Sexual Abuse Therapists in Peoria, IL

Photo of Stephanie Weir, LCPC, Counselor
Stephanie Weir
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Peoria, IL 61615
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.
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.
(309) 450-2266 View (309) 450-2266
Photo of Amy Fischer, MSW, LCSW, EMDR, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Amy Fischer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, EMDR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Peoria, IL 61615
Waitlist for new clients
Amy specializes in healing women & girls ages 12-45 with relationship trauma (friendships and romantic), healing inner child wounds (bullying, sexual abuse, physical abuse), toxic relationship patterns, emotional eating issues, increasing self love and post-partum depression/anxiety. She uses EMDR, deep guided imagery, hypnotherapy, CBT, and DBT tools to help make positive changes happen. Along with processing past traumas the other goal is to teach you coping tools to effectively manage life on your own. Check out www.mindoasiscounseling.com for more information.
Amy specializes in healing women & girls ages 12-45 with relationship trauma (friendships and romantic), healing inner child wounds (bullying, sexual abuse, physical abuse), toxic relationship patterns, emotional eating issues, increasing self love and post-partum depression/anxiety. She uses EMDR, deep guided imagery, hypnotherapy, CBT, and DBT tools to help make positive changes happen. Along with processing past traumas the other goal is to teach you coping tools to effectively manage life on your own. Check out www.mindoasiscounseling.com for more information.
(309) 247-8323 View (309) 247-8323
Photo of Venus Evans-Winters, CCTP, MSW, LCSW, PhD, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Venus Evans-Winters
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, CCTP, MSW, LCSW, PhD
Verified Verified
Peoria, IL 61615
Serving clients across Illinois for over a decade, her areas of expertise are trauma related to interpersonal or family violence, sexual assault and abuse, adoptive and foster care, school problems/workplace problems, parenting, and couples therapy.
Dr. Venus Evans-Winters is a licensed clinical social worker, trauma expert, and professor. She draws upon multiple therapeutic and psychoeducational techniques (e.g., cognitive, dialectical, and reality therapies) to meet clients' mental health and socio-emotional needs. A native of Chicago and representative of the hip-hop generation, she helps clients from diverse backgrounds cope with chronic stress and trauma. Her practice is influenced by Adlerian theory and centers on culturally responsive approaches to practice because we know that culture is a significant influence on one's perception of stress and self-efficacy.
Serving clients across Illinois for over a decade, her areas of expertise are trauma related to interpersonal or family violence, sexual assault and abuse, adoptive and foster care, school problems/workplace problems, parenting, and couples therapy.
Dr. Venus Evans-Winters is a licensed clinical social worker, trauma expert, and professor. She draws upon multiple therapeutic and psychoeducational techniques (e.g., cognitive, dialectical, and reality therapies) to meet clients' mental health and socio-emotional needs. A native of Chicago and representative of the hip-hop generation, she helps clients from diverse backgrounds cope with chronic stress and trauma. Her practice is influenced by Adlerian theory and centers on culturally responsive approaches to practice because we know that culture is a significant influence on one's perception of stress and self-efficacy.
(309) 362-0501 View (309) 362-0501
Photo of Alicia Howe, MA, LCPC, Counselor
Alicia Howe
Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
Peoria, IL 61614
Waitlist for new clients
I have 12 years of experience working with adolescents with behavioral and emotional difficulties. I have completed the Pediatric Obsessive Compulsive Disorder certification program through the International OCD Foundation. I have extensive experience working with family issues including divorce, legal problems, sexual abuse, and other mental illnesses. I have worked with many adults and adolescents experiencing anxiety and depressive symptoms.
I have 12 years of experience working with adolescents with behavioral and emotional difficulties. I have completed the Pediatric Obsessive Compulsive Disorder certification program through the International OCD Foundation. I have extensive experience working with family issues including divorce, legal problems, sexual abuse, and other mental illnesses. I have worked with many adults and adolescents experiencing anxiety and depressive symptoms.
(309) 807-1382 View (309) 807-1382
Photo of Mary Beth Cunningham, MA, LCPC, Counselor
Mary Beth Cunningham
Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Peoria, IL 61614
Waitlist for new clients
I have vast training and experience in working with individuals with backgrounds of trauma (including domestic violence and sexual assault), substance use, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenic disorder (including schizoaffective disorder), and clients whose diagnoses impede their abilities to learn and work in a traditional setting.
My office is a judgement-free zone when helping my clients to achieve their goal of a higher quality of life. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who is skilled in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders. I have over a decade of experience helping adolescents and adults overcome barriers related to mood & anxiety disorders, trauma-related stressors, substance use disorders, grief & loss, and educational difficulties related to learning disabilities and mental health diagnoses. I am a client-centered therapist and am able to tailor treatment goals to each individual's needs using evidence-based approaches.
I have vast training and experience in working with individuals with backgrounds of trauma (including domestic violence and sexual assault), substance use, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenic disorder (including schizoaffective disorder), and clients whose diagnoses impede their abilities to learn and work in a traditional setting.
