About Pawprints and Pathways
At Pawprints and Pathways, we are dedicated to helping individuals navigate their emotional journeys.
Our Licensed Clinical Social Worker provides expert guidance with the support of therapy dogs.
We believe in fostering a nurturing environment for healing and growth.
Hi there, I'm Jennifer!
About Me
Hi, I’m Jennifer Ferguson, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) in Illinois with nearly 20 years of experience supporting individuals and families through life’s challenges. I provide compassionate, strengths-based therapy for teens and adults, helping them manage anxiety, navigate stress, recover from trauma, and create meaningful, lasting change. Also licensed to practice in Iowa (LISW)
My career began in substance use counseling and expanded into mental health, crisis intervention, school-based support, and correctional facility services. I’ve worked with diverse populations and bring a grounded, nonjudgmental presence to every session. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure where to start, I’ll meet you where you are—with empathy, honesty, and a steady hand.
My Approach
I believe therapy should feel safe, empowering, and tailored to your unique story. My communication style is warm, down-to-earth, and collaborative. I’ll work with you to clarify what matters most to you and help you build the skills and insight needed to move toward your goals.
My practice integrates a variety of evidence-based approaches, including:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Motivational Interviewing
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
Solution-Focused Therapy
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT/tapping)
Sandtray Therapy and creative/play-based interventions
Together, we’ll develop practical coping tools, work through emotional barriers, and build confidence as you navigate life’s challenges.
Who I Work With
I specialize in working with:
School age and Adult clients managing anxiety, depression, or social stress
Individuals in recovery or struggling with substance use
People feeling stuck, unmotivated, or disconnected
Clients navigating school or work stress, family conflict, or major life transitions
Individuals impacted by trauma
In addition to providing therapy, I also support families navigating the education system. This includes helping parents understand and participate in the IEP and 504 process, reviewing school documentation, and advocating for their child’s emotional and behavioral needs in the classroom. I bring years of experience working within schools and collaborating with educators, which allows me to guide families through paperwork, meetings, and options with confidence and clarity.
Whether you’re dealing with day-to-day stress or something more complex, you don’t have to face it alone.
Hi there, I'm Ozzie!
Ozzie Ray
Alliance of Therapy Dogs Certified
About Me
Since 2020, I’ve had the joy of working alongside my Labradoodle, Ozzie Ray, who is certified through Quad Cities Canine Assistance Network (QCCAN) and, as of March 2024, also through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD). We actively volunteer with both organizations.
Ozzie Ray regularly joins me in the schools I serve—visiting classrooms, supporting students during high-stress moments, and bringing comfort to staff. He also accompanies me to the county jails where I provide mental health services, offering grounding and emotional support to both staff and inmates.
Why Therapy Dogs Matter
Animal-assisted therapy has been shown to:
Reduce stress, anxiety, and blood pressure
Improve mood and emotional regulation
Increase feelings of safety, connection, and trust
Support trauma recovery and emotional resilience
Encourage engagement, especially among children and teens
For many clients, Ozzie’s presence helps make therapy feel less intimidating and more approachable—creating an environment where healing can happen more naturally.
Let’s Work Together
Therapy is a journey, and I’m here to walk alongside you every step of the way. Whether you’re looking for tools to manage anxiety, support through recovery, or just someone to talk to in a safe, supportive space—I’m here to help. And if you’d like, Ozzie Ray will be here too.
Credentials & Education
Licensed Clinical Social Worker – Illinois (IDFPR #149017885)
Licensed Independent Social Worker – Iowa (LISW #007831)
Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor – Illinois (ICB #26742)
School Social Worker – Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE #946135)
School Social Worker – Iowa Board of Educational Examiners (BOEE B-21 #1004511)
School Mental Health Advanced Practice Program Certification (SMHAPP) – Loyola University
Master of Social Work (MSW) – St. Ambrose University
BA in Psychology – Eastern Illinois University
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Join us at Pawprints and Pathways for a transformative counseling experience, enhanced by the loving presence of our therapy dogs.
Contact us today to begin your journey to healing and growth.
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