Therapists in Payson, IL

Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with over 14 years of experience. I have spent the bulk of my career working with individuals suffering from trauma, substance abuse, and bipolar disorders. I am able to relate to individuals on a very personal level which typically builds a strong connection of trust. I manage a staff of over 60 individuals at a community mental health center where I am the administrator over co-occurring disorders (substance abuse and mental health). I manage a residential treatment facility, 6 outpatient co-occurring programs, a 24-hour mobile crisis program, an employee assistance program, mental health awareness program, and a substance abuse prevention program. I fully believe that in order to make things in our lives better we must learn how to take charge and change those things that are causing us problems. If change was just as easy as saying "lets change this", the counseling profession wouldn't be around. We all need help targeting the part of our lives where change needs to occur and we need help in starting and maintaining that change. I hope I am able to help you along this road to wellbeing!

Hello! Thank you for looking at my profile and considering me for counseling services. A bit about me, I have been a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the State of Illinois since 2010. Prior to that I was licensed as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) beginning in 2007. Along with counseling, I have been working as an Adjunct Professor for Bradley University (Peoria, IL), in their counseling program, teaching courses on substance abuse, grief and loss and human growth and development. I currently work in the field of Probation (since 2018) and keep my counseling skills sharp by teaching and consulting. I feel I have great skill in counseling and want to be able to continue to help people through the medium of counseling. So, that is why I am here, to continue to help those who are looking for an unbiased, non judgmental person to listen. I am a very opened minded person who is willing to help anyone in any position they are in. This is not to say I know how to manage every issue that may cross my path but I am willing to help others and listen. I have spent much of my counseling career helping people with depression, anxiety, stress, anger management, relationships and many other issues people face every day. I have also spent extra time learning, understanding and helping people with OCD. While it may be difficult to help clients with OCD on this type of platform, as exposure therapy is a key component, I am hopeful to continue to help those experiencing issues related to OCD. No matter where you are in life, who you are, what you believe, I am here to help you. Counseling is a difficult journey but a fruitful one for most that embark. I am a laid back counselor, with a good sense of humor (I am a firm believer that humor is therapeutic) and willing to meet you were you are emotionally and mentally. Counseling is not about me telling you how to live your life or the changes you have to make. My hope is for my clients to make the changes they would like to see happen and my role is to help them get there, not do everything for them to feel like they are there. You have taken the important first step of seeking help for whatever issue you are experiencing. Even if you do not choose me to help, I encourage you to keep looking and be willing to start the counseling journey. If you do choose me to start your counseling journey, I will do what is needed to help you feel heard and make changes to help you both short and long term. I look forward to working with you. :-)

I have a Masters and PhD in Counseling and Counselor Education, with over 15 years of experience in the field as a counselor, supervisor, and counselor educator. I was initially drawn to counseling to work with young adults in transition over the college years, but quickly became interested in working with people throughout all stages of the lifespan. I believe in helping people to live satisfied, authentic, and genuine lives and that key tools in doing so are increasing self awareness and congruence with themselves and in relation to others. I believe that the client is the best expert on their own lives, and I am here to be a sounding board for you as you consider what changes you want to make to increase satisfaction in your life. You will find my approach gentle, but direct, as I help you to identify goals and patterns of living. I have experience working with depression and anxiety, trauma, stress, relationship issues, identity issues, and career/lifestyle goals, to name a few. I am committed to promoting multicultural competence in both my own counseling, as well as the counselor training I provide as an educator. I currently reside and teach in the Pacific Northwest region (Washington State) as well as work with clients in Illinois. In addition to my work as a clinician, I have experience as a counselor educator and supervisor as well, which encourages me to remain current in regards to counseling best practices and resources, and am constantly adding to my own knowledge base, which benefits my clinical work with clients. I look forward to the opportunity to work with you!

I am a Marriage and Family Therapist licensed in the state of Illinois with over 20 years of experience working with individuals, families and couples . I have worked with clients with a variety of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, communication issues, career challenges, life stage transitions, anger issues and overall life stress. My counseling style is positive and welcoming. I strive to make the counseling process non intimidating, productive and comforting . My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, solution focused and internal family systems therapies.I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek therapy and to take the first steps towards making changes in your life. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

