Therapists in Charleston, IL

I identify as a queer person of color and hope to best serve those communities who feel underrepresented in professional fields. Common areas that I work with are trauma, gender identity and expression, career related difficulties, couples/interpersonal relationship issues, and mood/anxiety disorders. I work heavily with the linguistic ways we approach "problems" and through a narrative and solutions focused approach we would work on restoring your sense freedom as you navigate life's difficulties.

Starting a new year can be an exciting and motivational time. Starting the journey of building a new you or changing your life to be more authentic. My counseling approach focuses on helping you better understand you, your life, to find clarity, and purpose. This can help you become more genuine and deepen your relationships with those you care most about. I see couples, families, and individuals with a keen interest in teenagers and those experiencing transitions in their life, especially with grief. I am accepting and welcoming of different spiritual views, gender, gender expression, sexualities, etc.

I offer caring, unconditional support in a relaxed atmosphere for clients experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, trauma and PTSD. I also treat clients going through life adjustments, or those with relationship issues, and stress or health related problems. In addition, I am experienced in treating children for a variety of issues, including grief and loss, foster care and adoption issues, attachment and developmental trauma. I provide services for couples and families, and I include parents when working with children. I enjoy working with adults who are interested in personal growth and development.

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.

I am the only fully Certified Gottman Couples Therapist in Central Illinois. This approach has been proven to be effective by empirical research. You learn skills that restore emotional communication and closeness in couples. Really hearing your partner's reality restores emotional closeness. Stop the day to day negativity as a couple. Gottman therapy targets patterns that may be impeding you in attaining your relationship goals. The therapy teaches concise skills addressing issues where the "rubber hits the ground." I am also a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Illinois. In addition to couples, I see families, children, and individuals.

As a person-centered therapist with over fifteen years of experience in working with clients of all ages, I will meet you where you are at mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. I will help you embark on a journey to greater peace, happiness, and self-satisfaction. Whether you're having difficulty coping with life's many stressors, are feeling down, lacking motivation, or struggling to define and set meaningful goals for your life, I'm here to provide you with empathic support and guidance as you face life's many challenges.

I am a Licensed Social Worker in the state of Illinois, and I am also a trained EMDR therapist. I am experienced working with children, teens, and adults who are seeking counseling for a wide range of emotional and life experiences. I particularly enjoying working with children and teens. I am comfortable with and supportive of individuals who are on the spectrum or neuro divergent. I am driven to work with individuals who have experienced trauma of any kind, and I am particularly called to work with Police Officers, Medical Personnel, or other First Responders who are highly impacted by what they experience at work.

Do you suffer from Depression or have Suicidal Thoughts? TMS provides true treatment with a 75% success rate in treatment with 50% of patients experiencing a full remission of symptoms for patients who struggle with depression and OCD. This includes those who have tried multiple medications and struggled with side effects or have not received relief. TMS is not painful or disruptive, does not cause systemic side effects, and does not require hospitalization or anesthesia. Results are often noticed by family and friends within a week. Patient often report results as early as 3 weeks into treatment.

Contrary to what many people believe, not all adversity is bad. Through an intentional and concentrated effort, our challenges can be turned into strengths. Trauma occurs when adversity in life outweighs our available resources. As a EMDR and Trauma Certified therapist, I also incorporate techniques informed by the Polyvagal Theory, Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Somatic Experiencing (SE) for a bottom up approach. However, my main goal is to remind you of what we all intuitively know - that healing can only happen within the context of emotionally safe relationships. You are safe here.

My work with individuals is rooted in curiosity, compassion, and skill building. I support clients in connecting with themselves while helping them understand how their history impacts their current relationships and their sense of self. I have many years of experience working with children and their caregivers. Our work together will involve play, attunement, and parent coaching. As a part of the therapeutic process, I collaborate with each child’s team to create a cohesive plan for children and their families.

Most of us humans have experienced trauma or simply too much stress. Thoughts, body sensations, and images/memories/dreams can cause more emotional and physical pain--and vice versa. To get rid of these unwanted things completely may be expected goals; but to diminish and manage them with less pain or tension is more realistic. To be understood by others, to feel more safe, to feel supported, to receive usable feedback and new ideas--these are goals I will surely help any client experience. Somatic Experiencing facilitates clients in moving forward, at their own pace, building more resilience self-acceptance and confidence.

My therapeutic approach centers on the transformative power of connection – to oneself and to others. Whether working with couples navigating relationship challenges, individuals seeking healing and growth, or children developing emotional resilience, I support clients in fostering meaningful connections, and navigating life's deeper questions with clarity and purpose.

Kristin Smith is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor. She received her Master's Degree in Counseling from Lincoln Christian University. She has a wide range of clinical experience working with individuals, children, teens, and families experiencing challenges with anxiety, depression, anger management, PTSD, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, co-occurring disorders (mental health and substance abuse), life changes and transitions, relationships, grief and loss, and substance abuse/ addictions. Ms. Smith has worked in outpatient and residential settings both at Memorial and SIU.

Accepting new clients. My approach to therapy is grounded in empathy, active listening, and collaboration. My goal is to empower you on your path to healing and personal growth. Whether you're facing specific issues or simply seeking a space to explore your thoughts and feelings, I am here to support you. Together, we will work towards understanding your unique experiences, identifying strengths, and navigating challenges. As a mental health therapist with a background in neuroscience research, I am uniquely equipped to provide evidence-based interventions that address both the psychological and biological aspects of mental health.

Rachel Bunyard is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LPC) and specializes in working with children, adolescents, and adults who have experienced trauma and want to improve their coping skills and overall mental health. Emotional and psychological trauma can make you feel helpless and Rachel is here to help you find hope and heal from your trauma. She has worked with clients with a wide range of life challenges such as sexual assault, sexual violence, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance abuse, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, self-harm, personality disorders, Executive Functioning Disorders, and others,

Hope is the Anchor for the Soul. Anxiety, depression, stress, grief, and trauma can be overwhelming to live with. Change and recovery are possible for everyone; one step at a time. Establishing and maintaining healthy relationships with yourself and others is life changing, and empowering! Managing everyday conflict is a game changer! Be in control of your own health and healing! You can do it!

Cameron Hunter, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) specializes in working with those going through life transitions. He also works with people who struggle with anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder, as well as with minority populations who are experiencing challenging life experiences. As a younger professional, Cameron relates closely to and enjoys work with college-aged individuals who are navigating phases of life. In addition, he is passionate about helping children who have a diagnosis or even symptoms of ADHD. He works with couples, families, those experiencing gender issues and even Executive Functioning Disorders.