Grief counselors and therapists in Springfield, IL

A lot of men arrive in therapy through anger, because it is often the only feeling they were ever given permission to have. If that is you, or if the anxiety has been running underneath everything for years, or if something happened to you that you have never said out loud, you are in the right place. I'm Dr. Justin D. Gravely-Strayhorn, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I earned my Master of Social Work from Campbellsville University and my Doctor of Education from Liberty University. I work with adults on anxiety, depression, trauma, anger, relationships, and the particular weight men carry when they have been taught that handling it alone is the same thing as being strong. Culture is part of that conversation, not separate from it. What shaped you, what was expected of you, and what it costs to keep performing being fine all belong in the room. My approach combines evidence-based therapy with compassion, cultural awareness, and a holistic view of wellness. I believe growth happens when we feel seen, supported, and empowered to rewrite our stories.

Hello! My name is Emma. I am a newly Licensed Clinical Social Worker but have been working in the mental health field for over 10 years now. My background includes substance abuse, community mental health, and most recently, mental health in a correctional setting. I enjoy working with a wide range of concerns, primarily with adults.

I trained in medicine before I became a therapist, and it changed what I listen for. When a client tells me her chest tightens before every meeting, or that she can't stop thinking about a diagnosis, I take the physical side of that seriously.

I hold a PhD in health psychology and I'm a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois and Florida. My published research is on post-traumatic growth in women. Since 2020 I've also taught graduate counseling and psychology as an adjunct professor.

I see adults dealing with trauma and complex trauma, chronic illness, health anxiety, depression, grief, and major life transitions. I work with women through perinatal and postpartum struggles and through fertility challenges. I also see adolescents.

I speak English, Hindi, Arabic, and Urdu. If you're dealing with immigration, acculturation, or family expectations that don't translate easily, you won't have to explain that context to me first.

I am not seeing couples at this time. I work best with women. Are you ready to say no without guilt? I use the feminist theory of counseling to examine the effects of power structures in your life. I use guided meditation to reprogram subconscious beliefs like, "I'm not good enough," and, "No one loves me." I’m neurodivergent affirming and have worked with many high achievers. I study adult attachment styles and how to become secure. I have been a counselor for 14 years. I enjoy meditating and walking in nature. I study psychology, spirituality, quantum physics, business, and nutrition.

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.

I'm a therapist dedicated to supporting individuals through life's most challenging transitions and concerns. With extensive clinical experience, I've developed a deep understanding of stress, anxiety, grief, and eating disorders, as well as ADHD-related challenges. I work with adolescents and adults navigating communication difficulties, questions about life purpose, social anxiety, and seasonal affective patterns. I also specialize in supporting those struggling with eating and food-related concerns.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with clinical experience since 2019 across private practice, healthcare, and specialized care for older adults, couples, and families. I specialize in working with neurodivergent clients, LGBTQIA+ individuals, , and older adults.

Every session I conduct is rooted in trauma-informed care and a commitment to meeting you where you are. Incorporating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI),Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), I offer a holistic and flexible approach to help you develop effective coping mechanisms, strengthen relationships, and achieve your personal goals.