My office is a judgement-free zone when helping my clients to achieve their goal of a higher quality of life. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who is skilled in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders. I have over a decade of experience helping adolescents and adults overcome barriers related to mood & anxiety disorders, trauma-related stressors, substance use disorders, grief & loss, and educational difficulties related to learning disabilities and mental health diagnoses. I am a client-centered therapist and am able to tailor treatment goals to each individual's needs using evidence-based approaches.
(309) 213-2825 View (309) 213-2825
Photo of Nathan Chase, LCPC-IL, LPCMHSP, CADC
Nathan Chase
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC-IL, LPCMHSP, CADC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Peoria, IL 61601
Specializes in cross-cultural adjustment issues, trauma/PTSD, physical & sexual abuse, healing from racial discrimination, chemical dependency and sexual addictions, young adults, first responders, helping professions, compassion fatigue, at-risk youth, attachment disorders, depression/bi-polar, grief & loss, life transitions, and spiritual development.
Nathan has a pursued a career of inviting others into safety, healing, and growth through counseling, chaplaincy, and mentoring. He is licensed in both Illinois (Telehealth) and Tennessee (in-person and telehealth). Experienced in working with multiple varieties of trauma, addiction, grief, and life transitions.
Specializes in cross-cultural adjustment issues, trauma/PTSD, physical & sexual abuse, healing from racial discrimination, chemical dependency and sexual addictions, young adults, first responders, helping professions, compassion fatigue, at-risk youth, attachment disorders, depression/bi-polar, grief & loss, life transitions, and spiritual development.
Nathan has a pursued a career of inviting others into safety, healing, and growth through counseling, chaplaincy, and mentoring. He is licensed in both Illinois (Telehealth) and Tennessee (in-person and telehealth). Experienced in working with multiple varieties of trauma, addiction, grief, and life transitions.
(423) 556-4742 View (423) 556-4742
Photo of Dr. M. Diana Schroer, LCPC, Counselor
Dr. M. Diana Schroer
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Peoria, IL 61604
Dr. Diana Schroer, LCPC, is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Illinois with over 20 years’ experience working with children and families. Diana has been working with children and families since 1993, specializing in areas related to emotional and behavioral development, sexual and physical abuse, trauma, attachment, depression, anxiety, and grief and loss. The theoretical orientation that best describes my beliefs, values, and worldview is integrative.
Dr. Diana Schroer, LCPC, is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Illinois with over 20 years’ experience working with children and families. Diana has been working with children and families since 1993, specializing in areas related to emotional and behavioral development, sexual and physical abuse, trauma, attachment, depression, anxiety, and grief and loss. The theoretical orientation that best describes my beliefs, values, and worldview is integrative.
(309) 948-6696 View (309) 948-6696
Photo of Lisa M Kyle-Wolf - Seventh Direction, LCSW, BS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Seventh Direction
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, BS
Verified Verified
Peoria, IL 61614
As a seasoned therapist of 32 years, I have a unique set of skills that allows me to assist in your healing. I practice the spiriutal concepts that I believe in and the healing techniques that I love. The techniques that I love the most are EFT, EMDR, Rapid Resolution Therapy, and Aroma Freedom Technique. These techniques allow me all that is necessary for us to heal your trauma issues or any other issues you may have. My passion is creating a space for all of us to unite and enrich your life. I look forward in working with you. Of course, I am well versed in typical cognitive/behavioral therapies as well.
As a seasoned therapist of 32 years, I have a unique set of skills that allows me to assist in your healing. I practice the spiriutal concepts that I believe in and the healing techniques that I love. The techniques that I love the most are EFT, EMDR, Rapid Resolution Therapy, and Aroma Freedom Technique. These techniques allow me all that is necessary for us to heal your trauma issues or any other issues you may have. My passion is creating a space for all of us to unite and enrich your life. I look forward in working with you. Of course, I am well versed in typical cognitive/behavioral therapies as well.
(309) 517-5243 View (309) 517-5243
Photo of Michelle Krieger, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Michelle Krieger
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Peoria, IL 61615
Body-image concerns, eating disorders, trauma, anxiety, depression, and relationship difficulties impact our ability to grasp the life we long for. Simple pleasures such as enjoying time with friends, celebrating special moments, going out for dinner, hanging out with peers, or feeling connected to our partner can be a daunting or impossible prospect. Stepping into therapy can feel just as daunting, but it can be the beginning of grasping the life you deserve. I have worked with adolescents, teens, and adults to strengthen recovery from their eating disorder, improve body image, heal trauma, and strengthen relationships.
Body-image concerns, eating disorders, trauma, anxiety, depression, and relationship difficulties impact our ability to grasp the life we long for. Simple pleasures such as enjoying time with friends, celebrating special moments, going out for dinner, hanging out with peers, or feeling connected to our partner can be a daunting or impossible prospect. Stepping into therapy can feel just as daunting, but it can be the beginning of grasping the life you deserve. I have worked with adolescents, teens, and adults to strengthen recovery from their eating disorder, improve body image, heal trauma, and strengthen relationships.
(309) 760-6835 View (309) 760-6835
Photo of Julie K Peters, MA, APCC, LCPC, Counselor
