Therapists in Merrillville, IN

Are you tired of waiting lists? Wait no longer! I am a Clinical Mental Health Counselor licensed and serving in the states of Indiana and Illinois. I have over 15 experiences experience working in a variety of treatment settings, both civilian and military. I have experience treating clients with issues related to trauma, depression, mood, anxiety, impulse control, grief - loss, personality, psychosis, more. I am skilled in treating most ages (6 years old to the elderly). I am trained in several evidenced-based treatment approaches. Whatever your goals for treatment are, I can assist you.

I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker who is passionate about assisting and committed to helping individuals and families to reach their fullest potential by providing the tools necessary to survive and thrive through life's struggles and challenges while becoming stronger, healthier members of their communities.

You have decided to look for a guide through unfamiliar territory, whether it is a new problem or an old nagging issue. I can help you by providing a safe place to take that difficult look at old patterns that no longer work. Becoming mindful of your thoughts, feelings, and judgments can free you to creatively re-imagine yourself and your situation and find new solutions. My thoughtful and intuitive approach can guide you on this journey. I have been especially successful with clients struggling with codependent issues, anxiety, divorce or other transitions, and anger. All are welcome.

Our Mission is to provide a wide range of social services that deliver information, resources, and opportunities to those who face challenges in life. Our expertise includes individual, family, and group therapy, as well as case management and other psychosocial assistance that promotes personal, interpersonal, and social functioning. Here, we are passionate about mental health and remain dedicated to serving individuals, families, and the community in nurturing safe, healthy, and long-term relationships.

Everyone deserves support as they walk through life, including you. Your story is your own, and I will greet it without judgment. I am here to support your growth, working with you to meet your goals with acceptance, safety, and dedicated professionalism.

Over the years and after receiving thousands of initial calls and emails from clients, it is clear that many are unsure of what they need or where to go. We find great pleasure in helping clients navigate this process. As a group practice we are able to provide services for a variety of needs: anxiety, addictions, pain management, depression, relationship issues, psychological testing, individual, life transitions and even helping clients who just want to live their best life! We stand out in our efforts to make this process as smooth as possible. Many providers boast about their training in a particular treatment approach (and this is important) but research suggests that the interventions are only part of the story. The fit between client and clinician, the wellbeing of the clinician, the ease of access and the experience of the treatment process matter as much, and sometimes more, than the particular treatment model used. Pillars of Wellness was founded with the hope of ensuring an ideal client-clinician fit and providing both clients and clinicians with a positive experience. We let our clinicians excel at their craft by giving them the space to create their ideal practice.

Have you noticed that your child isn’t responding when spoken to, or isn’t initiating speech, despite having the ability to speak? Are you receiving school reports that your child’s behaviors are out of control? Is your preschooler being threatened with expulsion?

My focus is to empower families by improving their relationships and communication so family members are more of a support than a burden to each other. Family issues that I commonly treat are couple's communication, sexual issues in a relationship, mixed-agenda couples (where one is considering a divorce), co-parenting after a divorce, behavior issues with children, as well as abuse or neglect in families. I also help families where a member struggles with self-injury, depression, or anxiety.

I can meet an ideal client where they are at. Despite potential ambivalence toward counseling, they are somebody who is willing to put the work in and open themselves up to inner self examination. They are able to somewhat articulate their goals for treatment; even if they don’t know what they personally want to gain through the experience of counseling, they are open to the possibility of learning what that may be. The ideal client has acknowledged distress in their life or difficulty functioning day-to-day.

We all seek a way to feel heard, understood, and valued for who we are. Often, finding the right way to express our needs and values with those we love can get a bit lost in translation. I work with many individuals, couples, and families to reconnect and focus on expressing their wants and needs to each other to reduce tension and promote life-long skills that can be applied in any relationship. Knowing that there is hope and a safe space to work through some of life's most difficult challenges can be a life-changing experience I wish anyone to have.

My ideal client seeks support in navigating intense life challenges. They might be struggling with crisis, domestic violence, suicidal thoughts, or trauma, yearning for stability and healing. These individuals often include teens, athletes, and first responders dealing with high-intensity situations. Their needs encompass a safe space for exploration, validation, and growth. They desire to understand their emotions better, cultivate resilience, and build coping strategies. Their goal is not just to alleviate pain but to transform it into meaning, striving for a profound sense of self and purpose.

Managing past experiences of pain and difficulties and/or current issues of trauma (family, relationships, employment etc.) can render one with feelings of helplessness and/or hopeless for tomorrow, this can be devastating. I believe having someone to address these concerns with in a confidential, nonjudgmental, manner can change one's life dramatically for the better. It is important to me to help my client gain insight and the tools to improve their life. My focus throughout our work together is to assure my client they are not alone in their struggle and they can heal, feel whole, and begin to experience a more fulfilled life.

I am a licensed mental health counselor with over 30 years of experience. I enjoy working with teens and young adults but have also worked with children and adults of all ages. I relate well with adolescents with behavioral issues, school issues, involvement in juvenile justice system, mental health issues and substance use. I have experience working with youth, children and families with child services involvement including foster care. I have had excellent outcomes working with people who struggle with depression, anxiety, anger management, other mental health issues, as well as those who have been impacted by trauma.

Elwin is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and certified case manager (CCM). Also Elwin is a licensed masters social worker (LMSW). Elwin is trauma and PTSD informed and trained to treat trauma. He is a clinician that practices integrated behavioral health, and mental health care. Elwin also utilizes a holistic approach that considers the physical health, biological, behavioral health, psychological, spiritual, and social needs of his clients. Elwin is strength based as a psychotherapist.

Starting counseling is a significant decision. Counseling can sometimes lead to intense emotions, and clients sometimes feel worse before they feel better. However, counseling often leads to significant symptom reduction, increased satisfaction in interpersonal relationships, greater personal awareness and insight, and increased skills for managing stress.

My practice is made up of primarily adults. I enjoy working with individuals as well as couples. My primary goal for treatment is to provide a comfortable, non-judgmental environment where my client's feel open and comfortable processing issues in their lives and improving mood or anxiety symptoms. I have experience working with a variety of diagnostic issues including (but not limited to) depression, anxiety, bipolar, addiction issues, marital discord, adjustment problems and ADHD. In addition, I also offer psychological testing services to clarify diagnoses, direct treatment and provide assessment and recommendations for treatment.

If you are struggling to find some peace and happiness, I am here to help. If you are frustrated by injustice in the world, I feel your pain. Combining neuroscience, social awareness, and evidence-based theory allows me to offer treatment methods that are unique to each person's needs. Whether you are experiencing depression, anxiety, relationship problems, or simply feeling lost and need some guidance, I hope to be that support for you. Let's work together to find you some relief.

I provide therapeutic services for children and teens. I have worked at alternative schools, inpatient hospitals, and residential treatment facilities. I am a staunch advocate for youth, and have extensive knowledge of psychiatric medication for children and teens. I am comfortable working with a wide range of mental health issues including depression, anxiety, ADHD, autism, childhood trauma, suicidal ideation, and self-harm. I utilize sensory integration therapy to help children self-sooth and enhance their independence. I enjoy working with children and families in crisis. I also work with young adults and college students.

Jennifer can help you make sense of your experience in a time when things feel very out-of-control and even senseless at times. Jennifer has 18 years of experience in Northern Indiana and Illinois working with individuals, adolescents, couples, families and Veterans facing a variety of life’s challenges. Jennifer specializes in trauma and stress-related disorders but can treat a host of issues competently with evidence-based interventions. She makes you feel welcome and safe.