Mattoon

Tabitha was born and raised in Coles County and has passion for helping people remove barriers to their best life. She has experience working with individuals and couples in therapy since 2015. She started in other helping fields in 2006. She earned her Master’s of Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Grace College in Winona Lake, Indiana. She uses an eclectic approach to
treatment often focusing on how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors interact to create mental health struggles. Tabitha has significant training and experience in treating childhood, family, and religious trauma and often uses EMDR. Depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, grief, aging concerns, phobias and other mental health diagnoses are all familiar to her. Tabitha’s favorite work is with those who are in the LGBTQI+ community.

“I strongly believe that clients are the experts on their own lives and it is my job to aid you in reaching your desired destination. You drive; I hold the map. I found a passion for therapy after I was a client myself so I know the difficulty of reaching out, being vulnerable with another, and doing the hard work of life changes. I will hold a space of non-judgment and I will invite you to be yourself as we partner together to meet your goals.”

Life can feel overwhelming when you’re constantly battling anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, or the weight of daily stress. You might feel stuck in negative thought patterns, struggle with self-doubt, or struggle to manage emotions and relationships. Maybe past experiences still impact your present, or the pressure to keep up with life’s demands feels exhausting.

Healing is not one-size-fits-all. My goal is to help you recognize your strengths and move forward with
clarity and resilience, while in a safe and nonjudgmental environment.”

— Melissa

 

Melissa is a Licensed Social Worker who completed her BSW and MSW at the University of Illinois. Melissa has experience in healthcare settings, assisting individuals and families with advance care planning needs as an ICU social worker. She also has previous work experience with agencies serving the LGBTQ+ community and agencies focused on harm reduction. Melissa enjoys working with children and adults.

Melissa specializes in helping individuals navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, and life’s
challenges through a holistic and evidence-based approach. Her focus is on building self-awareness, emotional regulation, and coping skills while supporting personal growth, self-esteem, and overall well-being.

Malia is a Licensed Social Worker who completed her bachelor’s degree in sociology/criminology at Eastern Illinois University. She then completed her M.S.W. with a specialization of health/mental health at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, with additional coursework for school social work. Malia has experience in school-based counseling and has worked with students of all ages. She also has previous work experience with agencies serving underprivileged communities and worked to connect clients to appropriate resources as a community advocate. Malia enjoys working with children and young adults in large part due to her lived experience with depression and grief.

Malia specializes in interpersonal relationships. She focuses on offering a non-judgmental & empathetic space using evidence-based practices to process emotions and obstacles in life. Malia encourages self-actualization by looking at the whole person and not just the problems clients may want to bring to sessions to work through. Malia works through a culturally sensitive and trauma-informed approach aimed at building emotional regulation, coping skills, self-awareness and social awareness. 

All behaviors communicate what we cannot put into words. My job is to hear the words you can and cannot say and help you make sense of them. “

— Malia

 

When we begin to slow down and listen to what our mind and body is trying to say, we can start to process and heal. Whether that’s making space for your younger self’s emotions and needs, questioning old patterns, or just trying to find your way back to yourself, there is room for it all. When you’re ready, I’m here to walk alongside you on your healing journey.”

— Kristen

 

Kristen is a Licensed Social Worker who earned her Master of Social Work from Southern Illinois University Carbondale, with a specialization in health and mental health. She has experience working with middle and high school students in school settings, facilitating geriatric group psychotherapy, and supporting children and families involved in complex systems. She works with individuals and families to navigate challenges, strengthen communication, and move away from patterns that can feel stuck or unhelpful. She also has experience working with older adults living with Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, helping caregivers manage stress, burnout, role changes, and grief.

Kristen draws from a variety of evidence-based approaches and areas of focus, including nervous system regulation, inner child work, cognitive restructuring, and existential exploration. She supports individuals in navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, grief, and the emotional impact of chronic illness and pain. Her approach emphasizes building coping skills and increasing self-understanding, while also supporting clients in navigating daily stressors. Kristen aims to help clients reconnect with their strengths and move toward meaningful, lasting change.