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.

Do you find yourself feeling irritable or moody? Do you feel overwhelmed with daily expectations and responsibilities? These feelings can be a sign of depression and/or anxiety. I can help you through these difficult emotions. Together we can help you gain self-confidence and improve your life. Often it is difficult to know where to start. I teach strategies to help manage your symptoms. I have experience helping clients build and maintain relationships, with those struggling to find purpose or meaning in their life, with grief, and trauma. Additionally, if you are struggling with infertility, miscarriage or loss, or postpartum depression this is my niche. I have over 20 years of experience with child welfare, healthcare, maternal child health, postpartum, antepartum, neonatal, addiction medicine, and school/behavioral issues. My goal is to create a safe, nonjudgmental space with use of respect, compassion, empathy, hope, and a bit of humor.

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!