Tamela Polanin
We all want to live our best life. I know trauma on a personal level & treating trauma has become my passion. I use a client-centered approach where you are the master of your own life; I am here to walk beside you as a guide. I hope to empower you to work through your trauma, relationship difficulties and life’s challenges.
I encourage clients to look at situations from different perspectives, recognize unhealthy patterns, question negative beliefs, and take accountability for the changes they want to make.
I provide trauma-focused, client-centered, & couples counseling to all ages & backgrounds. I am well-versed in EMDR, TF-CBT, & reproductive loss counseling. I believe that trauma is a journey and not one person’s journey will be the same. You are not alone.
First session
Your first session is all about getting to know each other and helping you feel comfortable. I understand that starting therapy can feel intimidating, especially if you've never been before. My goal is to create a relaxed, welcoming, and judgment-free environment where you can be yourself. During our first session, we'll talk about what brought you to therapy, what challenges you're facing, and what you hope to accomplish. I'll ask questions about your background, relationships, experiences, and anything else that may help me better understand you. You don't have to share everything right away, and we will move at a pace that feels comfortable for you. I believe therapy is a partnership. I'm compassionate and supportive, but I'm also honest and direct. As we work together, I will challenge you to think differently, recognize patterns, and step outside your comfort zone when appropriate. You don't need to have everything figured out before your first appointment. Just come as you are. We'll work together to identify your goals and begin building a plan that fits your needs. And don't worry, therapy doesn't always have to be serious—we may even share a few laughs along the way!
Strengths
My approach to counseling is compassionate, honest, down-to-earth, and tailored to each individual's needs. I believe therapy should be a safe, comfortable space where you can be yourself without fear of judgment. However, I also believe that **real growth happens when we are willing to step outside our comfort zones.** I am not a therapist who will simply sit back, listen, and agree with everything you say. I genuinely care about my clients, and because of that, I am willing to challenge them. I encourage clients to look at situations from different perspectives, recognize unhealthy patterns, question negative beliefs, and take accountability for the changes they want to make. Sometimes that means having difficult conversations, but those conversations often lead to the greatest breakthroughs. I incorporate CBT, DBT, EMDR, mindfulness, and person-centered approaches, recognizing that therapy is never one-size-fits-all. I balance compassion and understanding with honesty, practical tools, and a little humor when appropriate. My goal is not just to help you feel better in the moment, but to help you grow, heal, and make lasting changes. I will support you, encourage you, and celebrate your progress, but I will also challenge you when I believe you are capable of more. Therapy is a partnership, and I believe some of the most meaningful growth happens when we work through the uncomfortable moments together.
Ideal clients
My ideal client is someone who is ready for change, even if they don't know exactly what that looks like yet. You may be struggling with anxiety, depression, past trauma, relationship challenges, low self-esteem, or simply feeling overwhelmed by life. You might feel stuck in the same patterns and wonder why things never seem to change. I enjoy working with clients who are open to self-reflection, willing to explore difficult emotions, and ready to challenge themselves. You don't have to have everything figured out, and you certainly don't have to be perfect. I just ask that you come willing to be honest with yourself and open to growth. I believe therapy should be more than just having someone listen. While I will always provide compassion, understanding, and a safe space, I will also challenge you to look at things differently, recognize patterns that may be holding you back, and take steps toward meaningful change. My ideal client doesn't have to be fearless or have all the answers. They simply need to be willing to show up, do the work, and grow at their own pace. We'll celebrate the victories, work through the setbacks, and probably share a few laughs along the way.
Origin story
I have always had a passion for helping others navigate life's challenges and discover their own strengths. I was drawn to the counseling profession because I believe everyone deserves to feel heard, understood, and supported without judgment. Life can be overwhelming, and sometimes we all need someone to walk alongside us as we work through difficult experiences. As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), I find it incredibly rewarding to help individuals heal from past experiences, develop healthier coping skills, build confidence, and create meaningful changes in their lives. My goal is to provide a safe, compassionate, and welcoming environment where clients feel comfortable being themselves. I believe therapy is not about telling someone how to live their life, but rather helping them recognize their strengths, find their voice, and move toward the life they want to live. **Seeing clients grow, heal, and rediscover hope is what makes this profession so meaningful to me.**
Ongoing work together
Ongoing therapy with me is about more than just talking about your week. While I always want you to feel heard, supported, and understood, I also believe therapy should help you make real, meaningful changes in your life. As we continue working together, we'll explore patterns, behaviors, past experiences, and ways of thinking that may be keeping you stuck. I use a variety of approaches, including CBT, DBT, EMDR, mindfulness, and person-centered therapy, tailoring our sessions to your individual needs and goals. I am compassionate and understanding, but I will also challenge you. I believe growth often happens when we step outside our comfort zones, ask ourselves difficult questions, and begin looking at situations differently. I won't simply tell you what you want to hear, but I will always approach our conversations with honesty, respect, and encouragement. Some sessions may involve processing difficult emotions or past experiences, while others may focus on developing coping skills, setting boundaries, improving relationships, or working through current challenges. I may also encourage you to practice new skills or reflect on things between sessions because **the work we do outside of therapy is just as important as the work we do together.** Therapy isn't always easy, and progress isn't always a straight line. We'll celebrate your successes, work through setbacks, and adjust our approach as needed. My goal is to help you become more confident, self-aware, and equipped to handle life's challenges. I will meet you where you are, but I won't let you stay stuck there without challenging you to grow. And along the way, there will always be room for compassion, honesty, and a little humor!
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients understand how their thoughts, feelings, and actions are connected. Sometimes we get stuck in negative thinking patterns without even realizing how much they affect our emotions, relationships, and everyday lives. Together, we work on identifying those patterns, challenging unhelpful thoughts, and finding healthier ways to respond to difficult situations. I encourage clients to look at things from different perspectives and question beliefs that may be holding them back. My approach is supportive but also direct. I won't just tell you what you want to hear. I'll challenge you to think differently, step outside your comfort zone, and put what we discuss into practice in your everyday life. My goal is to help you build confidence, handle challenges more effectively, and make lasting changes rather than just feel better for the moment.
Location
Virtual sessions
In-person sessions1703 W Fletcher St, Vandalia, IL 62471