Welcome—I’m truly glad you’re here. I bring a warm, grounded, and collaborative approach to this work, shaped by graduating with honors in my Master’s program and earning my Bachelor’s in Social Work with a Minor in Human Services. With 17 years of experience supporting at‑risk youth and families across Illinois, Kansas, and Missouri—and roughly five years in a direct therapeutic role—I’ve learned that healing is most powerful when mind, body, and spirit are invited into the process. My background includes specialized training in DBT, ASIST, trauma‑responsive care, and emerging work with elders through grief support and medical assessments. My practice continues to expand as I deepen my understanding of military culture and the unique stressors faced by Service Members, Veterans, and their families. I integrate training in reintegration support, deployment‑related stress, and identity transitions to help military‑connected clients navigate life with clarity and strength. I am honored to now offer supportive therapeutic services to clients in the state of Virginia. As a Licensed Massage Therapist, Somatic Therapy remains one of my first passions and is available for in‑person sessions. This body‑based approach helps clients release stored tension, regulate the nervous system, and reconnect with the wisdom of their physical and emotional selves. When the body softens, the mind opens—and healing becomes more accessible, more intuitive, and more aligned. My work is guided by a simple belief: ~When people feel safe, seen, and supported, they naturally move toward wholeness.~ It’s an honor to walk alongside you as you reconnect with yourself and step into a life that feels grounded, authentic, and spiritually aligned.

My name is Melissa Chovan, and I have been in private practice since 2014, first in Illinois and since 2019 in Alabama. Throughout my career, I have worked with individuals facing a wide range of mental health challenges, with a particular focus on trauma-informed care and trauma treatment. My goal is to provide a supportive, compassionate, and culturally sensitive environment where clients feel safe to explore their experiences, develop healthy coping skills, and work toward meaningful healing and personal growth.

I believe therapy should feel like a genuine human connection, not a clinical or one-sided experience. My approach is warm, approachable, and collaborative, creating a space where clients can show up exactly as they are. I bring my authentic self into the therapy room, I value humor part of the healing process, and believe meaningful change happens through trust, honesty, and real connection. My style is modern, client-centered, and tailored to each individual's unique needs and goals. Rather than telling clients what they should do, I work alongside them to better understand their experiences, build on their strengths, and create lasting change.

I am a licensed clinical professional counselor specializing in ADHD, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and trauma. I am trained in many treatment modalities but primarily utilize Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) methods. I am also trained and utilize Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) to address PTSD and trauma. I am here to help you challenge the negative beliefs and/or thoughts holding you back and replace them with positive beliefs and motivation. I want to help you fight the battles nobody sees you fighting and give you tools to keep on fighting on those hard days.

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!

Hello, I'm glad that you are looking to find a new therapist. Have you been thinking of exploring new ways to manage your stress, heal and express yourself? I would love to support you on your journey. I have been licensed in the state of Virginia for 7 years. I’ve had the privilege of working with adult who are navigate challenges like anxiety, depression, relationships, self-esteem and grief. I use a variety of techniques including, somatic tools, mindfulness, and cognitive skills. I like to focus on the mind- body connection to facilitate healing.

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

Hi, my name is Tishina and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. For the past eight years, I've had the privilege of helping people navigate trauma, anxiety, depression, PTSD, mood changes, and the challenges that come with everyday problem solving. I became a therapist because therapy changed my life. It helped me heal, find my voice, and believe in myself and now I'm passionate about offering that same support and hope to the people that I work with.

Hiram Kirkendall is a U.S Army veteran. Client's who are stuck or at risk and need to make positive changes in their life are the clients that I help the most. Clients will learn skills to make positive changes. Clients who are stuck will learn to remove the anchors from their live. Clients will learn to be forward thinking instead of living in the past. I have a master degree from Chicago state. I have practiced as mental health counselor since 2012.

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.

I thank you for the opportunity to collaborate with you in your healing journey. My desire is to help you through life’s struggle, and challenges. My goal is to provide authentic, compassionate, and nonjudgmental quality care. Building a therapeutic relationship is the first step in the treatment process. I offer person centered therapy specific to your individualized and unique experience, in order to assist you through the struggles of life. I am a passionate and empathetic therapist with strong counseling abilities and an understanding of interpersonal familial relationships. I utilize a goal- oriented, strength-based approach with my clients. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a graduate of the University of Georgia and have been practicing for 5 years. Thank you for taking the first step and for allowing me to be part of this very important journey.

Are you seeking support on your mental health journey? With over a decade of experience as a clinical mental health counselor, I offer compassionate and personalized guidance to individuals, children, adolescents, couples, and families. As a trauma-certified counselor, I specialize in helping clients navigate mood disorders, personality disorders, anxiety, and depression. My client-focused approach ensures that your unique needs and goals are at the center of our work together. I completed my clinical education through Northwestern University. Remember, therapy is your journey, and I'm here to support you every step of the way. Let's embark on this path towards healing and a brighter future. I primarily focus on working with children, adolescent, adults, and parenting support. I generally do not specialize with couples.

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.