Find a licensed online therapist in Valley City, IL

About Me Hi, I’m MJ. I’m an individual, family, and marriage counselor licensed in Illinois, and I’ve been doing this work for over 20 years. In that time, I’ve helped people navigate just about everything—depression, anxiety, stress, relationship ups and downs, parenting challenges, career changes, ADHD, and all the messy parts of life in between. I also work a lot with people who’ve experienced trauma, whether sexual, physical, or emotional. I often tell clients, “If you can tell me something I haven’t heard before, I’ll give you my Mickey Mouse watch.” And let me tell you, Mickey is still sitting right on my wrist—so you can imagine the stories, struggles, and victories I’ve walked through with people. **How I Work** My approach is warm, down-to-earth, and interactive. I’m a big believer in looking at the whole person—your emotional world, your physical well-being, and your sense of meaning or spirituality—because all of those pieces matter. That might sound fancy, but really, it just means I want to help you feel at home in your own skin and help who you are on the inside match how you show up in the world. I don’t do judgment or labels. I do respect, compassion, honesty, and a whole lot of common sense. (Truly—common sense might be my strongest therapeutic orientation!) I use cognitive-behavioral therapy, solution-focused work, EMDR, and humor when it fits. Sometimes a small shift in perspective—and maybe a laugh—can open the door to real change. **A Bit About EMDR** I also offer EMDR, which is a powerful method for processing trauma, reducing emotional triggers, and moving past old patterns that keep you stuck. If you’ve tried “talking it out” and still feel something lingering, EMDR can help your mind and body finally let go. **What Telehealth With Me Is Like** Reaching out takes courage. Truly. And choosing to let someone into your world—especially through a screen—can feel strange at first. But once we get going, most people find telehealth surprisingly comfortable and personal. This platform works more like email, so responses aren’t instant like texting. I usually reply within 24 hours. If you prefer phone or video sessions, those are available by appointment. I’d love to walk alongside you as you make the changes you’re ready to make. Looking forward to working with you, MJ

Hello, I am Dr. Shelia Williamson Collins, PhD, NCC, LCMHC, CCMHC, LCAS, CCS, SAP, MAC. I am a board certified clinical mental health counselor and addiction counselor with nearly 20 years of experience in behavioral health. I am licensed as a clinical counselor in the states of North Carolina, Illinois, and Alaska. I have a PhD in General Psychology from Northcentral University. I also have a master's degree in Community Counseling and a bachelor's degree in psychology from Chicago State University. I have worked in an adult inpatient psychiatric unit, outpatient behavioral clinic, community-based mental health services, and residential substance abuse treatment programs. My counseling style is person-centered. I have a diverse therapeutic approach to counseling. However, my primary approach includes cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy. I specialize in mood disorders, anger management, addictions education, and relapse prevention. I believe that everyone has a story to tell; and I am here to listen. Giving voice to your concerns and issues is the first step to healing. We can accomplish this together. It would be my honor to work with you to assist you in reaching your healthy goals. Please let me know if you would prefer weekly sessions, and I will do my best to accommodate.