Julie K Peters
Counselor, MA, APCC, LCPC
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Peoria, IL 61615
Welcome, I bring a strong skill base working in LGBTQIA+, addiction and PTSD communitites. I love working with Couples and families, and I'm passionate about helping students navigate studying and self-care. I'm here to help you utilize your innate creativity, and I'm excited to aid you as you enact new patterns in your relationship with yourself and others. You will experience me as an affirming clinician who values and acknowledges your marginalized identity and the intersection of the many roles you embody. You can expect kindness from me and a treatment space that expands to allow your unique perspective to shine.
Welcome, I bring a strong skill base working in LGBTQIA+, addiction and PTSD communitites. I love working with Couples and families, and I'm passionate about helping students navigate studying and self-care. I'm here to help you utilize your innate creativity, and I'm excited to aid you as you enact new patterns in your relationship with yourself and others. You will experience me as an affirming clinician who values and acknowledges your marginalized identity and the intersection of the many roles you embody. You can expect kindness from me and a treatment space that expands to allow your unique perspective to shine.
(309) 724-1083 View (309) 724-1083
Photo of Renae Miller, MS, MFT, LCPC, Counselor
Renae Miller
Counselor, MS, MFT, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Peoria, IL 61614
It's not easy to talk to a stranger about the things that make us feel most vulnerable. It's difficult to hope that things could be better or to believe that we could be loved or accepted once we are fully known. I work with my clients in an atmosphere of respect, believing the best things for you that you cannot see right now, working together towards the goals that you courageously speak out loud. After 15 years in practice, I have seen so many people find freedom from the fears and symptoms that hold them back and it brings me great joy and honor to walk beside them as they heal.
It's not easy to talk to a stranger about the things that make us feel most vulnerable. It's difficult to hope that things could be better or to believe that we could be loved or accepted once we are fully known. I work with my clients in an atmosphere of respect, believing the best things for you that you cannot see right now, working together towards the goals that you courageously speak out loud. After 15 years in practice, I have seen so many people find freedom from the fears and symptoms that hold them back and it brings me great joy and honor to walk beside them as they heal.
(309) 245-0397 View (309) 245-0397
Photo of Melissa Shane - Healing Hearts Counseling, LCPC
Healing Hearts Counseling
LCPC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Peoria, IL 61615
At Healing Hearts Counseling, we are a licensed and trained team of caring professionals who are dedicated to giving you the best care possible. We value your time and we respect your needs. In fact, we really listen! What we bring to the "therapy couch" is experience in treating a multitude of mental health issues along with lots and lots of training. Whether you are aged 4, 14 or 41, we are here and we are ready to tackle hard issues with you. At Healing Hearts Counseling, we understand and are honored to partner with you in changing thought and behavior patterns that have kept you unhappy and stuck.
At Healing Hearts Counseling, we are a licensed and trained team of caring professionals who are dedicated to giving you the best care possible. We value your time and we respect your needs. In fact, we really listen! What we bring to the "therapy couch" is experience in treating a multitude of mental health issues along with lots and lots of training. Whether you are aged 4, 14 or 41, we are here and we are ready to tackle hard issues with you. At Healing Hearts Counseling, we understand and are honored to partner with you in changing thought and behavior patterns that have kept you unhappy and stuck.
(309) 276-0596 View (309) 276-0596
Photo of Kaylee Yates, MA, ALMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Kaylee Yates
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, ALMFT
Verified Verified
Peoria, IL 61614
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.
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.
(309) 328-8203 View (309) 328-8203
Photo of Amanda Breeden, MA, LCPC, Counselor
Amanda Breeden
Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
Peoria, IL 61614
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.
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.
(309) 733-4074 View (309) 733-4074
Photo of Nikki Burk, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Nikki Burk
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Peoria, IL 61614
Choosing a therapist is an incredibly personal decision. It has to feel right. Your relationship with me is the most important part of the therapeutic process. What you have experienced in your life, and now, provide a model to you of how you see the world, and how the world works for you. Therapy is a place where you get the incredible opportunity to either stay in your familiar comfort zone, or challenge and remodel parts of your mind that no longer serve you. I have a large respect for someone who pushes to heal themself, and seek growth. Self care is a powerful declaration!
Choosing a therapist is an incredibly personal decision. It has to feel right. Your relationship with me is the most important part of the therapeutic process. What you have experienced in your life, and now, provide a model to you of how you see the world, and how the world works for you. Therapy is a place where you get the incredible opportunity to either stay in your familiar comfort zone, or challenge and remodel parts of your mind that no longer serve you. I have a large respect for someone who pushes to heal themself, and seek growth. Self care is a powerful declaration!
(309) 319-7454 View (309) 319-7454
Photo of Raymond Baker - Dr. Raymond Baker, PhD, Psychologist
Dr. Raymond Baker
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Peoria, IL 61615
