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.

In today’s busy and often chaotic world it is easy to feel overwhelmed. Things like self-care and reflection are often overlooked and we find ourselves struggling to stay afloat.  Engaging in therapy can provide a healthy perspective from which to reflect on and address the areas of life that may need improvement in order to find balance and fulfillment in life.

I know how challenging it can be to reach out and start the process of therapy. I enjoy working with clients who experience a variety of needs from their therapist. This includes processing traumas, minimizing depressive symptoms, more effectively managing symptoms of anxiety, and more! It is important to come into a counseling setting with an open mind, and to remember that therapy is a very vulnerable process. Developing trust within a counseling relationship is an important foundation to reaching your goals in the counseling setting.

Life can be hard and if you are struggling with mental health concerns or have been confronted with a new challenge, life can be even harder. Sometimes we're thrown a curve ball and our ways of coping are no longer effective or perhaps your way of thinking has gotten in the way of recovering from emotional pain or loss. Regardless of the situation you find yourself in, I believe we're all doing the best we can and we can all do better. We either possess or can develop skills to manage stressors and improve our quality of life.

—I have a female-focused practice. Female consent is key in my practice. All requests for therapy MUST be initiated by a woman. — I help women reclaim their sexual identity again after trauma. I work with sexual health concerns, including mental barriers that prevent enjoyment of sexual experiences. I do not specialize in male sexual disorders, and work within the scope of my expertise.

"Surviving keeps you from living." Often times we are faced with a part of us that refuses to pause and work through those feelings or issues that can be causing discomfort. Instead, it tells us to press on and keep going. The idea that in order to function we must suppress our feelings or emotions tends to have longterm negative effects. If you are tired of just surviving, waking up and pushing through, then it is time for you to learn how to fully live in your truth.

Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I seek to empower clients to become the best versions of themselves by supporting them in overcoming obstacles and accomplishing their goals.

"If you always do like you've always done You'll always get what you've always got..." That's just part of a quote attributed to many from Socrates to Einstein and many more. Where it originated from and who said it does not matter as much as understanding how it applies to you. Things happen in life, in and out of our control that shapes us emotionally, physically and spiritually. How we manage it, determines between a hopeful or hopeless life journey. Everybody has something. I offer support and encouragement in helping you manage your life's journey.

“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.

Stepping into the therapy office is not the easiest process. I hope to create a space of warmth for you to be able to process through whatever brought you into therapy. After having been "on the couch" for awhile as the client, I know finding the right fit in a therapist is incredibly important. Together, we will work to find what feels right for you.

As a therapy client myself, I can tell you it takes courage to find a therapist. Life is not neat and tidy. We all need help. Not judgement, not lectures, not hearing people say ‘learn to cope.’ Healing is not a linear journey, it’s a process. I can be your partner in that process. You are the expert of your life! I’m a sounding board to help you find the solutions within! This is the case regardless of whether are dealing with depression, anxiety, communication issues, trauma, or grief.

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.

Dr. Jie Jiao is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. She obtained her doctoral degree from the clinical psychology program and the rehabilitation psychology track at Illinois Institute of Technology. She has worked with a clinically and culturally diverse population in a variety of settings, ranging from a community mental health center to a multidisciplinary medical center. Dr. Jiao's theoretical orientation is primarily cognitive-behavioral. She integrates concepts and strategies from other theoretical frameworks (e. g. , interpersonal, psychodynamic) depending on the characteristics of the patient and the presenting problem.

You want a therapist that is different. You've tried therapy before and it felt like a waste of time. You know you need help but taking the first step is terrifying and hard. You’re scared of opening up and talking about things that most people don't understand. You don't want to waste your time with the same old therapy talk. You need someone who can provide some immediate relief, is safe to talk to, and will work at your pace. You are an expert on your own experiences, I am a professional who understands diverse ways of life. Tell me what you can, when you can, and I will be right here for you.

Life is challenging. It is helpful to find someone to talk about our challenges with, someone who truly hears us, someone who sees us and with whom we have a connection with. Perhaps you're tired of not feeling like yourself or your exhausted by your anxious thoughts, if so, I would love to have the opportunity to work with you. While I work with a variety of concerns, I specialize in depression, and anxiety, and couple's counseling. Making the first call to get services is often the most challenging but you deserve to invest in yourself. You are worth it.

I am a licensed clinical psychologist who has devoted my clinical work to assisting adult individuals with a broad spectrum of concerns. I provide warm and caring support to those struggling with life's challenges. Specifically, I enjoy working with individuals in the following areas: depression, anxiety, substance abuse, life transitions, low self-esteem, communication, and relationship concerns.

Join me to address concerns that you, your child, and/or your family may have been struggling with recently, for weeks, months, or years. Depression, anxiety, professional or academic struggles, grief, and loss often cause isolation leading to setbacks with your academics, health, personal relationships, or career. Please know that you are not alone in your journey. Allow me the privilege and honor to serve you, your child, and/or family while you navigate the difficult emotions, conversations, and symptoms that continue to affect your family in a deeply personal and life altering way.

You don't have to be in a crisis to participate in therapy. Life can be complicated and overwhelming. Therapy can be a useful tool to help you safely explore, let go and free yourself of those thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that keep you stuck or cause you stress or discomfort. Processing these distressing experiences with a therapist can be very beneficial, healing, and transformative. Let's work together to release those limiting expectations, modify those fixed beliefs, and increase your ability to cope and function. Are you ready to become the best version of yourself and change your life for the better?

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.