Grief Therapists in Peoria, IL

At some point in our lives, many if not most of us, will experience some sort of emotional pain or relational issue that we simply cannot work out on our own. This can lead to feelings of being stuck or even trapped. These feelings often create suffering and can damage those around us. At M. Craig Counseling Services, my non-judgmental and caring approach coupled with helping you live by your true values; creates an atmosphere that fosters growth and ultimately brings about the change that you want to see happen in your life.

Are you struggling to be your own person? To discover your voice? To find and become your authentic self? Have you been traumatized by lack of family acceptance, grief, loss, or domestic violence? Have you found yourself getting caught up in addiction? Do you feel stuck and unable to move forward towards in life?

Deciding to start therapy is a brave, difficult decision! You may find you are in a situation where you feel like you are stuck, have no where to turn, or are navigating some of the most difficult times of your life. I find that people are looking to be heard, to feel safe, and to find support. Having the experience of being listened to, of being validated, and being supported can be the beginning of the process of healing. I work to create a warm, safe, and open therapeutic space for you to bring any emotion you may be feeling. Together, we can navigate the challenges you are facing and work towards your path to healing.

I am dedicated to working with you to help you find your ability to deal with life and it's challenges by calling on your natural resources and capabilities and seeking a solution that is yours. I believe in the right to self-determination and that all people should have the capability to obtain what they want for their life through the power of therapy. I have worked with veterans of foreign wars, mature adults, teenagers and all kinds of people in between. I find the ability to explore life, understand ourselves and our situation better creates lasting happiness.

I believe that everyone has inherent strength. While I can be direct and to the point, I understand that this conversation is about your life, not mine. I come from an inclusive feminist background and am comfortable working with all genders. I also believe in the power of laughter and that everyone is capable of living their best life. We are not broken and do not need fixing. However, there are times in life when we need a safe space to focus on where to go next. Addressing trauma, depression, PTSD, and CPTSD doesn’t always mean reliving past experiences or sharing every detail. My goal is to support you in moving beyond.

I have served the Peoria area in various therapeutic roles over the past 8 years working with children and adolescents in residential and community-based programs. These experiences have provided me with a wealth of clinical knowledge and anecdotal experiences to provide each client with a holistic approach that addresses all factors of their functioning. Through this, I am able to match clients with their identified goals and actualize their ideal self to lead healthy, fulfilling lives. Every client has the capability to achieve their goals, and I provide the framework to assist them in reaching these goals.

“Emotional wellbeing is just as important to us as Breathing is!” We all need to know that we deserve happiness even if we aren’t used to it. I have been a Social Worker for 28 years. In that time, I have worked in Community Mental Health, Rehab to home and long-term care, and hospice. I believe creating an environment of trust and safety is the most important part of the therapeutic relationship. I have experience with grief, depression, anxiety, borderline personality disorder, and trauma.

My approach to therapy is holistic and collaborative. With a listening ear, my commitment to you is to use the knowledge, insight, perspective and tools I have learned as a professional therapist to partner with you to gain greater self-awareness, manage stress more effectively and be empowered to find positive paths forward. It is my goal to help people of all ages, backgrounds and sexual orientations succeed in achieving their desired goals. I understand the importance of finding connection with your therapist. When seeking help, one often feels vulnerable. I will provide a safe space as we process struggles towards resolution.

As I've grown in the field of therapy, one thing I have clung to is the desire to give my clients a safe space that they can come to. As a respected professor once quoted Carl Whittaker, "if you are going to do surgery in therapy, make sure to dip the scalpel in the anesthetic of love". Therapy is not always easy and neither is life. I may not be able to promise that the road to healing is easy, but I can promise to walk through this valley with you.

Connection matters; we weren't meant to go through life's hurts and challenges alone. Oftentimes we get this connection through friends and family, but sometimes we need more than that. Sometimes it feels as though we are stuck in the spot we are in without hope of things changing. I understand that it's difficult to take that step towards counseling. My heart is to create a space to feel heard, understood, and to gain hope as we walk through those stuck points together.

Caitlin's clinical specialties include treatment of children and adolescents who experience anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, transitions in life, self-harm, suicidal ideation, and crises intervention. Her style of counseling is sympathetic, client centered and solution focused. She assists her clients in reducing mental health symptoms and improving their quality of life. She believes that therapy is a collaborative effort between client and therapist in which the counselor helps the client live their best life possible

I focus on assessing and addressing all of the areas in ones life, emotional, spiritual, education, career, relationships, that may benefit from healing or goal setting.

Change is possible and I believe you have the ability to create positive changes that will allow healing throughout your journey in life. Thoughts, emotions, and perceptions shape the way we interact with others, and in turn, how others interact with us. My approach is to create a safe, non-shaming, compassionate therapeutic environment coupled with a strong emphasis on collaboration. As an experienced and dedicated therapist for over 20 years, my goal is for you to learn tools and effective strategies to reach your mutually agreed upon goals in therapy.

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.

Welcome, I’m glad you’re “here”—taking steps to make your mental health a priority. Perhaps you are familiar with the feeling life is moving at a pace you can no longer manage? Perhaps you are adjusting to a life change or caregiver/parenting role that has served to create new, or worsen existing mental health concerns. Know that you are not alone!

Although it may seem unattainable right now, hope, restoration and even joy are possible after trauma and loss. My aim is to provide a safe place of compassionate care to assist you towards personal healing, growth, and resilience. My experience includes inpatient, outpatient, residential, health and mental health care across the lifespan. Additionally, I have provided curriculum development, consultation, and instruction to resident physicians and mental health clinicians in training. I help those who have experienced interpersonal trauma move towards healing and wholeness.

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.

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.

My philosophy towards therapy and, being a therapist,can be put this way.You can create positive change in your life. You can overcome difficult and even seemingly overwhelming obstacles. The first step is to believe that you are worthy of a better life no matter what the present situation tells you. The next step is to accept that, 'Life is a Journey'. I think there is incredible wisdom and hope in those words; a journey is on-going, and, life gives you opportunities to change as you choose! Sometimes we just need a little help figuring out how to start.