Grief counselors and therapists in Peoria, IL

I know how important it is to feel safe, understood, and not rushed when you’re talking about difficult or painful experiences. I’m a thoughtful, down-to-earth therapist who values authenticity, trust, and genuine connection. My strengths-based approach is grounded in compassion and respect, and I aim to meet each person exactly where they are without judgment.

Starting counseling can feel like a big step, especially if you’re used to handling things on your own. My hope is that you leave sessions feeling understood, challenged in a caring way, and equipped with practical tools you can use in your daily life.

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.

I am a social worker and grief counselor, with over 6 years experience working with bereaved clients. I am also a director of mental health education for a grief focused non-profit, creating programs that educate on grief & loss awareness. While grief is my main focus, I hold a special place in my heart for all life transitions, including job/career changes, spiritual adjustments/abuse, and relationship losses.

I believe in the power of creativity to promote healing. I graduated from SIUE in May 2016 with a Master's in Art Therapy Counseling. I am a licensed counselor in the state of Illinois and Missouri as well as a Registered Art Therapist and Registered Play Therapist. I am also a Nationally Certified Counselor. I love using creative techniques to help people grow and solve problems.

I believe mental health care works best when it is collaborative, respectful, and personalized.

Hi my name Larry. I believe every person has the ability to live the life they truly desire if they are willing to embrace values of self-compassion, honesty, self-determination and self-appreciation. I have eight years of experience in the mental health support field and work with teens, young adults, and adults. I show up as someone who steps into your world, not the other way around. In our sessions, you won't need a filter. There's no judgment, no apology required, just a real and welcoming space where all of you belongs. I use language that actually makes sense to you, so growth feels authentic and sustainable, not forced or fake. I believe every person has the ability to live the life they truly desire when they're willing to embrace self-compassion, honesty, and self-determination.The life you desire is only a choice away.

Hi - I'm Gina, a licensed LCSW in Illinois with 15 years of professional work experience and a MSW from the University of Chicago. I have experience in helping clients (teens and adults) with stress, anxiety, chronic illnesses, midlife crisis, trauma, abuse, & coping with grief and loss. I use several treatment modalities to include Cognitive Behavioral, Trauma Informed Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Emotion-Focused Counseling. I also offer clinical supervision.

Kendra Cornett, LCSW, BFA, is a Licensed Clinical Social

Worker, dancer, yoga instructor, wellness educator. I have 25 years years

experience with diverse populations and ages 5-65. I specialize in trauma, anxiety, burn out, life transitions and life transitions.

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.

As a licensed clinical social worker, I work with adolescents and young adults to find meaning and purpose while working through the mental barriers that have created challenges in their lives. I specialize in working with adolescents, addictions, men's issues, depression and anxiety.

My nursing career began in 2010 when I first became a Registered Nurse. In 2017 I graduated from Maryville University in St. Louis, MO with my master’s degree in nursing and became a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C) licensed in Illinois. I have been blessed to work in many facets of healthcare since and has also become a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). With a strong foundation in both primary care and mental health, my approach aligns overall wellness and hormone optimization with physical, mental, and lifestyle well-being.

Hi, my name is Dr. Mark Aghakhan and I am a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in a variety of therapeutic, educative, consultative, and evaluative services. I utilize interventions that best match my client’s style and approach toward everyday challenges.

Education: Masters of Science in Counseling

Number of years practicing: 6 years

Specialties: Trauma, Anxiety, Relationship Conflict, Grief, Crisis, Depression, Adjustment Disorder, and Career Counseling.

Welcome!

Life is not always easy. For some, perhaps it never has been. In times of struggle and transition having a compassionate, competent therapist can be immensely beneficial. Whether needing support, processing grief, working through trauma or any number of other life stressors I will be present to assist you in making lasting change. I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 25 years' experience. I would love to assist you in making positive changes in your life.