Out of Network Therapists in Peoria Heights, IL

Life can be hard and if you are struggling with mental health concerns or have been confronted with a new challenge, life can be even harder. Sometimes we're thrown a curve ball and our ways of coping are no longer effective or perhaps your way of thinking has gotten in the way of recovering from emotional pain or loss. Regardless of the situation you find yourself in, I believe we're all doing the best we can and we can all do better. We either possess or can develop skills to manage stressors and improve our quality of life.

These difficult and unprecedented times are causing an increase in anxiety and depression. I am a Christian who is a counselor. I work with people of all faiths as well as those who do not have any particular spiritual viewpoint. It is my aim to treat all of my clients with compassion and integrity. I will take the time to get to know you, and help you get to know yourself. Throughout the decades, I have practiced a variety of counseling techniques that we can tailor to suit your individual needs and personality. "Welcome to your life... only better!"

During our lives we all experience different obstacles, relational issues, pain or grief, or some sort of life challenge; and at times we need help as we walk through that period of our lives. My mission and passion is to provide the highest quality Godly counseling and psychological services to children, teens, adults, couples, and families. I seek to provide a caring, safe, confidential, and healing environment, for my clients. I am dedicated to a therapeutic process that ministers to the whole person.

I focus on assessing and addressing all of the areas in ones life, emotional, spiritual, education, career, relationships, that may benefit from healing or goal setting.

It is my belief that all too often in life, we are dealt situations and circumstances we don't prepare for. We might feel as though we have no support or the proper care we deserve. I feel that therapy can be beneficial in ways that help us understand ourselves in a more positive and healthy way. I encourage putting our mental and physical well-being first, so that we are able to confront the challenges of everyday a little bit easier. I enjoy helping others find strength within themselves, and using this to lead a productive and beneficial lifestyle.

Are you feeling stressed, anxious, or depressed? Do you feel each day is a struggle and there is no hope? Do you have anger that is difficult to control? Have you experienced a life-changing event that you need help coping with and understanding? Is your child or teenager struggling with emotional, social, or behavioral difficulties? Are you a concerned parent? People visit counselors for many reasons. For some it is the beginning of breaking free of chains preventing discovery of their true self. For others it means understanding why unhealthy patterns of behavior continue. For all it is an investment in hope and change.

Life can feel out of control at times, and it can be difficult to slow down and pay attention to ourselves or make desired changes. We might feel like we are trying to survive what life throws at us, rather than living to the fullest. Maybe we find that certain patterns in our lives are creating problems or old coping strategies aren't working anymore. Perhaps after years of avoiding our emotions, they have become too painful and overwhelm us. I strive to create a collaborative, safe, and non-judgmental space to explore what you are going through with compassion and curiosity.

Connection matters; we weren't meant to go through life's hurts and challenges alone. Oftentimes we get this connection through friends and family, but sometimes we need more than that. Sometimes it feels as though we are stuck in the spot we are in without hope of things changing. I understand that it's difficult to take that step towards counseling. My heart is to create a space to feel heard, understood, and to gain hope as we walk through those stuck points together.

Darin received both his Bachelors and Masters degrees from the University of Illinois. He has been assisting individuals, couples and families for more than 20 years and uses a strength-based approach to his counseling. Darin takes great satisfaction in helping his clients increase their self-awareness in order to improve their ability to regulate their thoughts and behaviors . Areas of skill building include but are not limited to: avoiding thinking errors, increasing personal responsibility, increasing emotional intelligence, assertiveness training, integrating faith into decision making, stress management, enhancing parenting skills and improving self-esteem.

You don't have to be in a crisis to participate in therapy. Life can be complicated and overwhelming. Therapy can be a useful tool to help you safely explore, let go and free yourself of those thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that keep you stuck or cause you stress or discomfort. Processing these distressing experiences with a therapist can be very beneficial, healing, and transformative. Let's work together to release those limiting expectations, modify those fixed beliefs, and increase your ability to cope and function. Are you ready to become the best version of yourself and change your life for the better?

"If you always do like you've always done You'll always get what you've always got..." That's just part of a quote attributed to many from Socrates to Einstein and many more. Where it originated from and who said it does not matter as much as understanding how it applies to you. Things happen in life, in and out of our control that shapes us emotionally, physically and spiritually. How we manage it, determines between a hopeful or hopeless life journey. Everybody has something. I offer support and encouragement in helping you manage your life's journey.

I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, relationship issues, problems with achievement and unhealthy coping with professional stress. I will help you feel like you are heard and your problems are understood. We'll work together to help determine what tools or skills you will need to overcome the emotions that may be keeping you from living the life you want. I'll help you build your skills to overcome what has previously held you back. I work with people from a variety of backgrounds including people who work in healthcare, business, law, technology, engineering, and students (high school through graduate school).