Relationship Issues Therapists in Bloomington, IL

My clinical interests include trauma-informed care, anxiety, depression, domestic violence, and couples counseling. I currently utilize a person-centered, strength-based approach to counseling but adjust this to the needs of my client(s). No matter the need or interest for counseling services, I find self-love, self-empowerment, and self-grace to be of utmost importance.

Our work with clients is meant to be supportive and comprehensive. Our work begins by learning about our clients, the situation, and their goals. We gather this information through listening and engaging our clients. We will then discuss practical next-steps that are relevant to each client's experience. Our services include psychotherapy and psychological testing. Our brief psychotherapy model seeks to help individuals, couples, and families flourish.

I have experience working with clients who struggle with a variety of issues including those related to anxiety, depression, life changes, problems with peers, school, or family, or a history of trauma. I partner with each client to create a treatment plan that is based on their individual needs with evidence based interventions.

Our work with clients is meant to be supportive and comprehensive. We begin by learning about our clients, the situation, and their goals. We gather information through listening and engaging our clients over several appointments. We will then discuss practical next-steps that are relevant to each client's experience. Our services include psychotherapy and psychological testing. Our brief psychotherapy model seeks to help individuals, couples, and families flourish. Our psychological testing services can provide diagnostic assessment for ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, IQ, forensic evaluation and others.

Kathleen Backus is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois with over 25 years of experience. She has a Master's degree from Bradley University in Peoria. Kathleen believes in being client centered and trauma informed. She is also strength based and believes in the worth of every human being. In her spare time, Kathleen enjoys spending time with family, exercising, and being outdoors.

I am passionate about working with women that struggle with symptoms of anxiety and depression. Navigating motherhood, work and balancing all that life throws our way can be challenging. I provide a safe space for individuals to be their authentic self, teach methods of coping with emotions and support setting healthy boundaries to increase overall self-confidence. I also enjoy working with adolescents/teens and young adults that struggle with impulsivity, identifying and managing emotions, and learning ways of coping with challenges that they may face in school, at home or in the community.

My approach is not just about providing therapy, but about creating a collaborative and empowering space. Together, we will navigate life’s challenges, setting treatment goals that are unique to your needs and desires. It would be a privilege to support you on this journey. I often support a diverse range of individuals, including: -those who have experienced trauma -parents -children aged 10 to 17 with various needs -young adults navigating life transitions

Feeling confused or stuck? Therapy can help people identify and make progress on issues that are getting in the way of happiness, personal growth and fulfilling relationships in their lives. My professional experience includes success in helping teens and adults dealing with a wide variety of issues including depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, substance use, relationships, parenting, and family related issues. I have worked in the counseling center of a major university, in a substance use treatment facility, in community mental health, and in private practice and have many years of experience and education.

Accepting new clients! Are you feeling stuck or disconnected? Experiencing trauma or disturbing events can impact our nervous system through the development of depression, irritability, anxiety, shame, or unwanted behaviors. While these outcomes are adaptive, you may find them disruptive to your well-being and relationships. Together, we'll explore the impact of early relationships on your life, creating a safe space for unraveling and transforming past wounds. Your unique narrative is valued here, and together, we'll navigate the complexities of your experience with compassion and support.

Life is a complicated journey, and I am fortunate to have the opportunity to walk with my clients as they navigate relationships, self esteem, life transitions, losses and change. My practice focuses on helping adults resolve difficult life experiences, whether from childhood or from the challenges of daily life or the inevitable transitions and changes of life as we grow older. I believe that therapy can help people break out of the set patterns of thinking and feeling that restrict us from living our life to our highest potential.

When we are in emotional pain, discovering the path to peace can feel elusive. Have you recently felt like anxious thoughts are making it difficult for you to get through your days? Are you experiencing traumatic memories that interfere with your emotional and physical health, and frequently get in your way? Do you find yourself distracted and overwhelmed? You may be feeling you will “never be enough" based on past rejections, or struggling to find your voice within your relationships. If you are feeling lost and uncertain what to do next, I am here to help you find meaningful relief with compassion and non-judgment.

Are you managing recent concerns or long term problems in your life? Are you struggling with understanding, managing, or accepting your own thoughts or feelings? Regardless of what bring us to therapy we are seeking to reduce our own suffering or the suffering of those we love. We may have been struggling so long we have become skeptical about our ability to change or our ability to tolerate our circumstances. We can all learn to face difficulties and our own emotions and situations skillfully.

Accepting new patients! Whether you are new to therapy or looking to start again, Great Lakes Psychology Group - Bloomington understands that starting therapy can be overwhelming. That’s why we simplified the process with Find My Therapist. Get started by telling us about yourself, your location, and your insurance. Once you find your best-fit therapist, pick a time that works for you and book an appointment instantly through their calendar. Find My Therapist aims to make your journey as stress-free as possible, so you can start feeling better sooner.

In working with you, my goal is to build trust and offer you a safe place while valuing the unique perspective you bring. Together, we can tailor therapy to fit your aspirations. My services include working with individuals, couples, teens, and adults.

I prefer working with clients dealing with depression, anxiety and/or life difficulties. Listening is a strength of mine and it is important to me to give my clients something they can take home between sessions whether that is a new coping skill, strategy or perspective. I work hard to help people out of their dark place and have received great feedback from adults and children of varying ages.

Do thoughts like "I can't shake my past", "I don't think this pain will ever go away", or "I'm stuck" preoccupy your mind? Often, when something traumatic happens, it can get trapped in your brain with the original picture, sounds, thoughts, and feelings. Since the experience is stuck there, it continues to be triggered whenever a reminder comes up. It can be the basis of a lot of discomfort and negative emotions. We can process those memories so they are no longer disturbing using an evidence based treatment called Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy.

As a therapist, I strive to partner with my clients in a compassionate manner in order to help create positive and meaningful changes. We live in a society with increasing demands and stress. I believe everyone can benefit from taking time to focus on their own emotional well-being through therapy services. Whether you're looking for support during a difficult time or need to process experiences from your past, I am here to join you in your healing process. I work with adolescents, adults, and families experiencing a variety of challenges.

Dr. Blair Brown is a regional clinical director and licensed clinical psychologist providing therapeutic and psychological testing services for children, adolescents, and adults. She oversees her region of outstanding clinicians and treats patients individually, as part of a couple, or as a family. Dr. Brown received her doctoral degree from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology in Chicago, IL and completed her internship and post-doctoral fellowship at Streamwood Behavioral Health Hospital.

Grief, loss, and trauma can have a profound and lasting impact on you or people you love. You may feel isolated from others and overwhelmed as you try to go about day-to-day tasks; you may struggle to feel safe, express your emotions, or understand how to make meaning from all that has happened. Other people might be telling you to “get over” it, as if grief has a deadline you haven’t met. Traumatic events from your past may bring up feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, or shame, which can prevent you from doing the things you want to do, affect your relationships, and make it hard to communicate or set healthy boundaries with others.