I was fortunate to have received outstanding academic training as well as exceptional clinical and research opportunities (Northwestern University Medical School; University of Chicago Hospitals) that helped me develop a unique skill-set and expertise to help patients resolve a wide variety of difficulties that inhibit them from functioning at their optimal levels of emotional health and wellness. My clinical practice is empirically (research) based. This "best practice“ approach incorporates the latest empirically-based research findings from the fields of clinical psychology, health psychology and behavioral medicine.
I was fortunate to have received outstanding academic training as well as exceptional clinical and research opportunities (Northwestern University Medical School; University of Chicago Hospitals) that helped me develop a unique skill-set and expertise to help patients resolve a wide variety of difficulties that inhibit them from functioning at their optimal levels of emotional health and wellness. My clinical practice is empirically (research) based. This "best practice“ approach incorporates the latest empirically-based research findings from the fields of clinical psychology, health psychology and behavioral medicine.
(309) 539-4167 View (309) 539-4167
Photo of Michelle Matzke, MA, LCPC, Counselor
Michelle Matzke
Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Peoria, IL 61614
It is my passion to help individuals and families navigate life's challenges and achieve their mental health and well-being goals. I strive to provide compassionate care in a safe and non-judgmental environment for every individual who walks through the door. I believe therapy should be a collaborative experience built on trust and respect. Every individual is unique with their own strengths and experiences. My person-centered and strength-based approach ensures that therapy is tailored to meet your specific needs. I have experience in many different therapeutic modalities such as play, art, music, mindfulness and more.
It is my passion to help individuals and families navigate life's challenges and achieve their mental health and well-being goals. I strive to provide compassionate care in a safe and non-judgmental environment for every individual who walks through the door. I believe therapy should be a collaborative experience built on trust and respect. Every individual is unique with their own strengths and experiences. My person-centered and strength-based approach ensures that therapy is tailored to meet your specific needs. I have experience in many different therapeutic modalities such as play, art, music, mindfulness and more.
(309) 928-0618 View (309) 928-0618
Photo of Magan Hopson, MS, LCPC, Counselor
Magan Hopson
Counselor, MS, LCPC
Verified Verified
Peoria, IL 61614
Life is hard at times and can leave us feeling hurt, confused or even hopeless, but I do not believe that any situation is hopeless. As a therapist, and as a person, I believe in the healing process that can occur through having an unbiased person who is willing to sit and listen to our needs. My goal is to be that listening ear for you and help you learn how to explore your thoughts, feelings and behaviors, identify how to draw on your strengths to make positive changes and understand that you have the power to overcome any issue.
Life is hard at times and can leave us feeling hurt, confused or even hopeless, but I do not believe that any situation is hopeless. As a therapist, and as a person, I believe in the healing process that can occur through having an unbiased person who is willing to sit and listen to our needs. My goal is to be that listening ear for you and help you learn how to explore your thoughts, feelings and behaviors, identify how to draw on your strengths to make positive changes and understand that you have the power to overcome any issue.
(217) 396-3461 View (217) 396-3461
Photo of Diane Recob, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Diane Recob
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Peoria, IL 61614  (Online Only)
Whether you are seeking support to heal depression, anxiety, the challenges of ADHD or traumatic experiences I am here to help you make change. Living with the disruptions that come with persistent symptoms like sadness, anxiousness, intrusive thoughts or an overactive mind can derail your ability to experience a sense of well being. You deserve someone who will listen to you, understand where you are coming from and give you effective tools to make the change you want happen.
Whether you are seeking support to heal depression, anxiety, the challenges of ADHD or traumatic experiences I am here to help you make change. Living with the disruptions that come with persistent symptoms like sadness, anxiousness, intrusive thoughts or an overactive mind can derail your ability to experience a sense of well being. You deserve someone who will listen to you, understand where you are coming from and give you effective tools to make the change you want happen.
(312) 313-7188 View (312) 313-7188
Photo of Kathy Renee Karouzos, MS, LCPC, Counselor
Kathy Renee Karouzos
Counselor, MS, LCPC
Verified Verified
Peoria, IL 61614
These difficult and unprecedented times are causing an increase in anxiety and depression. I am a Christian who is a counselor. I work with people of all faiths as well as those who do not have any particular spiritual viewpoint. It is my aim to treat all of my clients with compassion and integrity. I will take the time to get to know you, and help you get to know yourself. Throughout the decades, I have practiced a variety of counseling techniques that we can tailor to suit your individual needs and personality. "Welcome to your life... only better!"
These difficult and unprecedented times are causing an increase in anxiety and depression. I am a Christian who is a counselor. I work with people of all faiths as well as those who do not have any particular spiritual viewpoint. It is my aim to treat all of my clients with compassion and integrity. I will take the time to get to know you, and help you get to know yourself. Throughout the decades, I have practiced a variety of counseling techniques that we can tailor to suit your individual needs and personality. "Welcome to your life... only better!"
(309) 305-3151 View (309) 305-3151
1
Sexual Abuse Therapists