Hello! My name is Jessica Milgrome, and I have been a licensed mental health clinician for the past 10 years. I am also a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (Career Counselor) and a Nationally Certified Counselor. My therapeutic approach is centered around the belief that therapy should be the least stressful aspect of your life. I have a very modern, casual style, and I aim to create a supportive and relaxed environment where you can feel comfortable and open. I have a very informal, direct, and casual style of communicating, often incorporating humor into our sessions. I like to ask questions and am happy to direct the session if that’s preferred, or I can simply sit and listen. I appreciate when clients tell me if they are seeking guidance, feedback, or just want to vent. I have worked with clients facing a wide range of concerns, including but not limited to depression, anxiety, ADHD, and relationship issues such as breakups and marital conflicts. I also have experience in managing more severe mental health conditions like psychosis and trauma. My expertise extends to helping individuals cope with grief and loss, as well as addressing anger management issues. In addition to these areas, I focus on the development of interpersonal relationships, helping clients build and maintain healthy connections with others. I provide practical support with job placement and interview skills training, assisting clients in navigating career transitions and enhancing their professional lives. Most importantly, I offer guidance in cultivating self-love and navigating the process of forgiveness. I believe that developing a strong sense of self-worth and the ability to forgive oneself and others are crucial steps toward emotional healing and personal growth. My approach is holistic, addressing both the emotional and practical aspects of my clients' lives to help them achieve a balanced and fulfilling life. To give you an idea of the type of person I am—I'm a massive fan of stand-up comedy (laughing is life), I actually look forward to Mondays because that’s when Spotify releases new Discover Weekly playlists, and "When words fail, let the music speak" is essentially my mantra. Oh, and I have six dogs! As a therapist, my goal is to help my clients become the best version of themselves. Working together, we will improve self-esteem, identify triggers of symptoms, develop and effectively utilize coping skills, explore psychoeducational materials on areas of concern, facilitate and improve family relationships, discuss the effects of psychotropic medications, and develop a strong sense of self. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I do not believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic, and rational-emotive counseling. I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps toward change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you! Jessica Milgrome

In 2007, I received my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Marquette University, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I continued my education at Marquette University and received my Master of Arts in Community Counseling with a specialization in substance abuse and co-occurring disorders, in 2010. I have worked with community mental health agencies and hospitals, helping individuals with mental health and substance use disorders regain control of their lives. I have worked in the community with women and men dealing with depression, anxiety and addiction. I worked as a substance use case manager and closely with family service agencies to assess and link individuals to the therapeutic services that best fit their needs. As a therapist, I have collaborated with physicians to ensure quality and continuity of care. I understand that the journey in therapy is a personal one and I am committed to the privacy and confidentiality of the individuals with whom I work. I also understand the importance of caring for the whole person and integrating health services. I work with clients to build a treatment plan that best meets their specific needs. I take a strength-based approach to counseling where my clients come first. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and a Certified Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor (CADC) in Illinois.

I am licensed in Illinois with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. 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.

Hello! My name is Katie Wooldridge. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois. I currently have 5 years of professional work experience. I’m excited that you are here and wanting to make the first step towards a positive change. It is my hope that we can work together to help you navigate life’s challenges, make meaningful changes, and work towards a greater well-being and sense of self. Together we can explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors as we work on strategies that align with your values and goals. I understand that therapy can be a personal journey, and it is my goal is to create a safe space for you to feel heard and understood. I believe each person is the expert of their own life. I encourage clients to build upon their strengths in order to create a life they enjoy and are proud of. I will be here to support and empower you as you discover your goals and make meaningful steps in achieving them. If you’re ready to take the first step, I’m here to support you every step of the way. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or to schedule an appointment.

Robert Allanson is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), Certified in Drug and Alcohol Counseling (CADC) and holds his Certification as an Integrative Mental Health Provider (CIMHP). He received his undergraduate degree in Education from Elmhurst College as well as his Master’s Degree in Community Counseling from the National Louis University. Robert has worked with a diverse population of adolescents and adults within the inpatient hospitalization as well as outpatient substance abuse and mental health settings. Robert’s areas of focus have been addictions, anxiety, depression, anger, grief, and life transitions/adjustment related issues among many more. While taking a very client centered approach, he utilizes techniques from Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Solutions-Focused Therapy. Using these therapeutic approaches he strives to empower clients and their families to take an active role in recovery employing their own strengths and resources in addition to learning how to modify and adapt them to the ever evolving seasons of life. Patient Care Philosophy My approach to patients is very much based on empowerment and collaboration. I believe each individual holds the tools and resources for healing within them. I strive to work with them to clarify these strengths and learn or problem solve strategies for adapting them. I integrate various evidence-based therapeutic approaches to foster not only healing, but wellness and a true sense of fulfillment. Therefore it is critical to take a holistic approach that emphasizes flexibility and adaptability to the ever changing seasons of life. How I Stay Well: Balancing my life with a wide range of activities has been very helpful for me. I feel it is very important to get a sense of accomplishment each day in as many of my valued areas of life as possible, within reason. With that I try to pick up a pencil and draw, sketch, or doodle something every day to keep my creative juices flowing. I also have made it a point to set specific time aside each day to play with my boys, whether that be going on epic adventures, building Lego masterpieces, or Jedi and lightsaber training in the backyard. Maintaining that sense of wonder and imagination has been a much needed treatment to balance out the stressors of work and life.

I am licensed in Illinois with 21 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, parenting issues, & concentration, memory. I also have experience working with focus (adhd). I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!