Therapists in Topeka, IL

I am a Licensed Social Worker with a Master’s degree in Social Work. I have over twenty years of experience working in the mental health field with adolescents and families in crisis. My core belief is that everyone is on a journey; everyone has inherent value; no one has a perfect life, and no one can do this life without support. My goal is to help you on your journey towards a happier, healthier you and navigate the challenges this world brings to your table. I strive to provide person-centered holistic counseling with an emphasis on mind, body and spirit.

As a counselor, my heart's desire is to help people find hope, as hope is the one thing that can help us get through the darkest of times. My personal journey is one of many losses restored, and reaching out with a listening heart is my joy and passion. I would welcome the opportunity to walk with you through your journey of pain and loss to healing and growth. Counseling is provided to adolescents and adults.

I have worked in the mental health field for more 20 years following a career as a junior and senior high teacher. I have experience with everyone from very young children to elderly individuals. I believe firmly in the individual's ability to change if they so desire, regardless of education level, socioeconomic status, or past challenges. I approach all people with an open mind and a non-judgmental attitude. Acceptance and kindness are important traits and ones I strive to show each and every person I meet, whether that is within my office or at the grocery store.

Not a single one of our lives has escaped pain, hurt, rejection, loss, or other traumatic events. It’s a part of the world we live in; a part we cannot evade. Each generation, the trauma becomes more complex, as it builds on the previous generation’s unresolved trauma. It presents itself as depression, anxiety, fatigue, sleeplessness, trouble concentrating, self-destructive behaviors (including addiction), physical illness, overwhelming guilt or shame, and the inability to form healthy relationships. But it doesn’t have to continue. You can loosen the hold that it has on your life. You can end the cycle of generational trauma.

Are you struggling to navigate a difficult situation that has occurred within your family or your relationship. Maybe you recently experienced a loss within your family, or maybe you are experiencing issues within your relationship. Maybe you are having a difficult time managing a healthy relationship with one of your loved ones? Everyone needs a sounding board from time to time, if this resonates with you, then take the first step with getting guidance by reaching out for help.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 25 years of experience counseling children, adolescents and adults. My specialty is working with women. Areas of expertise include codependency, boundaries, trauma, loss, sexual abuse , separation and divorce issues, anxiety and depression. I implement services through individual and group therapy. I provide Christian counseling through the scope of God's Word and believe God brings healing and redemption into a person's life story.

I have 15+ years of experience as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. I have worked in outpatient care, residential treatment centers, and psychiatric hospitals. My special interests include anxiety and compulsive behavior disorders, personality disorders, bipolar disorders, addiction, depression, and grief. I am passionate about engaging people in a healing process that replaces shame with serenity and wellness.

Do you feel alone? We all go through challenges in life: relationship problems, grief, confusion, stress, depression, addiction, self-doubt - and when we struggle it is easy to feel alone. As a counselor it is my priority to help you feel valued and supported. I strive to create a comfortable, inviting space where you will feel safe to vent, be heard, and grow in your self-awareness.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I’ve been working in the mental health field in various capacities since 2016 with adolescents, adults and families. I have experience in working with a wide variety of mental health concerns including anxiety, depression, addictions, stress, trauma, grief, bipolar disorders, and adjustments.

Life can be hard, painful, confusing, scary, and challenging. Events happen that leave us reeling with brokenness, grief, disbelief, guilt, fear, insecurity, and shame. We don't know what to do or which way to turn or how we got here in the first place. We may hold onto false beliefs about our self-worth, negative thoughts that tear us apart, relationships that are toxic, and behaviors that are destructive. All in an attempt to somehow alleviate how we are feeling. I am here to partner with you in working towards wholeness and healing and to empower you to move forward, happily and confidently.

What has motivated me in my 20+ years of practice me is the belief that change is possible when aligned with hope. Presenting issues are often about relationships and self discovery. Professionally and personally, I can attest that healthy relationships are vital to emotional well being- so exploration of relationships, present or past, is one aspect of therapy, along with communication and self understanding. As has been said "we are born in relationship, wounded in relationship, and are healed in relationship".

Hope is the Anchor for the Soul. Anxiety, depression, stress, grief, and trauma can be overwhelming to live with. Change and recovery are possible for everyone; one step at a time. Establishing and maintaining healthy relationships with yourself and others is life changing, and empowering! Managing everyday conflict is a game changer! Be in control of your own health and healing! You can do it!

Are you ready to work through past hurts or unresolved issues so that you can have more peace in your life? I want to help you develop more insight into some of your unresolved issues you may be struggling with so that you can feel better. Do you want to feel more confident in yourself and work through negative beliefs you may have been struggling with for years? I want to help you and be that supportive and empathetic person to guide you through those things.

As a therapist, I can assist you to better understand the connections between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. With this new insight, you can identify problematic ones and challenge, replace, or reframe them. The path to change starts with identifying your underlying needs and finding more effective ways to fulfill them. I work with adolescents, teens and adults from diverse backgrounds. I am specialized in treating anxiety, depression, life transitions, low self-esteem and grief with children, teens and young adults.

Do you grapple with intrusive thoughts or seek to understand the roots of your actions? Emotions stemming from such thoughts can lead to confusion and conflict. Through life's significant events and transitions, navigating these undercurrents can be challenging. A compassionate listening ear can be a powerful tool on this journey. I believe that each person's journey is unique, deserving of understanding, compassion, and support.

I have worked with many clients dealing with life issues involving depression, anxiety, transitions, loss, grief, and conflicts in relationships. I try to assist individuals to identify their personal strengths to best resolve and understand that life consists of various challenges and to come to terms with issues that are beyond their control without being a victim. I utilize a systemic theoretical approach based in positive thinking, acting, and living. I start wherever my client is and allow them to direct their growth by providing them with options and encouragements.

If you're looking for a counselor, chances are life's been rough for you lately. Maybe tasks for work or school have become overwhelming or some of your relationships have been collapsing. Our society has had more than its fair share of tense and even volatile events especially in the last few years, and those traumatic events certainly can affect us on a personal level.

Change is possible and I believe you have the ability to create positive changes that will allow healing throughout your journey in life. Thoughts, emotions, and perceptions shape the way we interact with others, and in turn, how others interact with us. My approach is to create a safe, non-shaming, compassionate therapeutic environment coupled with a strong emphasis on collaboration. As an experienced and dedicated therapist for over 20 years, my goal is for you to learn tools and effective strategies to reach your mutually agreed upon goals in therapy.

At Acorn Counseling & Mediation, we treat any age from children through adults. We offer individual, couple, and family counseling. Although the most typical issues we treat are anxiety, depression, and relationship struggles, we can also help walk through other struggles like grief and PTSD. We also now offer substance abuse treatment as well as DUI evaluations. At Acorn Counseling & Mediation, we believe you should be in the driver's seat, and that we are here to help you navigate, process, and shed light on the obstacles you face.