Bristlecone Therapy
OUR TEAM
Meet our expert clinicians and coaches!
(Scroll down for more information on each member of the Bristlecone Therapy team.)
Jake Johnson
Therapist, Coach, Supervisor
Brielle Smith
Therapist
Annie Musgraves
Therapist
Gabby Pribulick
Therapist
Caitlyn Gunst
Therapist, Supervisor
Dr. Jake Johnson
+ Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Illinois
+ Certified Master Christian Life Coach
+ AAMFT-Approved Supervisor Mentor
Phone: 630-492-1388 (Ext. 701)
Email: jake@bristleconetherapy.com
Professional Experience
My name is Jake Johnson and I am the founder of Bristlecone Therapy. I've been practicing marriage and family therapy (MFT) for 15 years. I also work as a professor of MFT at Wheaton College, where I have taught for the past 12 years. In more recent years I've become a certified life coach, and I am currently the president of the International Family Therapy Association.
Academic/Clinical Training
+ Ph.D in Human Development (with an emphasis in MFT) from Virginia Tech
+ M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Northwestern University
+ Sensorimotor Psychotherapy for Trauma (Level 1) Trained
+ Trauma-Informed Stabilization Treatment (Level 1) Trained
More About Jake
I've been married for 16 years. I have four boys, ages 15 to 7. I love travel, hiking and reading fiction. I have done a whole bunch of my own therapy, spiritual direction, and personal and group retreats (as I deeply believe that if I am not healthy, then I certainly can't help my clients to be).
Brielle Smith, MA, ALMFT
+ Associate Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (ALMFT) in Illinois
+ Certified PREPARE/ENRICH Facilitator
+ M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Wheaton College
Phone: 630-492-1388 (Ext. 702)
Email: brielle@bristleconetherapy.com
Professional Approach
Hi! I'm Brielle Smith. In my time as a marriage and family therapist I have come to see that our deepest wounds and greatest healing both come through relationships. In my work with individuals, couples and families I seek to foster new kinds of relational encounters that can be a springboard for connection and growth. I currently work under the supervision of Dr. Jake Johnson.
More About Brielle
My middle name is Hope, and I seek to embody the grit and risk of my namesake. Personally and professionally I want to be honest about suffering and yet dare to imagine what is still unseen. I often find this tension of hope and ache in stories, poetry, and wild, open places. Maybe that’s why I feel most alive in the mountains or reading a good book!
Annie Musgraves, MA, ALMFT
+ Associate Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (ALMFT) in Illinois
+ M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Wheaton College
Phone: 630-492-1388 (Ext. 703)
Email: annie@bristleconetherapy.com
Professional Approach
Hi there! I'm Annie Musgraves. I believe therapy presents an opportunity to bravely experience one's own story with compassion and curiosity. When the joys and sorrows we carry are given room to be heard and loved, we are moved toward healing of body, spirit and mind. I currently work under the supervision of Dr. Jake Johnson.
More about Annie
I have completed the Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) externship training and make use of this approach with the couples and families I see in therapy. On a personal note, I have been married 8 years and my husband and I have three little ones. I love getting to relive childhood through the eyes of my 5-, 3- and 1-year-old. My days are full of crafting, chasing after children and spending time in nature.
Gabby Pribulick, MA, LMFT
+ Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Illinois
+ Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (Level 2)
+ M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Wheaton College
Phone: 630-492-1388 (Ext. 704)
Email: gabby@bristleconetherapy.com
Professional Approach
Hi! I'm Gabby Pribulick. For the past five years I’ve had the honor of working with complex trauma survivors at a local non-profit, where I have supervised a team of therapists providing individual, group and family therapy to these survivors and their families. My approach to therapy in private practice has been greatly informed by my non-profit work. Specifically, I desire to sensitively support my clients in honest and courageous explorations of painful life experiences so that they might move through areas of stuck-ness to find healing for their bodies, their emotions, and their relationships.
More about Gabby
Compassion, connection, and playfulness are qualities that I value both in my relationships with my clients as well as in my personal life. Because it can be so easy to go on automatic pilot and feel detached from those around us, I stay connected with myself and the world around me by exploring. I love to travel, find great restaurants and immerse myself in art. I also enjoy spending quality time playing board games with friends and family.
Caitlyn Gunst, MA, LMFT
+ Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Illinois
+ AAMFT-Approved Supervisor Candidate
+ M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Wheaton College
Phone: 630-492-1388 (Ext. 705)
Email: caitlyn@bristleconetherapy.com
Professional Approach
I am honored to join individuals and families in their pain and struggles on their journey toward growth, creativity, connection, and healing. Therapy is a space for you to discover new ways of being and doing, both within yourself and in relationship with others. Whether you feel like you’ve lost your voice, are stuck in the same patterns or scripts, are overwhelmed by emotions, or find yourself often in conflict with your family members, I’d love to hear your story and work together with you toward increasing connection and wholeness.
More about Caitlyn
I’ve been married for 11 years and have two daughters (4 years & 18 months). In my life before children I enjoyed playing sports, reading, and traveling. In the last few years I’ve discovered a delight for improv, writing poetry, and being in nature. I am committed to pursuing my own growth through therapy and group retreats, to be the best version of myself for my clients and loved ones. I became fluent in Spanish while living with a host family in Lima, Peru, and I love learning about other languages and cultures.