Sandplay Therapists in Paxton, IL

These introduction statements are usually cheesy and kinda dumb. So, I'll cut to the chase. I am a therapist here in Peoria. I see teenagers (14+) and adults. I utilize a type of therapy called Internal Family Systems with most of my patients. This is considered "parts" work (like the movie "Inside Out"). I also am trained to utilize Exposure and Response Prevention as I was trained through BTTI with the International OCD Foundation. I'm not just a therapist, I'm also a client! (I, too, have OCD. Yay.) Lastly, I utilize Sandplay therapy, a nonverbal cousin to art therapy which can be healing for those with trauma.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years experience working with Adults, Teens, Children, and Families to address a variety of issues. My specialty areas of focus are Child and Adolescents, Family Conflict, ADHD in children and adults, PTSD, Traumatic Events, Grief, Anxiety, Depression and Parenting. I am a non-traditional and creative therapist that incorporates a number of techniques and am respected in the field and by my clients for my unique and straightforward approach to engagement and treatment.

Change is difficult and the best way to facilitate it is to approach it with gentleness and compassion. We are in a constant state of having to make decisions and respond with our best ability at every given moment. Many of those decisions may leave us questioning what we did to bring us to the crisis we are feeling today. The crisis may be the reason our relationship with ourselves has become distressed and disconnected.

It takes courage to take the first step into a counseling relationship. Everyone needs help navigating life's issues and complexities from time to time. Sometimes these problems can lead to feelings of confusion, depression and anxiety. I want to assist you on your personal journey as you encounter life's challenges and obstacles. I am confident that each of my clients hold the capacity to overcome adversity, effectively communicate, make healthy life choices, and lead happy and productive lives. I believe that each individual is special and unique.

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor. I work with all ages. I work with men, women, children and adolescents. My work is based on Gestalt Psychology, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing and Play Therapy. My interest includes helping others achieve their dreams through learning to develop their Social and Emotional Intelligence. Sometimes, in life obstacles get in the way of a person being able to achieve their dreams and they often need help learning to better use their emotions and their social environments. Because, dreams comes from change and change comes from dreams.

Licensed in Texas and Illinois. As we navigate our unique journey in life, sometimes additional support is needed along the way. My interactions with clients are grounded in compassion, respect, empathy, and an understanding of cultural impacts. My role as a therapist is to help educate and empower clients so that they develop the insight and skills necessary to overcome their own personal and situational challenges. Examining the core of your presenting symptoms can be challenging but you are worth the life changing experience. I work with couples, families, & individuals including adults and adolescents ages 14+.

My passion in life is to help others work through difficulty, finding strength and resources they never knew they possessed. As a therapist, I believe each individual is the expert in their lives and counseling helps to find the answers to problems from within through discussions, interventions, guidance, and support. I have over 10 years of experience working in a variety of settings including inpatient hospitalizations, outpatient therapy, and private practice. I have experience working with adolescents, teens, young adults, and older adults. I also have experience working with couples and families.

We are all faced with challenges in our lives and we need help managing life’s stressors. These stressors often lead us to behave in a way that may cause even more difficulty. If you are having trouble with depression, anxiety,or relationship issues then you are not alone.

At Healing Hearts Counseling, we are a licensed and trained team of caring professionals who are dedicated to giving you the best care possible. We value your time and we respect your needs. In fact, we really listen! What we bring to the "therapy couch" is experience in treating a multitude of mental health issues along with lots and lots of training. Whether you are aged 4, 14 or 41, we are here and we are ready to tackle hard issues with you. At Healing Hearts Counseling, we understand and are honored to partner with you in changing thought and behavior patterns that have kept you unhappy and stuck.

Hello! I am Dr. Julie Chicvara, PsyD, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. Born and raised in the southwest suburbs, I have settled my own family in the same community and opened a private practice in the Orland/Mokena area. You can expect a warm welcome and a comfortable environment upon coming to my office. The first visit entails a structured interview where background information and presenting problems are noted. A weekly time will be agreed upon where we will meet to work on therapeutic goals and current stressors. Therapy sessions are less structured and are tailored to the individual.

You don’t have to do it alone! Maybe there is a challenging relationship, work, school, or life is just simply overwhelming you. Perhaps you are a parent, or soon-to-be parent who is struggling. Or maybe you are tired of feeling anxious or depressed all the time. Therapy can help! It can be hard to call a therapist, yet you have an inner strength that has led you this far. I look forward to hearing from you!

Life has many difficulties, and having someone there to walk with you through them can be invaluable. Many of my clients are adolescent individuals diagnosed with a developmental disorder or struggling with emotional issues. They need help managing their work and improving their mood. They may want to develop stronger relationships, improve their grades and work through communication difficulties with the adults in their life. They might also be looking for their purpose and need help developing their personal values. I can treat a diverse group of individuals in many different circumstances.

Feeling sad, drained, overwhelmed, or repeating the same behavior patterns and want things to change? Is your youth struggling emotionally or behaviorally and need additional support? Dealing with day-to-day struggles and/or past hurts can be emotionally taxing for you or your youth. It prevents us from being the person we want to be and live the life we want to live. The good news is you or your youth don’t have to navigate life’s complexities alone.

I strongly believe in the importance of providing a safe, authentic, and accepting space for my clients to be able to take the brave steps necessary to obtain the growth and healing they desire. My personal and professional experiences have shaped my desire to support those who have been feeling stuck in a certain area of life, are struggling with life transitions and desiring skills to actively alter their current chapter. I commit to walk alongside my clients amidst their renewed strength, understanding, resilience, and hope.

Something feels off. You can’t quite put your finger on it; but some “shit” feels weird. You don’t feel like you can trust people so you isolate yourself from others because being fake feels phony to you. You are tired of fighting; but you can’t give up because there is a constant thought in your head “Who is going to take care of my child(ren)?” Nobody. So, you shake it off and keep pretending like everything is fine.

As seen on Univision, Telemundo, and La Ley Radio. Currently accepting clients for psychological and mental health evaluations for immigration cases. If you are petitioning for a U Visa, VAWA, Asylum, or Hardship (Perdon), please contact me to conduct the required mental health evaluation. Receive a comprehensive report that includes a biopsychosocial biography, clinical assessments, and treatment recommendations as well as other information pertaining to your particular case. Interviews done online.

I work those who are experiencing anxiety, depression, adjustment issues, body image issues, and trauma. I use a mind, body, and spirit approach as well as using mindfulness, and coping skills are important in treatment.

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with a master’s degree in community counseling from Eastern Illinois University. Over my 28 year career I have worked in many settings including out-patient therapy, in-patient treatment, residential treatment and crisis assessment. During this time I have had experience working with youth, adolescents, adults and families of diverse backgrounds.

I believe therapy is a process that helps you gain awareness of your strengths, behavior patterns, and thinking in order to provide the opportunity to make significant and meaningful changes in your life. I am dedicated to everyone I work with and committed to finding the best strategy to help you find peace and fulfillment. I am focused on helping you learn the skills to ultimately help yourself. After 20+ years of experience in the field, I have gained expertise with anxiety, emotional and behavioral challenges, parenting, mood disorders, self-esteem, ADHD, stress management, and family of origin issues.