Grief counselors and therapists in Peoria, IL

Hello,

Feeling unmotivated, anxious, and depressed? Having trouble getting out of bed? Feel like your anxiety is dragging you down? Having trouble getting through school? You have come to the right place. I love to meet my clients where they are at in their most desperate moments. We all need a good "pick me up" from time-to-time and speaking to a therapist is always a great first step. I specialize in cognitive behavioral therapy and solution-focused therapy. I have experience working with children and all the way up to geriatric population. I am a Chicago-Based Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I am bi-lingual in English/Spanish. Let's begin your journey!

I graduated with my Bachelor of Arts in Social Work at Northeastern Illinois University in 2013 and my Master's in Social Work at Aurora University in 2014.

Hi, I’m Stephany. I work with teens and adults who are navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, and life stress that can feel overwhelming or hard to manage alone. Many of my clients come to therapy feeling emotionally drained, stuck in patterns they don’t fully understand, or unsure how to move forward.

I’m passionate about creating a space where you feel safe, heard, and genuinely understood. Clients often describe me as warm, thoughtful, and easy to open up to.

I'm a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor with a background that includes years of work with people navigating some of the hardest chapters of their lives — including incarcerated individuals, people struggling with addiction, and those carrying cultural weight that doesn't show up in a standard intake form. I'm South Asian, I grew up navigating two worlds, and that shapes how I show up for clients who've had to figure things out without a clear map. I don't do therapy with a clipboard. I'm direct, I'm real, and I'm genuinely interested in what's underneath the surface.

I am a board-certified registered art therapist and licensed clinical professional counselor. I have worked in non-profit organizations, providing counseling services to young children adolescents, and adults.

I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside individuals, couples, teens, families, and groups as they navigate big life changes and tough emotions. I’m especially experienced with relationship issues, anxiety, depression, self-harm, grief and loss, spirituality, parenting, stress, and major life transitions.

I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with over a decade of experience in mental health care, supporting individuals across inpatient and outpatient settings. Through my work, I have cared for clients with a wide range of needs, including chronic and severe mental health conditions, and I understand how overwhelming it can feel to navigate symptoms while trying to maintain daily life.

My care philosophy is centered on partnership. Treatment is not about taking over your care, but about working with you to explore your symptoms, goals, and values. Together, we develop a treatment plan that feels respectful, personalized, and empowering. If you have concerns or hesitations about medication, we will discuss all available options openly and thoughtfully, moving at a pace that feels right for you.

I work with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, OCD, and other mood and thought-related conditions. During the initial session, we focus on understanding your concerns, reviewing your history, and identifying practical steps toward improvement. Care may include psychiatric evaluation, medication management when appropriate, brief psychotherapy, education, and ongoing support.

I believe mental health care should feel supportive, clear, and collaborative—not rushed or overwhelming.

You do not have to face these challenges alone. My role is to help you reduce symptoms, strengthen coping skills, and regain balance so you can function at your best and move forward with confidence and stability.