Trauma and PTSD Therapists in Normal, IL

Entering into counseling is the beginning of discovery and change. It's an important decision that deserves careful consideration. I've observed that most people want freedom from suffering and to live authentic, satisfying lives. Yet they may feel overwhelmed by the challenges of contemporary society while coping with life transitions, grief, relationships, self-esteem and identity issues, trauma , and spiritual crises. Where does one begin? A therapist can be an important guide in navigating the inner world of emotions while also building more effective skills for living in a dynamic, ever-shifting world.

Many humans suffer from emotional distress and psychological symptoms due to aversive life events. Often times, negative experiences can become “stuck” in our brains impacting how we perceive ourselves, others, or the world. Our beliefs about ourselves can become skewed and negative. As a trauma -trained therapist, I can help you work through these past events and shift these beliefs in order to be able to live the life YOU want to live.

|| Check out my virtual trauma groups! || Do you feel like your world is unraveling? Life often throws obstacles in our paths blocking our way, and sometimes we feel trapped... stuck and unable to move forward. Our minds and bodies may no longer feel like home. We may feel frustrated, lost, and utterly alone. Our relationships may feel broken beyond repair. And we may even feel like we might be "crazy." >>> Life is too short to be spent miserable in your relationships, suffocated by your traumas, fearful for your sanity, or hustling for your own self-worth. <<<

The greatest work can be accomplished when a sense of community is built through therapeutic rapport. You are not alone – no matter what you have faced or are currently going through. I have experience working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families.

Greg specializes in trauma -focused therapy for children ages 5 & up, adolescents, and adults. For those who have experienced childhood trauma , relational trauma , or complex trauma , life often feels overwhelming. Their sense of self, relationships, & view of the past, present, & future become rocky at best. As a result many trauma survivors live in chronic state of anxiety, depression, numbness, fatigue, burn out & suffer from illness. In addition to trauma survivors, Greg works closely with children, teens, young adults, & adoptive families struggling with depression, anxiety, dissociation, mood disorders, behavioral issues & more.

As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor I know the importance of providing a safe and encouraging environment to make important decisions and changes. Seeking help is an act of both courage and vulnerability, and I meet these strengths with compassion, warmth, and understanding. My approach to therapy emphasizes your personal values and views relationships as the most important aspect of our lives.

I am a licensed clinical professional counselor (MA, LCPC) in central Illinois. I have been working in the mental health field specializing in trauma across the lifespan (children, adolescents, and adults). My clinical expertise and training includes trauma focused therapy, shame and resiliency, healthy relationships, as well as working alongside foster and adoptive families. I believe therapy includes “an us.” It is an engaging and collaborative process. My hope is to provide a safe and warm environment to facilitate healing and growth.

The thought of meeting with a therapist can be intimidating, and I pride myself in my clients describing me as being very down to earth and easy to talk with. Most individuals who have never pursued therapy before are pleasantly surprised at how much they enjoy this relationship. I work with Willis (Great Pyrenees/Great Dane) who is an AKC Canine Good Citizen and registered Therapy Dog through Alliance of Therapy Dogs. He is available to be present during appointments if desired.

Alya Abbed is a licensed therapist specializing in trauma treatment. Al has over 18 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in mental health. Her clinical expertise is treating complex trauma including childhood abuse/neglect in addition to physical/sexual/emotional abuse and sexual assault. She is formally trained in EMDR, ITR, Theraplay, and trauma -informed sexual assault. Al's therapeutic modality of choice is talk therapy alongside EMDR, CBT, and DBT. She received her Bachelor's degree in Pyschology and her Master's degree in Community Counseling from Oakland University in Auburn Hills, Michigan.

I am a Board Certified Art Therapist and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. I practice through an Adlerian and person centered approach where I believe wholeheartedly that therapy is about the relationship and everyone is living their own unique life. This approach is client focused, meaning you are in charge of your therapeutic process, wherein self-discovery and acceptance are facilitated and used to gain personal growth and healing. In addition, I am a certified Trauma Informed Yoga Teacher, where the goal is to obtain skills in regulating your nervous system & regain connection to the body that so often becomes neglected.

"I am a firm believer in finding balance between feelings, thoughts, beliefs, and actions. Sometimes what we are dealing with is simply present day stress, needing a safe environment to process and get feedback. Other times events from our past dictate our reactions to today's experiences. This leads to giving our power away and continuing to suffer. I practice cognitive behavioral therapy, as well as other approaches when indicated, always focusing on the client's goals. I am focused on respectful approaches to teaching tools that allow each client's efforts to result in positive impacts throughout their lives."

Life can bring about overwhelming emotional experiences that make us feel out of touch with our ourselves. Healing is possible. Neuroscience has shown us that our brains have the ability to make new connections and heal throughout our entire lives. We can restore our balance and find ourselves again. I love helping my clients to make these new healthy connections. I am committed to the clients that I serve. I use a structured approach and have clear plan of action.

(Email is the best way to reach me and I currently only have limited day time availability on Mondays and Tuesdays.) Hi, I’m MacKenzie Jones, a Licensed Professional Counselor. I’ve been working in the mental health field for 9 years. I specialize in helping individuals who have experienced trauma or distressing life events.