Please note that I do not accept insurance because billing an insurance company requires that I diagnose/label you with a major mental illness so I can bill them for your "treatment. They also demand a complete focus on symptoms of this "illness" and force every question to fit their disease model and justify your continued therapy. This means 80% of your time in treatment is me staring at my computer screen, checking little boxes saying I asked you all the disease questions, and then an AI puts it all together into something for which they will HOPEFULLY reimburse me. Perhaps you have experienced this when you visit your Primary Care Physician, and he/she stares at their tablet the entire time, rushing you through the questions as they tap each question on the list. I work under a strengths/solutions model in my counseling. I help you find the resources to make positive changes in the direction YOU want to go. ABOUT ME: Thank you for sharing information about yourself here. I'm glad that you reached out for help. My name is Larry Westenberg, and I am a licensed therapist with over 40 years of experience in counseling. You can read more about my background, education, experience, and therapy approach by clicking on my name on this page. I started out on a 'back ward' of a state mental hospital, counseling extremely mentally ill people and helping them to access their resources, use their strengths and improve the quality of their lives. It was a tremendous challenge. At that time, I had my bachelor’s degree in psychology, and no other training. The State system allowed people to do counseling who had no training in counseling whatsoever. In fact, many of them had never been to college. I discovered the 'uneducated counselors' were usually MUCH more effective at helping their clients. They were not 'full of themselves' and their degrees. Instead, they used what they knew about helping people, did what they could, and learned to help people by figuring out what worked as they went along. They also expected the same from the people they were counseling - that they would use the resources they had, do their best, and get better at improving their lives. Meanwhile, the majority of the 'professional therapists' were lost in their long explanations and mythologies that tried to explain the patient's behavior, and they often developed bizarre theories and treatment methods they imagined would make the patients get better. When you make a connection to another person in counseling, you offer them a safe space to "step out of themselves," and discuss their own behavior from a different perspective of detached observation. Recognizing their own skills and the tools they have can help them make meaningful changes strategically, that utilize their own abilities. I specialize in trauma, anxiety and panic, ADD, relationships and finding meaning in life. I have extensive training in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) - which is bashed as unscientific non-sense on the internet. This criticism is thrown from the allegedly "Scientific field" of psychology which is founded on the idea of repressed urges of the id and wanting to kill your father to take possession of your mother. Not the best scientific theory for validating your experiences of life. I am a published author in the field of Belief Change, Ericksonian Hypnosis and NLP. I enjoy helping others uncover treasure within themselves. I don't work with lab rats. I work with people. I would appreciate the opportunity to work with you. I have worked in inpatient, outpatient, partial hospitalization and crisis intervention treatment. I have worked with LGBTQ+ individuals since long before we had an acronym. I have supported individuals in compartmentalizing alternative lifestyles so that they don't embarrass themselves at work or in social situations. I help some people accept the fact their family may be a toxic gaggle of illnesses and it really is okay to not be in contact. I help others discover how they create anxiety in themselves and teach a variety of skills for managing emotional states. My passion is helping people find insights into HOW they do the behaviors they do, so they can more easily shift the behaviors to get the same results - or different results. I also like helping people discover how past traumas and negative events can "echo" into present interactions and circumstances. Rather than label this a disease, I show people how to notice these connections and respond less to the resonance in the present. I laugh frequently and I may even tease about symptoms as an attempt to help you shift your perspective on your issues. I do not make fun of problems. I take my work seriously, but I will never take LIFE seriously - because it has this surprise-ending feature. I would be delighted to meet with you and find out if I can support you in making the shifts and changes that will help you build the life you desire.

Welcome, I'm so happy that you reached out for help and support. I am Tahseen Shaista, a licensed therapist. Let me tell you a little bit about myself, I am a licensed therapist in the state of IL (LCPC) and IA (LMHC) and I am also a certified Alcohol and Drug counselor (CADC). I have been working in mental health field for the last 12+ years. I provide individual therapy for adults (ages 18-65+ years) and children (starting from age 11) experience with a variety of challenges and issues like anxiety, stress, depression, trauma, mood issue, ADHD, relationship issues, life transitions, grief, and addictions. In my work, I integrate techniques from different therapeutic approaches like cognitive behavior therapy, mindfulness-based therapy, solution focused brief therapy, reality therapy and client-centered therapy. Counseling is a journey of self-awareness, acceptance and change; you are the leader of this journey, and I am a helper, a guide and listener in this journey of yours. It is a collaborative process involving you and me in co-constructing solution to concerns/needs, learning skills, and processing thinking and feelings to start healing and live a better life. And I have full trust your strength and abilities. My therapeutic stance is based on positivity, genuineness, care, trust, respect and valuing others.

Hello, welcome to Better Help, my name is Brenda Rice, LCSW. As a licensed therapist in Illinois with over two decades of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals through complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on helping clients navigate challenges like depression, anxiety, trauma, and life transitions. I offer a compassionate, nuanced approach that addresses self-love, communication difficulties, social anxiety, and healing from past experiences. My therapeutic work spans diverse areas including women's issues, young adult challenges, and recovery from difficult life events such as divorce or sexual assault. I understand the intricate ways emotional pain can manifest and am committed to creating a supportive, understanding environment where individuals can explore their experiences and develop meaningful strategies for healing and growth. My approach is deeply respectful, recognizing each person's unique journey and inherent strengths. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, past trauma, or seeking to rebuild after challenging experiences, I'm dedicated to walking alongside you with empathy, wisdom, and professional expertise.

