Family Systems Therapists in O Fallon, IL

Hello, I'm Sandra Becker-Warden. I have provided counseling as a clinical social worker for over 30 years. My practice, Family Life Consultants, Inc. offers services in two locations and their respective surrounding areas; Collinsville, IL, and Lake Ozark, MO. I particularly enjoy working with families and couples, I also specialize in custody mediation, body image issues and eating disorders Ages include toddlers through seniors. I believe in involving the individual's support system in the treatment process - ie. family, school, work, when appropriate. This approach allows the support systems to realize their part in the individual's emotional health.

I believe we all possess more power than we give ourselves credit for when it comes to healing and finding our inner peace. My focus tends to be geared toward helping people find their strengths and see what they CAN do and what they are capable of verses looking at themselves as having "issues" or "problems" that hinder them from being where they want to be.

Are you feeling like you're lost in a maze of love and relationships? Whether you're in the early stages of dating, going through a tough breakup, dealing with the ups and downs of a long-term partnership, or coping with the aftermath of an affair, I get that each relationship journey is unique and challenging in its own way. It's normal to feel frustrated, hurt, betrayed, or confused, especially when trust, communication, and intimacy issues come into play. But no matter how stuck you feel, or how much you're doubting your own emotions, I'm here to tell you that you're not alone in this journey. I'm here to walk alongside you.

I believe that people need to be heard, and can find and articulate their own truth, their own path to health with compassion, empathy, and time-to tell their story, feel appreciated, to heal, and to change. I have worked to include spirituality, creativity, and the ability to accompany someone on their journey-so that our brief connections can have impact through the week, and through life. I value family input and involvement, social supports, and evidence-based methods, but more so I value my client's individual personal journey. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, and Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor.

Individuals seek counseling for many different reasons. Some of the most common reasons include feeling overwhelmed with stress, feeling depressed or anxious, relationship issues, anger issues, grief & loss, experiencing a traumatic event, family conflict, poor self-esteem, or experiencing a major life event or transition,. Counseling can provide you with the opportunity to learn new skills to cope with painful emotions and difficult situations in life. Counseling will also provide you with the support and accountability you need to make changes and reach your goals.

I believe the therapeutic relationship is very important. I focus on the whole person and encourage and support them to build on their own strengths to change thoughts and actions that cause them pain. I support and guide my clients to achieve healing and personal growth. I am a skilled practitioner who uses compassion and expertise to help my clients make changes. I create a safe environment for this to happen. I am accepting new clients. I work with individuals and families. I specialize in improving communication, problem solving, mood disorders and abuse issues.

I believe that whether you're needing support with a current challenge, a past trauma, or navigating a life transition, you deserve a space that is welcoming and free of judgment. My goal as your therapist is to help you feel empowered and in control. I do not claim to be the expert on your life, and consider therapy a collaborative process where your voice matters. Common issues I address include coping and self-regulation skills, anxiety, depression, trauma, parenting support, self-esteem, safe expression of feelings, grief, psycho-education, safety planning, healthy relationships, boundaries, and pregnancy/postpartum support.

I have been working with children and adults in a variety of environments both within a school and a community based center. I have a background in education and am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. I empower individuals to improve their life circumstances using clinically tested and evidenced-based interventions.

I've been in practice for over 30 years and in that time have continued to appreciate the amazing strengths and courage that people have, despite their self-doubt. It is the challenge to unravel the doubt that keeps me energized, but humbled by the amazing courage most of my clients possess in dealing with their struggles. It is my hope that I somehow can assist them in appreciating themselves and the systems from which they come and exist, but how they truly can be creators of change in their lives.

I help adults and adolescents who experience anxiety, depression, and challenges with communication reduce symptoms by improving upon current strengths and coping skills to build insight into symptoms experienced. My specialty areas include anxiety, PTSD, depression, grief, communication issues, and work-life balance. I offer openness and collaboration to those I work with and believe that a collaborative effort has a direct impact on benefits gained from counseling services.

March openings availabIe! EMDR certified, women centered therapist who specializes in maternal mental health and post-traumatic stress disorder. I teach women to take care of themselves first so they can better care for others. Trained during my work at The Postpartum Stress Center, I treat women who struggle with trauma, postpartum adjustment, infertility, birth trauma, infant loss/miscarriage and adoption struggles. We strengthen the relationship to self, build a sense of emotional safety with others. We will shift the lens on the mommy myths, cultural expectations and perfectionistic standards which can cause overwhelm/shame.

Do you have a history of trauma or abuse, anxiety or depression? Are you struggling to live out life in your family that you know that God has for you? We strongly believe that God has a "good, pleasing, and perfect will" (Romans 12:2) for your life. We believe that God has called us to "be continually renewed in the spirit of your mind" (Ephesians 4:23), and at Renewing Minds Therapy, we would be honored to walk with you on your journey of freedom, healing, and wholeness from a Christian counseling worldview.

I understand that the choice of a therapist is an important one. The trust that is built between the client and the therapist is important in determining how helpful therapy can be. I work hard to create a supportive therapeutic environment. I believe in providing a safe, non-judgmental atmosphere and encourage people to talk at a pace that is comfortable for them. I believe that an individual has the ability to learn to do things differently and feel better. I use techniques associated with the widely recognized cognitive behavioral theory as well as those from family system's theory.

I use a client-centered approach that is personalized and authentic during the treatment process. Together, we identify and develop personal strengths that allow you to create a more balanced lifestyle. I work closely with treatment professionals in the field to ensure a comprehensive and caring treatment process. I utilize several evidenced based therapies including CBT-E and Family Based Treatment. I am trained in Brainspotting Trauma Therapy. Additionally, I have a Yoga Teacher Certification to help work to restore mind body balance.

It is a privilege to partner with you as you courageously explore your story and work towards your goals. I hope to co-create with you a space of safety and compassion to build a genuine relationship which fosters healing and growth. You are the expert of your life.

"Think about what you can do right now, not what you had wish you would have done before." I am passionate about helping people overcome whatever obstacle that keeps them from living their life to the fullest. Throughout life we all experience difficulties that lead to us feeling alone, overwhelmed, and defeated. Despite our best efforts sometimes overcoming those life circumstances by ourselves can be unsuccessful. My desire is to come alongside you and help you overcome those difficult life circumstances in a safe and supporting environment to get you back to living your best life.

Whether you've been to a counselor before or this is your first time seeking help, I offer acceptance, openness, and inclusion to everyone. Some concerns I've helped others with include but are not limited to depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder and traits, trauma, abuse, sexuality, substance use, work stress, and caregiver stress.

I have had a variety of experiences working with people who have had different types of problems. I have worked with individuals having problems ranging from anxiety, depression, anger management, chronic habitual problems, compulsivity, bipolar, sexual addiction, sexual offending/deviant behaviors, and psychotic issues. The value of therapy is that clients can come in with issues and with work receive some results in the form of change. It is my job to help facilitate that process. I believe in helping people work out their problems and provide them with the skill sets to help them accomplish their goals.

Maybe you have been to a therapist or two and haven't been able to dig as deep as you would like to go in order to move into your most authentic sense of being. Perhaps you struggle with a sense of purpose, self-esteem, have a sense of emptiness or loneliness, or are feeling confused about next steps. You will likely find me to be a good fit if you are looking to do much deeper work to finally resolve pain from the past as opposed to merely coping with it. Our work will be guided by a vision of long-term mental health, growing into authenticity, and creating a sense of emotional regulation that you may not have experienced yet.