Family Therapy in Menard County, IL

Dr. Venus Evans-Winters is a licensed clinical social worker, trauma professional, and professor. She draws upon multiple therapeutic and psychoeducational techniques (e.g. cognitive, dialectical, and reality therapies) to meet clients' mental health and socio-emotional needs. A native of Chicago and representative of the hip hop generation, she helps culturally and linguistically diverse clients cope with chronic stress and trauma. Her practice is influenced by Adlerian theory and centers culturally responsive approaches to practice because we know that culture is a major influence on one's perception of stress and self-efficacy.

We all have a story with puzzle pieces that we sometimes can't see how they fit. My hope and passion is to help identify how these pieces can be placed to help make sense of who we are and how we can fit them in to make us feel less confused. I have discovered that helping and healing is my calling and have worked on these puzzles with adults, families, couples, and young people. My hope and goal is to help individuals feel comfortable in a non-judgmental safe space to work through the difficulties they are experiencing towards their goals of self growth, and an encouraging atmosphere to help the individual not feel so alone.

I specialize in working with youth ages 12 and older, parents, and family dynamics. I also work with adults. The mental health issues I specialize in are: depression and suicidal thoughts/ideation, self-harming behaviors, anxiety, trauma history or disorders, oppositional defiance, ADHD, parenting, peer relationships, self-esteem, sexual abuse, and sexually problematic behaviors. I also specialize in family reintegration and boundary setting. Therapy should be about improving yourself and learning the tools to do that effectively.

Reaching out is the first step, I'm glad you're here. My work ranges from treating stress, anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, to other specific personal and relational issues. I am passionate about adolescent neural development, embracing neurodiversity (ADHD, Autism, etc.), body acceptance, attachment theory, and working to break family cycles of trauma. I will work with you to establish goals that are driven by you, for you. I am an active listener who is also willing and ready to offer insight and point out potential problem areas with permission. You will make the change-I can help you see it.

Are you ready to rebuild your relationship, but don't know where to begin? I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who has ample experience in helping couples reconnect after the stress of life has torn them apart.

I am a licensed clinical professional counselor with advanced experience in marriage and family counseling. For nearly a decade, I have had the opportunity to work with individuals and families in a variety of settings and circumstances. I enjoy working with clients of all ages, whether that is working with individuals, families, or couples. My focus is to work with my clients to identify their individual needs, and establish goals that not only assist in meeting those needs, but that celebrate the strengths and gifts that already exist in them.

I provide a supportive and therapeutic space to help people experience healing, growth, and confidence when stress or traumatic situations have been overwhelming. Traumatic situations can cause anxiety, depression, and challenge how you relate with others. I've been helping youth, adults, and families for the past twenty years in a wide variety of contexts by coming alongside to help them better manage their mood and to develop healthier relationships with those they love, co-workers, and others. Visit my website at www.hope-centered.com to see what more I offer.

Our staff are licensed in Illinois and have specialized training in areas of trauma, anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, and mood disorders. Some other areas of expertise include crisis intervention, family and couples counseling, and group counseling. In addition, we have created and facilitated several groups and utilize a cognitive-behavioral and trauma-informed approach in working with clients. We also view our clients holistically, which considers all aspects of a person's life. Rather than treating just the symptoms, this approach looks deeper and tries to uncover underlying causes.

Parenting doesn't come with a manual. Often parents feel confused, frustrated, sad or stuck when their children, teens, young adults and even they themselves are struggling. Navigating emotions and behaviors can be challenging, but it isn't something that you have to do alone. Working to develop a good understanding of where the behaviors and emotions come from and then developing options for how to manage them differently in the future can provide clients with a solid base to find their true selves.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I have 25+ years of experience working with individuals who are struggling with symptoms of anxiety, depression, or other mental health or substance use disorders. In the fast-paced world we live in, we are constantly facing heightened feelings of stress caused by workplace, parenting, family, couple or other relationship conflicts. Unfortunately, for many, alcohol or drugs are used to “manage” the difficult times. It is my goal to help clients navigate their most complex feelings and to provide the tools and coping skills needed to return hope, inner peace and happiness to their lives.

Rachel Fiore is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and serves Teletherapy clients at Elliott Counseling Group. She received her Master's degree in Forensic Psychology at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She is also in the process of becoming a Certified Recovery Support Specialist.

Are you a thinker? Are you feeling stuck & overwhelmed? Are you managing your life or is life managing you? Is self-care another chore on your to-do list? Do you dream about how your life could be? I believe the counseling relationship offers support, promotes self-development and guides us through difficult challenges of managing relationships, I have 21+ years of experience and have a dual specialization in mental health and the schools.

I integrate a variety theoretical models to my therapeutic approach. Holistic, patient- centered therapy goals, are solution focused and include: creating new problem solving skills through behavior modification, improving interpersonal relationships through distress tolerance, and establishing self- awareness through emotion regulation. As a therapist, I strive to establish a partnership with my patients. I believe when a positive connection is made the patient has the ability to trust. My professional goal is to incorporate evidence-based practices in order to provide proof that change is occurring.

I am a therapist who helps adults and couples who are struggling with life’s hurtful problems: single parenthood, relationship conflicts, divorce, difficulties at college, depression/anxiety, a partner or parent’s alcoholism, mental illness in the family, stress at work, news of a serious disease or financial reversal, caring for aged parents, overcoming a traumatic childhood, “empty nest syndrome,” the special pressures on military families, and so forth. Our work together would begin by focusing on the here-and-now, so that you can experience some immediate feelings of being heard and of moving forward.

Living as your authentic self is sometimes a struggle with who you expect to be and who others expect you to be. Changing habits can be very difficult but I want you to know that you have the ability to start over and be the best version of yourself. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and psychotherapist, I use a holistic approach to support clients to meet their behavioral health goals.

The GLPG support staff will personally match you with a best-fit therapist who accepts your insurance and is available to see you online or in person at a time that works for you. The GLPG provider network comprises doctoral and master’s level psychologists, marriage and family therapists, professional counselors, and social workers. Benefits include online and in-person therapy options, night and weekend availability, and most insurance plans accepted. Additionally, our knowledgeable and helpful support staff are available to answer your questions or help with anything you might need at any point along the therapy journey.

The struggle is real but through hope, growth, faith and transformation we heal. We all have a story to tell. No persons story is any better or worse than anyone else's. I can attest to the struggle to reach out for help and the need to be vulnerable. I am someone who is there to help guide you through those tough times. The courage and strength that it takes to reach out for help is the first step and a critical component to healing. The willingness to seek help and be vulnerable is actually a sign of strength. Let me help you on that journey!

I work with tweens, teens, and adults who are struggling with depression, anxiety, mood issues, school issues, relationship issues, family problems, trauma, transitions and grief. I partner with clients to find solutions that work for them and support clients in making necessary changes to better their lives. Client input is necessary and valued in the treatment planning process. Feedback about the therapeutic process is welcome.