How do therapists treat sexual abuse?

A good therapist will be nonjudgmental and possibly demonstrate active listening, repeating back what the client says to show that they have understood. These skills allow people to feel comfortable discussing their traumatic experiences openly. Some important treatment goals are to restore a sense of safety and to rebuild confidence. In addition to working one-on-one with the patient, a therapist might bring in supportive family members to assist the client.

Do you have to talk extensively about sexual abuse in therapy?

Survivors frequently find it difficult to describe what happened to them out loud. They can even still be in a state of denial if the sexual abuse occurred recently. It is important for survivors to acknowledge that what happened isn’t their fault and to challenge and reappraise any unhealthy feelings or thoughts as they arise. Art therapy and play therapy are useful non-verbal means of communication for some survivors.

How long does treatment for sexual abuse take?

Recovery from sexual abuse can be a long and difficult process. Some survivors are able to move on naturally on their own, given time, while others require the guidance of a trained therapist. Therapy needs vary and can range from a few sessions to months or even years. Healing from sexual abuse takes time, and everyone’s journey will look a little different.

Can trauma symptoms caused by sexual abuse come back after treatment?

As occurs in many cases of trauma, survivors of sexual abuse may experience PTSD-like symptoms long after the abuse has ceased or after an initial round of treatment has occurred. In such a case, there is evidence that prolonged exposure therapy is a useful treatment for survivors, and may be more efficacious than supportive counseling alone. While triggers may continue to cause distress, the idea is that, with time and repeated exposure, their power will fade, allowing survivors to move on with their lives.