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
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 over a decade. In more recent years I've become a certified life coach, and I am currently the president-elect 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
More About Jake
I've been married for 16 years. I have four boys, ages 14 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.