Trauma and PTSD Therapists in East Peoria, IL

Karen Gilmore is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois who has been practicing since 2012. She has a BA in Psychology/Religion from Greenville University and an MSW from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Karen treats patients who experience trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, interpersonal relationship difficulties, disruptions of sleep, behavioral issues related to nutrition, workplace targeting, betrayal trauma, and chronic pain and fatigue. Karen is a mom of four adult children and a grandmother of two, and she enjoys swimming, woodworking and creating her own designs for projects.

As a therapist and human being, I believe in the power of counseling and its success at different times in one's life, whether for the purpose of personal growth or to address more serious mental health concerns or problematic behaviors. As a foundation to the counseling relationship, I help clients and families understand the process of therapy and that all people, children and adults, grow and heal on their own time. I believe that by providing a safe and supportive environment, clients are able to make positive, lasting change.

I believe that we all need a little bit of help once in a while. I also know that sometimes we don't know how to get that help or whom to ask. I feel that therapy can be beneficial to help facilitate that change by providing an outlet or resource for those that need that help.

Are anxiety and fear keeping you from truly living your life? Struggling with ruminating, intrusive, and unwanted thoughts? Does social anxiety keep you from making the connections your desire? Do you find yourself stuck in past trauma, unable to move forward? It doesn't have to be this way. Relief is possible. I am passionate about helping people live their life without having anxiety at the wheel. I specialize in working with clients with all types of anxiety issues (OCD, panic disorder, phobias, GAD). I also work with PTSD, trauma, navigating life transitions, and relationship issues.

Beginning the process of counseling can be a very different type of experience. Allowing oneself to be vulnerable enough to discuss personal and sometimes traumatic topics about one’s life is not always an easy task. As someone who has been in counseling, myself, I understand how difficult it can be to take that first step. This is why I became a counselor. I understand that faith can be an important part of one’s life and am able to integrate concepts of faith into counseling, based on each individual’s preference. I also realize that some wish to focus solely on therapeutic concepts and want to engage you where you are.

As a skilled and compassionate therapist, I specialize in working with persons having experienced trauma, sexual abuse, and domestic violence, offering a safe place for individuals to heal and rediscover their strength. With many years of experience in the field, I have committed myself to supporting survivors on their path towards healing and empowerment.

I believe we all long for meaningful connections. My goal is to facilitate the discovery of meaning and connection within yourself and within your closest relationships. Trauma looks different to each individual, and I believe we do the best we can to cope using skills we have learned throughout our lives. Unfortunately, many of these skills no longer serve us in a healthy way in the present. Regardless of your past, or where you find yourself today, you deserve to be heard. I aim to create a safe, nonjudgmental space to process traumas and challenges, finding healing and peace amidst the chaos.

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who is passionate about supporting my clients as they each walk through their individual journeys. Above all else, I believe in empowerment of my clients to be the best, most self-aware, versions of themselves. I am particularly skilled in bringing a warm and comforting approach as we dive into difficult topics. I have also done extensive work with domestic violence.

Rajashree Ranu Iyer, LCPC, approach is simultaneously compassionate and straightforward. Those seeking her services may experience her as a clinician who gets right to the heart of the issue, speaks with honesty and integrity, and encourages her clients to be the best version of themselves. Ranu earned a graduate degree in counseling and special education from Southern Illinois University. Fluent in English, Hindi, and Tamil, she supports adolescents and third culture kids navigate the difficulties in life.

Claire Leech is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois. Claire completed her Bachelor's in Psychology at Bradley University and received her Master's in Counseling at Lincoln Christian University. Claire strives to create an environment of safety and comfort for clients to work through the events that bring them to therapy. She believes in meeting her clients where they are and partnering with them to create goals to overcome their struggles and live the life they desire.

Anna Liszka, LCPC, meets clients where they are and sets realistic goals to help them achieve their greatest potential. By creating a safe, relaxed, non-judgmental space for clients to be their authentic selves, Anna accepts her clients for who they are and welcomes people from all backgrounds. After earning a graduate degree from Bradley University in 2019, Anna worked in a residential setting with children experiencing mood and behavioral disorders. She then transitioned to private practice, enabling her to assist clients from various backgrounds.

Jori Sparry graduated from Central Connecticut State University with a major in Psychology and a minor in Religious Studies. She completed a Master of Science degree with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy in 2000. She was trained by William Boylin, Ph.D., who was supervised and trained by Carl Whitaker M.D. (a founding father of family therapy) in family systems and the creator of Symbolic Experiential Therapy. She has worked in a number of various settings including inpatient drug and alcohol rehabilitation, foster care/adoption, and a crisis stabilization home for teenagers.

Do you feel that you are “not connecting” with life? Are you experiencing depression or anxiety? Do the same patterns keep happening over and over in your life? Are you ready to transform your life, by addressing root causes, and move more quickly than traditional therapy? Would you like to create the inner freedom in your life that will allow you to create the life you desire, and fulfill your calling? Would you like to decrease stress, and enhance your wellness on a body/mind/spirit level? Change is possible to overcome anxiety, depression, and trauma. I will work with you to help clear patterns that are holding you back.

Inspired by 20 years of working with individuals and families, I use a compassionate strengths-based perspective to help children, youth, parents and caregivers discover their potential, repair harms of the past, and build a bright future. I work with people to help them manage the challenges in all stages of life. I meet client’s where they are at and use a creative approach to help them explore where they would like to go. Above all, I bring compassion and safety to the therapeutic space.

I focus on fostering strong, trusting relationships by providing a therapeutic space that is safe, supportive, and free from judgement. Using a strength-based perspective, I meet clients where they are with understanding and empathy. I invite my clients to bring their unique, authentic selves to session and offer a space for self-exploration, personal growth, and healing.

At Mended Hearts we use Equine and Animal Assisted Therapy to help build trust, confidence, and relationships. Equine Therapy provides immediate, honest, and observable feedback. This type of therapy can be utilized by groups, individuals, families, and couples. Individuals who struggle with low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, impulse-control, anxiety, and substance-related disorders will benefit from equine therapy. The client will engage in activities that will help process feelings, behaviors, and build healthy coping skills.

Twists and turns are part of life, but having an impartial voice that lends a new perspective can make navigating them easier. We all have our own struggles, experiences, and obstacles. We also have our own strengths, talents, and resources. Realizing how to utilize your unique strengths to discover ways to overcome obstacles is my passion. We all have our differences and it is those differences that give us strength as individuals, couples, families, and communities.

Hello, I'm Erica! Life is difficult and sometimes we forget that we don't have to do it alone. I look forward to having the chance to understand who you are. I have provided therapy out in the community, in schools, as well as in a typical counseling office. I have experience with clients of all ages who struggle with depression, anxiety, anger, family conflict, coping with grief and loss, the challenges of parenting, social behavior, and trauma. My approach to counseling is person centered. I believe you are the first and best expert on yourself. I focus on truly hearing what you believe about your own needs and concerns.

Hello! I know sometimes the most difficult part of beginning the counseling process is finding a caring and compassionate counselor with whom you can connect. Look no further. Stressors such as financial worries, family, relationship, or work concerns, and chronic pain or illness are just a few struggles that may change behavior and mood. I strive to create a warm, helpful, non-judgmental environment in which you will feel safe, supported, and heard.