About Us

“My greatest values in life is family and helping others. I have watched people go through pain and suffering and not find ways out of it. I have also watched people stretched too thin lose a productive edge or feel lost in the center while being pulled in those many directions. I have seen couples fall out of love for various reasons. My desire to help people become mindful, center themselves, and move though their problems to create better wellness and growth is what lead to the development of the White Oak Institute.” 

The White Oak was developed to address many mental healthcare concerns that I see on a daily basis within our fast paced society. There seems to be more concerns and problems arising as we move more into enhanced intrapersonalism, changes in family processes, and in general keeping up with everything going on. On top of that there are influences from technological device over use and misuses that impede on our capability of creating profound happiness that may only be truly developed from a sense of belongingness within a valued group while also providing and or otherwise supporting that group. 
When working with individuals and families, I use a collection of therapeutic approaches including Bowenian Family Therapy, Metaframeworks, Person Centered Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Irvin Yalom’s Group Theories, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Psychodynamic Therapy. When working with couples I have a unique approach utilizing aspects of Gottman’s Couples Therapy. Wesley graduated cum laude with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology from the prestigious Pepperdine University. Wesley enjoys spending time with his family, being present in nature, playing and watching sports, taking time to travel, bringing humor in life, and most cultural events. 

“Most people seek therapy because something isn’t working. Sometimes people do not feel equipped to handle life’s problems – work stress, family stress, health issues, etc. Many individuals feel stuck trying to solve problems the same way when those solutions are no longer helpful. This pain can leave someone suffering and feeling helpless.”

Brian is a Clinical Psychologist licensed in Illinois and Indiana who comes to the White Oak with a wealth of experience to share in order to help his clients change and grow. Often this involves being more aware and present in the moment. Many people do not recognize the power they have to create positive change in their lives. Dr Jula would like to help empower his clients to find their strength and make those changes.

Dr. Jula came to the field of Psychology after a lifetime of volunteer work, recognizing working in service to others to be his path to career and personal fulfillment. He completed his undergraduate degree in Psychology at Loyola University Chicago and both his Master’s and Doctoral degrees at the Illinois School of Professional Psychology. While in graduate school, Dr. Jula completed coursework in concentrated areas of study in both Health Psychology and Psychology & Spirituality.

Prior to White Oak Institute, Dr. Jula worked in a busy outpatient hospital office where he treated individuals with a variety of struggles including depression, anxiety, bipolar, obsessive-compulsive, sexual disorders and more. He has worked in other private practices as well as in intensive outpatient programs, day programs for psychosocial rehabilitation, community mental health, and rehabilitation centers. In the day programs, he worked with individuals facing chronic and severe mental illness, some of whom were dual diagnosed with intellectual disabilities or Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Dr. Jula currently works with people from many different backgrounds and age groups (children, adolescents, adults, and older adults) and is able to diagnose and treat a variety of conditions.

Outside the office Dr. Jula spends time with his wife and three children. He enjoys writing and tries to find time to read novels. He and his family love all things Disney. Dr. Jula also serves locally in a volunteer organization as a member and part of its executive board.

Jen’s Biography is coming soon!

Our Patient Promise

The White Oak promise is to provide you with the most professional and genuine support as we embark together on your journey towards greater growth and wellness for you and or your loved ones.  Ultimately the work you put in towards building a better self through our time together in sessions will benefit many aspects of your living including but not limited to family, friendships, work, community, and more.

Striving for Excellence

The White Oak Institute for Growth and Wellness, strives to be an exceptional leader in mental health and professional counseling services in the greater Southwest Chicago region. We serve people and their families from Palos, Orland Park, Homer Glen, Lockport, Mokena, Frankfort, Tinley Park, New Lenox, Manhattan, Peotone, and many more. We also offer online counseling sessions. Located in the heart of downtown Frankfort Illinois we are nestled amongst many professional services, shops, and restaurants. The White Oak Institute is a moment away from the crossroads of US Route 45 and US Route 30.

Our Treatment Focus

At WOI we pride ourselves on connecting with you and developing a relationship that will allow optimal therapeutic work to happen so you get the most out of therapy.  Our focus is to help individuals heal, energize themselves, and become aware of inner strengths to promote optimal growth and wellness.  We achieve this by providing a neutral safe space and engaging in professional therapy sessions.

Our professional & clinically licensed therapists treat a variety of mental health dilemmas and relational issues.  WOI offers comprehensive therapy and other services for individuals, families, and marriage/couples counseling.  WOI provides services in individual, family, and group formats to best meet your personal mental health growth and wellness needs.

The White Oak is Designed with You in Mind

The White Oak looks at each person who opens our door and walks in as a complex and whole person comprised of many different parts that operate in many different contexts. You may have struggles in love, spirituality, work, family, and leisure areas of living that may be better addressed with what we can do together at the WOI to help you live at your best. We dedicate our services to getting to know you best and helping you achieve greatness. We strive to assist you best to work through problems, gain deeper insight of “self and other”, enhance your support, and make gains in your valued direction in of living well.

Truly Unique Approach to Counseling

Our counselors and professionals are well-informed of evidenced-based practices and stay on top of new research within their specialty area. We are person centered and believe in the power of the person. We also believe in mind-body connectivity and the importance of balanced living even if you are favoring certain contexts in which you choose to live. We balance the science of therapy with the art of therapy to authenticate a natural relational approach with you and challenge you in turn when best informed and ready to make change happen. We aim to develop and or enhance your strengths and build up areas of weakness to best help you through your problems or dilemma. We look forward to meet with you and help you grow to reach your optimal best wellness as an individual, couple , or within a family.

White Oak Institute is located in Frankfort in the Charming & Historic Downtown District