Therapists in Illiopolis, IL

Hi, I am looking forward to getting to know you & the ways in which I can support and assist you. Prior to beginning my work as a counselor in the state of Illinois in 2007, I worked as a psychology professor (teaching & conducting research). Since 2007 I have used a variety of therapeutic techniques to help individuals, couples & families. I specialize in working with those dealing with anxiety, mood disorders & relationship issues. My approach to counseling is interactive and solution focused. When I am not working, I enjoy baking and singing.

Often times, a crisis occurs when a client experiences a duality between his or her inner world and the external environment in which he or she lives in. This client may be going through a life transition related to loss of a loved one, job loss, aging, or even changes in health conditions. He or she may even be struggling internally to make a decision more aligned with their authentic selves such as gender, relationship styles, and vocational interests. The goal for this client is to achieve quality of life and fulfillment without denying himself or herself of his or her true identity and human condition. Being an artist, I use creativity when interacting with clients. My approach is a mix of talk therapy, strength-based approaches, and alternative techniques such as play, art-making, and meditation. My role as a therapist is to provide a safe, validating space for the client. The goal is to assist clients in finding and designing their own individual blueprint for building a quality life for themselves.

Hi My name is Diane I have more than 30+ years of experience doing therapy. I have worked in inpatient, outpatient settings as well as family service agencies and private practice. My approach is client centered with a strong focus on solution oriented short term therapy. I am a direct communicator, but use humor often to help clarify issues and to create an intervention that is easier to remember for my clients. Life sometimes is very hard, it is our reaction to it that makes it harder or easier. We can grow and learn to make our decisions based on our values and interests so that we are not fighting with ourself over the decisions that were always ours to make. We all make choices that have far ranging consequences for ourself and others- let us make them after a careful, honest self examination- therapy can provide a safe place for this self examination. . I have an interest in providing therapy and support for caregivers, clients with new medical challenges and families dealing with end of life issues. I have specialized in grief and loss as well as anxiety and depression. I am a direct communicator and have been able to " speak truth to power" so one of my subset of experiences is coaching executives who have lost their jobs and are going through emotionally challenging times. I am experienced at counseling cross cultural and interfaith families both at the pre-marital stage and further along in the marriage. I also have counseling experience ( as an ally) with GLBTQ+ counseling, coming out, managing the family disclosure and acceptance and straight spouse issues as well. Make no mistake, people need to work in therapy. A good therapist does not provide a NEST ( never ending supportive therapy) but rather a launching point. So if you are ready to launch ......contact me

WELCOME TO SEED OF HOPE COUNSELING SERVICES! ABOUT THE FOUNDER Jennifer M. Forbes, M.S., LMFT is the Founder of Seed of Hope Counseling Services and is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She is passionate about the work that she does and is grateful to God for the training, opportunities, and people that she has been able to serve throughout the years. She has successfully counseled hundreds of individuals, couples, and families through difficult times and it has been one of her greatest joys. Jennifer has served both in the non-profit and private sector, since 2009, providing counseling, consulting services, support, supervision, and leadership to various teams, clinicians, leaders, and organizations. She has been a pioneer in the field, working with agencies to create and implement innovative therapeutic initiatives. She has developed, established, and assessed various community programs for crisis, trauma, and clinical services. She has served on clinical committees for the Illinois Health Practice Alliance, the Behavioral Health Consortium and the Westside Community Triage and Wellness Center. Jennifer is a member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapist (AAMFT). Jennifer received her formal training from Northern Illinois University where she earned her Bachelor's in Psychology and Masters in Applied Family & Child Studies with a Specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy. Ready to Connect? We are confident you have come to the right place. Request your appointment today! We are looking forward to speaking with you. Feel free to visit www.sohcs.com for more information. Warmest Regards, Jennifer M. Forbes, LMFT MEET OUR THERAPIST: CHRISTINE HUFFAKER Throughout difficult years in my own mental health journey, I developed a growing passion for supporting others with their mental health from a place of empathy and understanding. I have always had a passion for sitting with others in both moments of joy and sorrow and honoring both spaces. I approach counseling with a genuine understanding of what it feels like to struggle silently with mental health and feel alone in the process. Out of my own time in counseling, I developed sincere belief in the therapeutic process. During my clinical experience as a masters counseling student through Indiana Wesleyan University, I have gained experience working with children, adolescents, young adults, and adults on a wide range of topics including anxiety, depression, grief, and anger management. My approach to counseling is rooted in person-centered care and the belief that clients are always the experts of their own lives. Above all, I strive to create a safe and nonjudgmental space for all clients characterized by compassion and acceptance. I believe deeply in the power of self compassion and the practice of attuning to our own emotions without shame. Topics of interest and possible future areas of specialization include: counseling work with teens and young adults, couples counseling, sexual functioning, obsessive compulsive disorder, and anxiety. Reaching out takes great courage, and I look forward to celebrating that victory with you in our first session! Sincerely, Christine Huffaker Don't Wait Another Day! Request an Appointment Today!

I bring 23 years of experience as a therapist and 16 of these years in behavioral health leadership. I have taught at several university and trained new therapists. I work with adults, adolescents, couples and families. I am energized by this profession and look forward to many more years. My treatment philosophy is holistic, systemic and client centered. I utilize a holistic picture including consideration of mind, body and spirit. I involve clients in their treatment planning. I am responsive to individual needs respecting preferences and life experience. Along with my client, I address the current issues and look at how to resolve these.

I have been a therapist in Illinois for 20 years working with clients struggling primarily with anxiety, depression, family conflict, parenting, ADHD, and grief/loss. I have a Master's in Social Work degree from University of Illinois at Chicago as well as an additional certification in mindfulness. My therapy approach involves creating a compassionate, calm space where clients can delve into the barriers that make life difficult to manage. Using a solution-focused based therapy infused with dialectical behavior therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and mindfulness training, clients are able to reflect on changes they want to see and make small steps in a positive direction. We all have good intentions but sometimes our busy and overwhelming lives keep us from forming better habits. I encourage clients to access mindfulness and positive self care strategies that are easy to implement for noticeable and effective change so life can be lived to the fullest! I primarily use the LiveChat option for therapy as this has been proven to be a convenient and comfortable platform for many of my clients. If this interests you, please let me know and we will find a time to meet!

I am licensed in Illinois and California with 41 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, lgbt-related issues, & relationship issues. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

I am licensed in Illinois with 5 years of professional counseling work experience, numerous years in the corporate world with many years of life experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

I am licensed in Illinois with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & parenting issues. I have experience with adoption, foster care, and non traditional family arrangements. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

I am licensed in Illinois with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with depression, trauma, stress, anxiety, addiction, grief and loss,anger management, motivation, & self esteem. I also have experience working with helping youth with school avoidance. I have significant experience helping people recover from being in toxic groups like cults and gangs. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.