Peoria

4900 N Glen Park Place Rd
Ste B
Peoria, IL 61614


I believe we all experience moments in life where living life on life’s terms presents challenges that we did not anticipate. Sometimes people get stuck while trying to navigate these challenges and find it hard to make the changes needed to live their best life. I work with clients to figure out what obstacles and challenges they face, what matters most to them, and learn what skills they will need to overcome those challenges. I focus on teaching you the emotional regulation skills you will need to tolerate the emotions that get in the way of getting where you want to go. I pride myself on honoring the uniqueness of each individual client and providing a non-judgmental and therapeutic place for you to make the changes in your life you need to be successful.

—John
John Westerberg, MA, LPC
Associate Counselor
*NOW ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS*

John is a licensed professional counselor in Evergreen’s Peoria office. He holds a Master of Arts from Bradley University in clinical mental health counseling and a Bachelor of Science in business administration from the University of Wisconsin. His work on the subject of brain based peak performance training has been published in Counseling Today, the monthly publication of the American Counseling Association. John works from a therapeutic style that combines behavioral activation with mindfulness, using a cognitive and behavioral therapy known as acceptance and commitment therapy. John works with clients of all ages and from all walks of life. He specializes in treating depression, anxiety, and helping people navigate changes in their life including grief, marriage, divorce, parenting, academic challenges and career changes.



Maria Hight-Hallstrom, MA, LPC
Associate Counselor

Maria holds a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Lincoln Christian University. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and EMDR-trained. With experience in foster care, collegiate counseling, and private practice, Maria takes a holistic approach to exploring the complexities and impact of trauma. She integrates treatments such as somatic work, attachment-based approaches, parts work, and EMDR to support the holistic goals of her clients. Maria primarily focuses on individuals with complex trauma and attachment wounds, including those experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, and PTSD. She strives to create a warm environment where individuals feel safe and seen on their therapeutic journey.

We all have seasons where we need to be reminded that we are not alone. I strive to cultivate a safe and authentic space for you to explore the complexities of your thoughts, emotions, and experiences. There is always hope for healing, and I would be honored to walk alongside you on your path to health and well-being.”

—Maria

We all have stories that shape how we connect, cope, and grow, whether we’re kids, teens, or adults finding our way. I believe healing begins when people feel safe to show up as themselves. 

—Karly
Karly Rodriguez-Gonzalez, MSW, LSW
Associate Counselor

Karly has a Master of Social Work from Illinois State University . Her goal as a counselor is to create a space that invites curiosity, playfulness, and self-compassion while helping clients build the emotional tools they need to thrive.

Karly supports kids, teens, and adults navigating anxiety, identity, emotional regulation, and family stress. She blends creative, trauma-informed approaches like play and narrative therapy with practical coping tools to help clients feel seen and supported.

Life can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Whether you’re a parent seeking support for your child or someone working through your own challenges, Karly offer a safe, compassionate space to begin healing. She is ready take that first step together with you.


Jayme Luster, MHP
Counseling Intern

Jayme is a Person-Centered counselor who takes an empathetic, soft, and nurturing approach to working with clients. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and is now working on completing her clinical internship as part of the Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program at Walden University.

Jayme is interested in how we each experience the world differently, and how the impact of those experiences can differ between each person. Whether you are feeling overwhelmed or stuck as you navigate through daily life; or trying to adjust after experiencing a major life event, Jayme is there to bear witness to your unique feelings and experiences without judgement.

As a chronically ill, feminist, queer-friendly counselor, she knows how significant it is to find the right “fit” so you can process your feelings in a safe environment that respects your hardships and your values. Jayme approaches her clients with compassion and consideration for their individual needs. If you are looking to build a relationship with a counselor that will help guide you to your sense of self with a gentle and attentive style, Jayme would be honored to work with you. 

“I believe that counseling is for everyone. We can all benefit from having a space to express our inner thoughts and emotions without fear, comparison, shame, or guilt. We all have a light inside of us that can sometimes dim or flicker when we get caught in a storm. As a counselor, I want to help my clients get to a place where they know how to fuel and protect their inner light, and they can trust it to illuminate their path forward. I strive to create a warm and empathetic space, where clients are welcome to show up as exactly who they are.”

—Jayme