MHNet Behavioral Health Therapists in Swansea, IL

Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass... It's about learning how to dance in the rain. - Vivian Green........... Sometimes you just need someone to listen and validate your feelings. Sometimes you need someone who's been there done that. Sometimes you just need a place to go to help get you back on track. I'm that someone and I've many life experiences as well as extensive training to help you. Licensed as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with extensive training in childhood complex trauma. Let me help you learn to dance in the rain!

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.

I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 20+ years of experience. I have been practicing in Columbia/Monroe County for 12 years. Prior to my private practice I was employed with Hyland Behavior Health Systems. At Hyland Behavioral Health I was a Dual Diagnosis Case Manager and worked with individuals diagnosed with a chemical dependency and psychiatric diagnosis. I was involved in case management, group therapy, treatment planning and discharge planning. I also worked on the sexual trauma unit, eating disorder unit and Psychiatric ICU.

Take your first step to wellness. I believe in providing a place of compassion and confidentiality where you can share your personal concerns and struggles. I provide assistance to help you improve on those areas that seem to be holding you from living a fulfilled and happy life. With over 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults and families, I will assist you in reaching your goals for a better future.

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. - Lao Tzu. Making the phone call for help sometimes is the hardest part! Do you feel that you have been taking care of everybody but yourself? Counseling is a safe way to tell your story and work through obstacles that have been in your way. It can provide you with insight to help put you in a better place. I would like to hear your story and help you meet your therapy goals!

Do you feel like your past is controlling your present? You want to live in the present and enjoy the present, but the past keeps pulling you down. You want to move forward and make decisions which will make your present and future better, but the memories of what has occurred will not allow you. You know you are a loving person and have a lot of offer the world. You are ready to make a change.

The decision to seek out a therapist is an important first step towards positively addressing conflicts, managing distress, and learning to cope with negative or overwhelming feelings. Our team of therapists bring years of therapy experience. We work with children, adolescents, adults, and families who are Deaf or come from Deaf families (includes hearing family/friends who sign). We provide a supportive, nurturing environment. We use a multimodal approach incorporating mind-body therapies with evidence-based treatments.

Rome wasn't built in a day" is often a quote I attach to therapy. Therapy is building a vision for yourself that you're happy with that will keep you going from day to day. Life is often seen as half empty or half full and it's my job to help you see that life has all sorts of unexpected positives. Throughout therapy some things might be considered difficult or challenging, but as your therapist it's my goal to make sure that we come out the other end better than the session prior.

Do you feel overwhelmed with some of your life circumstances? Have you experienced trauma: a divorce, job-loss, traumatic birth, difficult diagnosis, or domestic violence? Are you depressed, struggling with low self-esteem, lacking motivation, or needing help transitioning through life? I believe that every individual has what it takes to succeed and live a fulfilling life. Sometimes, we have to go through the darkest storms to see the brightest rainbows. Without the right tools and a safe non-judgmental space, it may feel impossible to weather the storm on your own.

I specialize in testing services ranging from the identification / diagnosis of neurodevelopmental disorders (ADHD, autism, learning & intellectual disabilities) to complex psychiatric presentations in which mood, personality, social, and cognitive factors may be at play. My goal is to empower individuals who are struggling with emotional, behavioral, social regulations, or other challenges to utilize their strengths to achieve their goals. These goals vary by individual; from goals to improve their academic or occupational functioning, foster healthier relationships, take control of emotional responses, or to understand themselves.

Whatever may be going on, life can get overwhelming and an outside perspective can help. At CalmWaters you will be treated with respect, dignity, and empathy. We have 7 therapists available to see in person or virtually. If you aren't sure which counselor you want to see, we'll help you find the best fit. You are not alone. Difficult things happen to everyone in life and sometimes a helping hand is just what is needed. Our licensed counselors will walk with you through the situation that brings you into therapy until it is resolved or improved. We meet each client where they are, provide support and tools, and foster growth.

You know something is wrong, but you are not sure what it is, why it happened, or how to fix it. You think you probably need help, but it's hard to know where to start. You worry about being overmedicated or wasting your time. You want to figure out, once and for all, what is going on and how to take care of it. Does this sound familiar?

Here at LifeThrive Counseling we believe you can unlock your full potential. We believe in focusing on the whole person, not just the person's symptoms. We believe sometimes we need need to look outside of the box at more advanced treatments. When adding these treatments, true change can occur in disorders that are often thought of as permanent or treatment resistant. Some of the disorders we have worked with and seen positive change in include: ADHD, anxiety, dysthymia, major depressive disorder, autism spectrum disorders, attachment disorders, OCD, personality disorders, and more.

Courage isn’t having the strength to go on - it is going on when you don’t feel like you have the strength. You need an immense amount of courage to stay the course and struggle even when you are almost ready to give up on life. I am here to listen, and walk beside you even when it feels like everything and maybe everyone is against you.