Meet Your Therapists

Are you feeling stuck or overwhelmed with something in your life and can't seem to find a way out? It could be a recent or a long standing issue. It could be on an individual level or within a family. It could be something tangible, such as the loss of a loved one, or general feelings or thoughts that you cannot seem to shake. Sometimes we know change is needed, but we're not sure where to start. Counseling is an opportunity to take a step back and see the situation in a different light. Through a compassionate, down to earth, and honest approach, my goal is to help each client find opportunities for change in their lives that work for them and can help guide them to the outcome they're looking for. Allowing the help of a non-judgmental, professional can give you the opportunity to move toward healthier relationships, improved confidence, and a better quality of life. I use an eclectic approach of cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, dialectical behavior therapy, play therapy, and educational strategies to help you create meaningful change in your life. I welcome individuals, couples, or families. I work with children, adolescents, and adults with a wide array of backgrounds and concerns, including anxiety, adjustment issues, mood disorders, attention disorders, traumatic illness and injury, aging, grief and loss, relationship issues, divorce, and many other concerns. Please contact me with any questions. I look forward to working with you and helping you meet your goals!

Emily received her Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 2007 and a Master of Social Work from Saint Louis University in 2009. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the states of Illinois and Missouri. Additionally, Emily has certifications in gerontology, Gottman’s couples therapy, and is a registered Civil and Divorce Mediator.

Let’s sit, let’s move, let's play, let’s get outside… There is no one way and no one place for therapy to succeed. My experience working with clients ages 5-75 has made clear that creativity and adaptability are key to meeting client needs. Together we will find the functional intersection of your needs and my therapeutic approach.

I have experience working with anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, ADHD, ASD level 1 (Aspergers/high functioning Autism), disruptive behavior, and defiance. I work with youth and adolescents, adults, immigrant populations, and help boys and men build positive masculinity.

I use variations of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, play therapy, solution focused brief therapy, and nature-based therapy. We can rewrite internal stories and narratives that are holding you back, integrate past traumas and hardships, uncover existing strengths, overcome a fear of failure and rejection, recognize our self-worth, find solutions, and pursue goals together.

I received a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Adams State University in Colorado and a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies from Naropa University in Colorado. I am a Certified Outdoor Educator from the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) in Wyoming. Please contact our office to schedule an initial appointment!

Have you been in counseling several times before and felt that you would like more direction and feedback? Well, if so, I can assure you that you will not only be provided non-judgmental and honest feedback, but it will also be direct and solution-focused feedback to help with the change process. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as well a variety of other approaches, including assertiveness training and communication coaching, to resolve current and ongoing life stressors.

I have worked in the mental health field for more than 18 years with a wide range of clients from all backgrounds and sexual orientations.  Throughout my career, I’ve focused on helping remove the stigma of getting help with trauma related to military and first responder duties as well as any other type of trauma that you may have experienced.  As a result of working with trauma, I have immense experience in substance abuse and anger management as well as couples counseling.  I work with teens as well as adults on daily life stressors, anxiety, and depression.  I also have significant experience in grief and traumatic grief counseling.  Much of my experience is working with widows and widowers many left with younger children.  If you are looking for solutions and directive feedback, let’s meet and see if I am a good fit for your needs.

Do you feel stuck, stressed, or sad? Are you having a hard time with the state of the world, work, life, or the people you love? Are you worried or lonely and looking for a little sunshine? You are doing great...because you’re here, now. Welcome!

I hold a Master of Social Work with a focus on counseling individuals, couples, and facilitating group therapy. I am currently working toward being a Licensed Clinical Social Worker under the supervision of Dr. Shannon Walker. I have experience in treating symptoms and underlying causes of mood disruptions, intrusive thoughts, trauma, anger management, addiction, life/ work stress, and relationship conflicts. I am LGBTQIA+ affirmative and I can help you navigate issues surrounding gender expression, sexual orientation, and gender identity in yourself or your loved ones.  

My approach is relaxed and conversational. We will use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (looking at the connection between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors), Narrative Therapy (tell me your story!), and Person-Centered approaches (you are the authority on YOU) to work toward your goals and improved feelings of wellbeing. I invite you to “come as you are.” You will find acceptance, honesty, and an open mind when you step into my office. There will always be times when we need a little help. Thankfully, getting un-stuck is easier than you think, and I can help. The most important part of what I do is to make you feel comfortable and safe while you share your story, and we all have one. I am here to listen and offer support. I will help you map a path to your best life, and we will work together to get you there.

I am currently accepting new clients for in-person and telehealth counseling. Currently, I accept Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna, and self-pay clients. Our self-pay rates are reasonable and often lower than your co-pay. Please contact me for more information about scheduling, prices, and how I can help. I look forward to hearing from you!

I believe therapy should be a place to grow, learn and achieve one’s personal goals.  I look forward to helping my clients define their strengths so they can be used to overcome barriers.  I use a mix of treatment methods to meet each client’s needs including cognitive behavior therapy, cognitive processing therapy, solutions focused therapy, and mindfulness strategies.  I work with couples and individuals of all ages and have a special interest in anxiety and depression, school stress, grief, and adjustment and relationship concerns.  Meeting my clients where they are and helping each individual feel secure is how I can help my clients through the counseling process.

Dr. Shannon Walker is a licensed clinical psychologist.  Dr. Walker received her Ph.D. from The University of South Dakota and completed her internship at The Department of Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center in St. Louis, Missouri.

Dr. Walker specializes in the psychological evaluation of adults including psychiatric disorder diagnoses, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, developmental and intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, and the cognitive effects of neurological conditions such as dementia, stroke, and traumatic brain injury.  Dr. Walker also provides pre-surgical evaluations for individuals undergoing chronic pain procedures including spinal cord stimulator implants and pain pump implants, as well as bariatric procedures including the lap band and gastric bypass.

Dr. Walker specializes in the therapeutic treatment of individuals with chronic pain and has developed a short-term therapy protocol for the psychological management of chronic pain conditions to be used as an adjunct to a patient’s medical treatment.  She is actively engaged in supervising clinical therapeutic activities at Southern IL Institute of Behavioral Health.

Hi, I'm Tracy! I have dedicated my time and energy in focusing on a very select group of patients. I am certified in working with clients who have been diagnosed (or believe themselves to be) on the Autism Spectrum and have significant experience in assisting with brain-based disorders (e.g., Traumatic Brain Injury, post-Stroke, Dementias, such as Alzheimer's, Lewy Body, or Frontotemporal, etc). I am also certified and have extensive knowledge regarding the treatment of trauma, complex trauma, and trauma-related dissociation. I have a wealth of knowledge and expertise in treating victims of sociopathic and narcissistic abuse. I practice a goal-oriented, solution-focused therapy, coupled with support and motivation. I pull from a variety of research-based treatments to assist my clients in progressing toward their goals. This may include Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, behavioral methodology, Internal Family Systems, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Strengths-Based Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Exposure Therapy. I believe in being very supportive for my clients and discussing core issues that are causing trouble for the individual.

At this time, I am not able to take on new clients. However, I plan to open back up in January of 2024. If you would like to be placed on my waitlist, please understand that I may not be able to see you until this time.