Truth in Love Counseling

11/24/2025

"Ain't we got fun?!"

Truth in Love Counseling staff held their annual chili/soup cookoff and it wasn't the staff who won. This year, our social work intern, Lianna Benjamin won with her version of white bean chili. Last year's champion, Keith Studnicki chose to sit this one out, but graciously handed the trophy to Lianna. Send your congratulations to Lianna via this post. And, just to let you know, Lianna is also a great therapist and available to see new clients.

11/13/2025

Meet Adam Hayes, our new PMHNP-BC!

What is a PMHNP-BC? A PMHNP-BC is an ANCC board-certified Psychiatric Mental-Health Nurse Practitioner. What that means is that you or your doctor don't have to wait months before you can see a psychiatrist to be treated or prescribed medications for anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, etc. Adam works with patients from young to senior with these presenting issues, as well as bipolar disorder and PTSD, and he can often get you in for an appointment in about 2 weeks or less. To make an appointment with Adam, contact Truth in Love Counseling at 309/585-0241.

09/25/2025

✨ Carrie, Susan, and Jordan are at the American Association for Christian Counselors Conference this week — getting refreshed, equipped, and inspired! 🙌💡
We’re committed to continual growth so we can serve our clients with excellence, compassion, and Christ-centered care. 💙

09/10/2025

This World Su***de Prevention day, we're reminded of the story of Elijah in 1 Kings 19.Exhausted, afraid, and overwhelmed, Elijah prayed that his life would end. But instead of condemnation, God met him with compassion—providing rest, food, and gentle encouragement.If life feels like too much, know this: God sees you. He meets us in our lowest moments, cares for our needs, and gives us strength for the journey ahead.You are not alone. 💛

09/08/2025

09/03/2025

Still time to sign-up for this workshop Saturday.

Do you find yourself overcommitted? Are there people in your life you can’t say “no” to? Do you wish you had more time for self-care?

This Therapy workshop will help participants learn the value, principles and strategies for setting healthy boundaries in all your relationships, including yourself! We don’t just learn, we practice principles and strategies with each other to gain confidence in asserting our “no” in the real world.

This is a 3-hour workshop that meets on Saturday, September 6, 20269:00am-12pm in TiLC’s conference room. The group is facilitated by Carrie Bussmann, LCPC, founder of Truth in Love Counseling and boundaries expert. The cost of the workshop is $60. Call (309) 585-0241 to sign up.

08/22/2025

Happy birthday to Carrie and Maple! 🎉🥳🎂
Carrie, thank you for all you do to lead us well.
Maple, thank you for all the joy you bring to our office.

08/20/2025

I came across this quote by Craig Groeschel, Pastor of Life.Church and found it so insightful:
“Your life is almost always moving in the direction of your strongest thoughts.”
While positive thinking alone doesn’t fix everything, there’s real power in being aware of our thought life. The way we think shapes how we see ourselves, others, and the world around us.
Therapy can be a powerful tool to explore the patterns we’ve gotten stuck in — and help us shift toward healthier, more grounded ways of thinking.
-Jordan Halpin, LCPC

08/17/2025

I'm not good enough

One of the strategies to deal with the belief about ourselves that we aren't good enough is to re-wire our brain so that we block out the lies and replace them with the truth. In other words, we need to "take every thought captive" (II Cor 10:5), and to put our mind on "things above" (Col 3:2). We need to fill our minds with things we know to be more true than the lie that we aren't good enough. Quite often the lyrics of a Christian song help me to do that. One of the songs I have recently been listening to that does this so well is Zach Williams' song titled, "Jesus Loves." In the chorus he sings, "Come on in and you will find that you don't have to be enough to be someone Jesus loves." (Source: LyricFind; Jesus Loves lyrics @ Essential Music Publishing)
I have a playlist of songs that I listen to pretty much daily, so that my mind is almost constantly focused on what I know to be more true. Even when I am not listening to the music, I find that my mind is still replaying those songs, even when I wake up in the middle of the night.
What song have you listened to recently or in the past that has spoke truth to you about who you are in Christ? Let's make a playlist.

08/14/2025

Do you find yourself overcommitted? Are there people in your life you can’t say “no” to? Do you wish you had more time for self-care?

This Therapy workshop will help participants learn the value, principles and strategies for setting healthy boundaries in all your relationships, including yourself! We don’t just learn, we practice principles and strategies with each other to gain confidence in asserting our “no” in the real world.

This is a 3-hour workshop that meets on Saturday, September 6, 20269:00am-12pm in TiLC’s conference room. The group is facilitated by Carrie Bussmann, LCPC, founder of Truth in Love Counseling and boundaries expert. The cost of the workshop is $60. Call (309) 585-0241 to sign up.

08/06/2025

Jesus didn’t just promise peace — He won it for us. Through His sacrifice and resurrection, He conquered every pain, fear, and struggle we face. We believe in the power of His victory to bring real hope and healing to your life. You are never alone in your
journey.

08/05/2025

You don’t have to wait until things feel overwhelming to reach out. Whether you're facing a big challenge or just feeling
off, getting support early can make all the difference.

You deserve to feel heard, supported, and understood — no matter where you are on your journey.

We're here for you.