Couples therapists in Peoria, IL

Life can be overwhelming. Feeling alone while struggling can compound that sense of despair. Whether you're experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, loss, trauma, divorce, career challenges, health issues, addiction, or even just confusion about the future, seeking help is the beginning of the change. As a career woman, licensed attorney, mother, divorcee, and active community member, I bring my own life experience and vast education to my work. We can figure out a plan together to make navigating the day-to-day more manageable.

I am a licensed clinical social worker in the state of Illinois with over 8 years of experience supporting individuals across the lifespan. I began my career as an Early Childhood Teacher which sparked my passion for helping others and transitioned to social work. I believe prioritizing mental health is essential to overall stability and well-being. I have experience working with children, adolescents adults and older adults who are managing PTSD, grief depression, anxiety and adjustment disorders.

Hi, I’m Cherie. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and EMDR-trained therapist. I work with teens and adults who are feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck in patterns that no longer serve them. Maybe you're constantly on edge, overthinking everything, or finding it hard to slow down. Or maybe you’ve been feeling flat, unmotivated, or like you're just going through the motions. These experiences often trace back to things your nervous system picked up on — ways it learned to protect you in stressful or painful situations.

I help people work through painful memories, low self-esteem, and the weight of depression—like feeling numb, exhausted, stuck, or hard on yourself. We'll explore the parts of you carrying that pain and move at a pace that feels right, whether you're ready for deep healing or just need a safe place to land.

If you’re feeling ready—or just curious—I’d be honored to support you on your healing path.

Outside of therapy, I love curling up with a good book, finding design inspiration (I have a soft spot for cozy interiors), caring for my houseplants, and spending time with my dog, Magnolia Grace—who may occasionally drop in for a virtual session cameo.

Welcome! As a board-certified physician dual-trained in Psychiatry and Neurology (MD), I offer a comprehensive approach to brain health and emotional well-being by bridging the connection between the mind and the nervous system.

Education & Background

• Doctor of Medicine (MD): Completed rigorous residency training spanning both psychiatry and neurology.
• Integrated Care: Combining psychopharmacology, neurological evaluation, and evidence-based therapies for precise, whole-person care.

Key Specializations

• Neuropsychiatry: Mood, behavior, or cognitive changes linked to neurological conditions (stroke, TBI, Parkinson's, MS).
• Memory & Cognitive Disorders: Evaluation and care for memory loss, mild cognitive impairment, and dementias.
• Treatment-Resistant Conditions: Tailored medical strategies for severe depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.
• Overlapping Symptoms: Managing complex conditions like chronic migraines with mood symptoms or functional neurological disorders (FND).
• Executive Dysfunction & ADHD: Comprehensive assessment and treatment for focus and attention challenges.

My Approach I prioritize thorough evaluations and collaborative, evidence-based care tailored to your unique goals and quality of life.

Dr. Christina Alexakos is a Clinical Psychologist with over 19 years of experience

providing psychotherapy to individuals across the lifespan from childhood to geriatric.

She has experience in assisting clients with adjustment issues ranging from changes in

occupation, education, grief, relocation, providing skills in parenting, stress and pain

management, health and wellness, mindfulness, increasing self-esteem and

assertiveness. She has worked with anxiety and depressive disorders, bipolar disorder,

trauma, anger management, personality disorders, and severe mental illness.

Dr. Christina Alexakos earned her Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Clinical Psychology

from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She provided inpatient

psychological assessments and group psychotherapy at Hartgrove Psychiatric Hospital.

She trained in Health Psychology in the pain clinic at Swedish Covenant Hospital as

well as providing inpatient and outpatient psychotherapy to hospital patients. The

University of Chicago and The University of Illinois at Chicago provided comprehensive

training in neuropsychological evaluations with adults and children experiencing a wide

range of clinical concerns. She completed an internship at Southlake Community Mental

Health Center and a postdoctoral fellowship at Hopewell Academies, a therapeutic day

school for special needs/troubled teenagers.

Dr. Maria Escobar is a licensed clinical social worker and Doctor of Social Work dedicated to advancing equity, empowerment, and well-being in diverse communities. With over 10 years of experience in the field, Dr. Escobar specializes in clinical practice areas, e.g., trauma-informed care, family systems, or mental health advocacy.

True wellness is a commitment to your best self. But what do you do if you don’t know what that looks like? When is the last time you had the space to reflect on your life and goals? Do you find yourself unbalanced due to life’s changes and in need of a reset? Meet with me! Let’s develop a plan for you to see yourself clearly. I utilize client-centered approaches with science-supported interventions. I won’t leave your wellness up to chance, let’s work together to make a change.

Hi, I’m Suzanne. I approach this work with intention and respect. When you sit across from me—even virtually—you have my full attention. My style is direct, honest, and grounded. I won’t overreact, and I won’t minimize your experience. I believe in your capacity to grow, and at times I will challenge you—with care and purpose—to help you move forward.

You can expect steadiness, discretion, and a focus on meaningful change, not just endless processing. Therapy is an investment of your time, energy, and trust, and I take that seriously. My goal is to support you in making real, lasting progress with clarity and confidence.

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Benedictine University. I have been working in private practice for over 10 years, helping adolescents and adults navigate life’s challenges and create meaningful, lasting change.

My areas of specialization include trauma and couples counseling, and I have a particular passion for working with women. I understand that women often carry many different roles and responsibilities, and sometimes lose sight of their own needs in the process. I enjoy helping women work through anxiety, depression, grief, relationship challenges, life transitions, and the many unexpected circumstances that can leave us feeling stuck or overwhelmed.

When stress starts to build, it can affect more than just your day-to-day life. It can impact your mood, your energy, and your relationships. I work with adults and couples who are navigating anxiety, depression, workplace stress, and burnout. Many of my clients are used to juggling responsibilities, caring for others, and pushing through difficult seasons until they realize they're no longer feeling like themselves. You might feel constantly overwhelmed, mentally exhausted, or like you can’t fully “turn off” your mind. At the same time, stress can begin to show up in your relationships through miscommunication, distance, or frustration, making it harder to feel connected and supported.

Hi there, my name’s Ephraim and 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.

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. 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. Looking forward to meeting with you soon!

I earned my master’s degree in social work from George Williams College and hold licensure in both Illinois and Wisconsin. My clinical experience spans work with diverse populations, including teens and adults navigating a wide range of mental health challenges. I am trained in several evidence‐based therapeutic modalities—CBT, DBT, ACT, and EMDR—which allows me to tailor treatment to each person’s needs and support meaningful, sustainable change.

I provide individual therapy as well as family and couples work. I value helping people move through life’s stressors, strengthen their coping skills, and recognize the progress they make toward their goals.

If you have questions about the services and supports available to you, your family, or your loved ones, I’m here to help. I’d also be glad to share more about what I enjoy most in the therapeutic process and how we can work together to build a healthier, more grounded life.