I am licensed in Iowa and Illinois with 9 years of professional clinical work experience. I have a Masters of Science in Mental Health Counseling, a Masters of Divinity with 4 Units of Clinical Pastoral Education, and over 15 years of Ministerial/Pastoral Practice. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & dementia caregiver stress. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

As a licensed therapist with over two decades of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My professional journey has been dedicated to helping clients work through stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, trauma, and grief. I also have training and understanding of how to work with people with Disabilities including but not limited to: Autism, ADHD. I approach therapy with deep compassion and a commitment to understanding each person's unique journey. My practice centers on empowering clients to cultivate self-love, discover life purpose, and develop meaningful pathways to personal healing and growth. Drawing from extensive clinical experience, I create a supportive environment where individuals can explore their emotions, challenge limiting beliefs, and develop resilient strategies for emotional well-being. My therapeutic approach is collaborative, respectful, and tailored to meet the individual needs of each client. I believe in the transformative power of understanding oneself, and I'm dedicated to walking alongside my clients as they build stronger, more authentic connections with themselves and others.

Hello, and welcome! My name is Renita Willis, and I am a licensed therapist based in Illinois. Deciding to seek therapy is a brave and important step. I want to say how proud I am of you for pondering on this journey toward emotional health and well-being. I have the privilege of helping clients experiencing depression, stress and anxiety, grief and loss, and navigating life transitions. Life can be overwhelming, filled with unexpected changes, deep sadness, and / or persistent worries. It's difficult facing these moments alone. My goal is to offer you the tools, resources, strategies, understanding, and compassionate support you need to regain a sense of equilibrium and fulfillment. In our sessions, I strive to create a welcoming and safe space where you feel heard, seen and accepted. I believe that trust is the foundation of effective therapy, so I focus on building an authenic connection with my clients. With me, you can explore your thoughts and feelings without being judged or criticized. Whether it’s unpacking complicated emotions or learning new ways to approach hardships, I’m here to walk this journey with you. I use a collaborative approach to therapy by incorporationg your unique experiences, strengths, and feelings. We’ll work together to identify your goals, develop coping strategies, and create a treatment plan that aligns with your personal core values and aspirations. My role is not to dictate to you what to do but to support you in discovering your insights and empowering you to make the changes you desire in your life. I use an intergrative approach to therapy incorporating modalities including emotionally focused individual therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing and solution focused therapy. I know that the decision to start therapy can feel overwhelming. It’s not always easy to open up to someone and be vulnerable, especially if you’ve been carrying your struggles alone for a long period of time. But I am here to remind you that it’s okay to walk this journey at your own pace, and it’s normal to connect with a therapist for help. As a matter of fact, seeking support in therapy is a sign of strength, resilience, and hope. Let’s travel on this journey together, creating a space where you can heal and grow. If you’re ready to take that first step or just want to learn more about how therapy can benefit you, I’m here to answer your questions and guide you through the process. I will be honored to be a part of your healing journey. Come on, let's get started.

I am licensed in Illinois with 9 years of professional work experience. I have worked in a variety of clinical settings and have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, career struggles, stage of life transitions, & trauma and abuse. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy takes courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

I am licensed in Illinois with 33 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

I am licensed in Illinois and Missouri with 23 years of professional counseling experience. I have assisted individuals with relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss and so much more. I facilitate an open and safe environment where you can share your thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment. It takes courage and determination to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

I am licensed in Illinois with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, confidence, executive coaching, professional coaching, concentration, & memory. I also have experience working with focus. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

I am a licensed clinical social worker with years of experience in the field. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working with children with special needs, older adults, individuals facing addiction, and those navigating chronic conditions, anxiety, and depression. Additionally, I have provided hospice and end-of-life care, and I serve as a life coach. My diverse background allows me to approach each situation with empathy and insight, ensuring that my clients receive the support they need to thrive.

I have over 10 years of experience as a dual licensed therapist and psychiatric registered nurse. In addition to helping with depression, anxiety, coping, and focus, I have extensive experience working with individuals experiencing the challenges associated with chronic illness, pain, debilitating fatigue, end-of-life, hospice, rehabilitation, elder care, dementia, and psychiatric issues. I am able to provide support, insight, and education regarding health, wellness, and navigating the complex and oftentimes confusing world of health and psychiatric care. My passion is helping people integrate mind-body and holistic health integration, including goal setting and integrating healthy habits into life. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.