Therapists in Peru, IL

Therapy can be a path to wellness and positive change. I enjoy working with clients experiencing emotional stress stemming from anxiety, depression and relationship issues. I assist clients in gaining insight into their situations then setting goals to clarify and target problem behaviors. Therapy provides a safe space to explore challenges and gain control over emotions and behaviors.

You can and either crumble or pivot. I want to help you pivot and cope with the challenges of life. While I can’t change difficult situations, I can provide a safe and inclusive environment as you heal and work through the struggles of life. I am currently accepting new clients who have mid-morning and afternoon availability. Please note: All sessions are conducted virtually. Don't hesitate to contact me directly to schedule an initial appointment. If you are an existing client, please feel free to use the self-scheduling link below to scheduling a follow-up appointment.

As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, a non-binary individual, I cater to the needs of my fellow members of the community, especially transgender individuals. I have advocated for the LGBTQIA+ community for about four years, returning to my former high school to educate the advanced health classes on gender, sex, sexuality, and gender expression. I provide a unique experience that leads to my ability to relate to my communities and understand what they're going through.

I am a psychotherapist, LCPC; graduate from St. Xavier University with a masters in clinical community counseling. I received my clinical training within the psychiatry department at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Over the past twelve years I have engaged in outreach work with individuals experiencing a range of chronic mental illness including psychotic spectrum disorders mood spectrum disorder; and anxiety disorders. My clients appreciate honest, non-judgmental feedback and are able to gain self-awareness and insight, while working collaboratively to create and accomplish treatment goals.

Are you and your partner(s) at a place where you realize that your communication, sex life, and emotional safety are at a breaking point and you need more help? As a sex and couple therapist, I believe that all problems are relational- one of you is not "the problem"- your patterns of relating to one another that have become twisted with hurt and resentment over time are the problem. My style of conducting therapy is validating, structured, goal-oriented, observational and direct, with an element of coaching through in-session interventions and homework to complete outside of our meetings.

Have you experienced Trauma, are you Anxious, Depressed? Are you a First Responder? You may be fed up with your inability to share your day with loved ones in an effort to shield them. Are you wanting to change the way you deal with stress (dark humor, isolation, over eating etc.) and/or are you feeling irritable, overwhelmed, confused and questioning “why now”? You might not even remember a time you didn’t feel like this. Either way, one thing is for sure: you’re ready for some relief. Most of all, you’re ready to change your outlook on life which will include hope.

Everyone deserves to feel heard and seen. Change is scary. Uncertainty is scary. Each of these though are important for personal development and growth. I have always felt therapy is displaying patience, compassion, empathy and empowerment. I strive to bring these qualities to each session as well as incorporating light-hearted humor, which can go a long way! Rapport building within a client-clinician relationship is important to create a safe and respectful space for self-exploration. It's important to me to collaborate with each person to best support their own goals and wants for therapy, meeting the person wherever they are at.

Valuing client uniqueness means utilizing advanced, empathic interventions for self-acceptance in working through anxiety, panic, depression, trauma and attaining emotional regulation. Rebalancing distorted beliefs assist clients' relief of anger, guilt, shame, self-sabotage. Differentiation & specifically designed working-through processes reflect maximizing unique client traits! Each client is identified as unique in their needs with subjective emotional experiences and cognitive structures requiring specific, individualized treatment plans and strategic interventions. These are tailored to facilitate optimum therapeutic progress.

If you are here, I imagine you may be feeling overwhelmed or unsure of what you are doing. Whether you've been in therapy before or this is your first time, I'm here to assure you that you are in the right place. Uncertainty can often manifest into various areas of our lives, leading to moments of anxiety, depression, difficulties with self esteem, relationships and addiction. Often we are simply standing in our own way, unaware of the control we have. In establishing a safe, empathetic and supportive environment, I am committed to helping you become aware of your power to create change for yourself, even in moments of uncertainty.

I appreciate your willingness to take the time to put yourself first and look for a new therapist. In working with me, you will find a safe space where differences are honored. Together, we will explore challenging topics while incorporating different skills and tools that you can utilize regularly. My approach to psychotherapy is trauma-informed, client-centered, with a social justice lens. The goal is to have a holistic approach to healing so that you can reduce symptoms, meet goals, strengthen supports and overcome everyday stress as well as past trauma.

From feelings of isolation to managing the day to day stress, there are times when you need help. Working from a holistic perspective, my goal is to always provide an encouraging, empathetic and affirming environment to explore. I'm experienced in aiding those who are struggling with issues of identity (gender, race, nationality, etc.), low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, phase of life issues, career transitions, LGBTQ-related issues, acculturation, and relationship issues.

I am Carolyn Franklin, a licensed clinical social worker. I am a skilled therapist with over 30 years in the profession, working with children, adolescents, and adults. I have conducted individual, group, couples, and family therapies. I have worked with clients challenged with anxiety, depression, relationship/family issue, and many other concerns. I welcome the opportunity to work with you. I truly enjoy my work, and my clients have been successful. I worked with clients challenged with anxiety, depression, relationship/family adjustments, and even individuals having difficulty making decisions.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been hard for everyone. You may feel stressed, anxious, confined, angry, or depressed. You may even feel **guilty** for feelings those things. You don't have to deal with it alone. Let me help you cope and find ways to adjust to these new challenges. If you are ready to take the next big step but you don't know how - If you are willing to try out new things once our session is over - If you are able to open up to a new perspective... Then you are ready, willing, and able! We can start moving you in the right direction. Seriously - let's get going.

As a first generation American with a multifaceted cultural background and personal identity, I understand just how unique every individual is. For this reason, I find it important to meet clients where they are at and create a supportive and safe space where they can be their true authentic selves. I use an integrative approach to therapy based in multicultural, person-centered, and psychodynamic frameworks. I enjoy using a narrative approach to empower clients to re-author their life story, make more informed choices, and create positive change that will help them to live in a way that reflects their true goals and values.

I believe that therapy is most successful when there is mutual respect and trust between the therapist and client. I have successfully worked with families, teens, and adults from diverse sexual orientations, ethnicities, cultures, and religious backgrounds. Some of my clinical specialties include couples/family conflict, social and cultural stressors, anxiety, depression, trauma, and meaning making.

I love working with clients who are new to or curious about therapy. Sometimes people feel that they have been half-living, or "faking it" (hoping to make it), but don't know what to do about it. Sometimes people are looking for ways to live more mindfully and purposefully. And sometimes people just need help tackling a specific problem. My work with clients generally focuses on anxiety, depression, life transitions, sleep issues, and relationship conflicts. Together, we can discover what changes will help your life become more enjoyable - and then put those changes into action.