Do you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or like you just can't get everything done? Do you often wonder how everyone else seems to do it but you can't? Like you are letting people down or you are not enough? Do you struggle to find joy in everyday life or find it difficult to shut down the racing thoughts and enjoy the moment? If so, you have come to the right place. My name is Lauren and I am a licensed clinical social worker in the state of Illinois. I have over 13 years of experience working in a wide range of settings. I have worked with families, children and teens, in residential substance abuse, private practice, adoption preservation and correctional settings. I have helped clients conquer anxiety, depression, burn out, mom guilt, process past traumas and find the coping skills necessary to live a balanced life. My style can be described as client centered, strength based and solution focused. I use cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, motivational interviewing, trauma focused therapy, mindfulness and solution - focused therapy, in combination with genuine conversation. I take a laid back approach as I believe in meeting my clients where they are and working at a pace that is comfortable for them. I know that reaching out for help can be scary but you shouldn't have to struggle alone.

Do you struggle with people-pleasing, low self-worth, or painful relationships that leave you feeling like you’ve lost yourself? Maybe you grew up in a family that looked “fine” on the outside but left you with invisible scars of trauma. You might find yourself replaying old patterns—turning to food, restriction, or overexercise to cope, feeling guilty when you try to set boundaries, or wondering why you keep choosing partners who don’t treat you well. If you’re exhausted from trying to hold it all together while doubting yourself inside, therapy can help you finally break free. *If you're getting an error message with my Grow Therapy Calendar, you can also book via my HIPAA Compliant Sessions Health calendar: https://therapybythebayllc.sessionshealth.com/request

I tend to thrive in crisis. Ideal with the toughest cases of trauma, shootings, cults abductions, and domestic violence. I have been able to help so many veterans as well over the past 12+ years in my positions with US Service Animals, Simple, Practice, Grow Therapy and other telehealth platforms. I was an early adopter of telehealth and I have seen it. Make such a difference for so many people because of the comfort that is brought by being able to open up in an environment you know is safe, your own home/space. I take a solutions focused and a client centered approach. I am also insight oriented. I have a lot of insight when it comes to dealing with physical pain and disabilities as I have a visual disability since very young and suffered a TBI at age 24. I like to focus on what issues you are having and come up with coping mechanisms that will work for you. Dealing with the struggles I have had throughout my life has helped me work with people and develop creative and effective coping mechanisms for their specific issues. I have now lived and worked in several states with varying cultures and have benefited from all of these experiences. I have spent a lot of time in a hospital and work well with nurses and medical professionals as well. Please reach out if you think I can help and I will meet you where you are and see where we can go from here.

Going through tough experiences is hard enough. Going through tough experiences while feeling alone and unconnected can be even more daunting. I take a person-focused approach, where you are the expert in your life. I integrate play with the therapeutic alliance while treating several disorders including depression and anxiety, and trauma-related disorders. Walk through this tough journey with someone on your team, you don't have to do this alone.

Hello and welcome! Starting therapy can be scary and intimidating and so I'd like to share a little bit about myself that way you have a chance to know more about me before your first session! I completed my Bachelor of Science degree from Monmouth College and my Master of Science degree in counseling from Western Illinois University. I'm a licensed clinical professional counselor in the state of Illinois and Texas. I have worked in the mental health field as a counselor since 2010. I was a therapist and crisis counselor for Bridgeway Community Mental Health starting in 2010 and then went on to become the Director of Crisis/Mental Health Juvenile Justice/and First Episode Psychosis Program. I then went on to work in private practice at Crossroads Counseling in Galesburg, IL. I have significant experience working with children and adolescents in the private sector as well as young adults. I enjoy working with clients who are healing from traumatic experiences. I have worked with survivors of trauma and abuse throughout my entire counseling career. I am EMDR trained and have a deep compassion for those dealing with the results of trauma and abuse. Additionally, I have worked with children and adults experiencing depression, mood disorders, anxiety, OCD and trauma using DBT and cognitive-behavioral therapy as treatment modalities. I live with my husband, Dustin, in Galesburg ,IL and have three active boys ages 18, 14, and 11. I enjoy reading, fishing, camping, being outdoors, and watching my children in various activities.

Hi there, my name’s Ephraim Tokar. I'm a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 20+ years of experience. My specialties consist of relationships, men’s issues, career counseling, and psychosomatic illnesses. I received my Bachelors degree in Child Psychology, working initially with the adolescent population before transitioning over to adults. I then received my Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. Whether it's individuals or couples, I'm happy to get to work with whomever comes my way. I do my best to facilitate a warm, trusting environment. Looking forward to meeting with you soon!