.  

Your symptoms, experiences, and health are important, and we will continually incorporate them into our work together to help you move closer to your goals. If medications appear to be an appropriate choice, I will utilize evidence-based treatment decisions to maximize the potential benefits and continue to assess for any potential side-effects. If you are already on medications, we will work to find the most effective regiment to maintain or build upon the benefits you have achieved. Sometimes the best balance can even be found in a reduction, elimination, or changing of medications. Regardless of the circumstance, we will carefully and methodically work to find an individualized treatment plan that best suits your needs.

Couples & Families

Let’s be honest, maintaining a relationship is hard work. Maintaining an intimate relationship is even more difficult. Keeping things happy and healthy with your partner is an active process. I can help you be part of that process. Whether it be moving from hearing to listening, arguing to discussing, or the multitude of layers in between, a more satisfying relationship can be a reality.

Law enforcement & Public Safety

The stressors of a career in Public Safety are many and often take their toll at home, at work, and on one’s overall view of the world. Many times it seems that those who do not share your occupation simply do not understand. There are some who do and, working together, we can bring the balance back.

INDIVIDUALS

Navigating through life and being true to ourselves isn’t the easiest path to take. Sometimes identifying our own needs and wants can be the most challenging part. By identifying and organizing these needs, it will focus the energy into the areas important to you. Together we will be able to make the changes that you have been looking for or just sit and hold space for some of the thoughts and feelings that are consuming your days.

Young Adults and adolescents

Considering the challenges that present throughout grade school, college and early career, it isn’t a surprise that this is a time many individuals reach out for a space to process and grow. Each of these stages require mindful attention and will strengthen your sense of self and stability. This is often a time when sexuality and gender identity become more center stage. I have made it my personal goal to support individuals who are questioning, identifying, coping, or celebrating these parts of themselves and helping families begin to do the same for their loved one.

Relationship and Family

Relationship and family systems often change over time and can be hard to navigate. An open perspective can help bridge any areas of uncertainty and/or conflict. I work to help translate difficult feelings with your loved one and help to strengthen relationships moving forward.

INDIVIDUALS

You might find yourself looking for a psychologist after a big life transition, or when what used to work for you does not work anymore. Either way, it can be a daunting process. If your thoughts and emotions can seem confusing, or you find yourself doing things even when they are not helping you, therapy is a place to explore these experiences and practice new ways of seeing things or handling challenges. Whether you are struggling with low mood, anxiety, or general stress, therapy can help you start leading a more satisfying life.

health psychology

Coping with chronic medical conditions or serious diagnoses, such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, or chronic pain, can affect a person’s mood, relationships, and general quality of life. I work with clients to understand the impact of their physical health on their overall wellbeing, and to identify effective ways to cope with the effects of illness. I also work with individuals who are seeking to make health-related lifestyle changes, such as increasing physical activity, quitting smoking, or improving the quality of their eating. I help people identify their goals and provide accountability and support in problem solving challenges to reaching these goals.

Trauma & Stress

Many people experience highly stressful and potentially traumatic events at some point in their lives. The aftereffects of these experiences may last for quite some time, or there may be times when the effects are triggered by a person’s current circumstances. These may include unwanted memories, unexpected reactions, thinking too much about things that you experienced, or changes in your mood and thinking after a highly stressful or traumatic experience. I have training and experience with individuals who have dealt with the effects of stress and trauma, and will work with you toward recovery.

Individuals

Being human is challenging at times. Our relationships bring us joy, but they also an cause suffering. The sometimes lengthy process of realizing our personal and professional goals can fuel low self-esteem and impatience. Greater opportunities and responsibilities can be exciting, but may also trigger anxiety, just as the lack of them may feed depression. I recognize that the willingness to explore life’s struggles with a spirit of curiosity and openness to change often leads to breakthroughs and greater personal fulfillment.  Beginning therapy takes a certain kind of courage, but the life enrichment that comes from mindfully engaging with how you relate to your life will nourish you in deep and ineffable ways.

couples & families

Many of us fall into I-consciousness when challenges arise in our relationships.  Engaging in couples therapy is an opportunity to cultivate we-consciousness, even during difficult relational moments.  Relational therapy helps you navigate life’s inevitable struggles and disagreements in more connected and supportive ways.  Our work will focus on strengthening your bond, cultivating insight into your needs and feelings, learning how to communicate your needs and feelings skillfully, developing we-consciousness, and creating an effective repair process.