http://www.survivethrivecounseling.org/

Survive & Thrive Counseling, Inc., 1457 E 84th Place, Merrillville, IN (2025)

11/08/2025

I had the pleasure of presenting "Sustainable Trauma Care: How to work with trauma while preventing secondary trauma " to this wonderful group of providers!

If your group would benefit from learning critical skills to prevent secondary trauma, email me at teonnatalks@gmail.com!

11/03/2025

No waitlist!!!

Great news!! Due to growth, Survive & Thrive Counseling, Inc is accepting new clients!

Daytime, evening, and weekend availability and no waitlist currently!

If you or someone you know is ready to change their lives, call us at 219-281-6053 or schedule online with one of our therapists who currently have availability!

www.survivethrivecounseling.org

We offer counseling for children (age 3 and over), teens, adults, and couples! We have offices in Merrillville and Griffith and can provide teletherapy throughout the State of Indiana. We are in-network with all commercial insurance plans, several EAP plans, as well as most Medicaid plans!

Michael Maddox, LMHC-A offers counseling for children, teens, adults and couples. He has experience with neurodivergent clients as well as infertility issues, trauma, anxiety, depression, and relationship issues.

Michelle Mentink, LSW has years of experience working with developmental disabilities in children, teens, and adults. She is trained in Mindfulness, CBT, and DBT. She loves treating anxiety, depression, and other challenges people are facing. Learn more about Michelle on her Psychology Today profile:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/michelle-a-mentink-cedar-lake-in/1578072

Kaitlyn Johnson, LMHC-A offers counseling for children (ages 3 and up), teens, and adults. She is skilled in complex trauma. anxiety, depression, behavior issues, high functioning neurodivergent clients, and parenting. She also has experience with addictions and eating disorders. She has been trained in DBT, CBT, and other evidence based practices. She has a warm, accepting personality that puts clients at ease. She is in our Merrillville office as well as teletherapy. Check out her profile:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/kaitlyn-johnson-merrillville-in/1358089?msockid=0f10983932206a233d5088cf33886bd2

Alexis Darland, LMHC-A provides art therapy and supports holistic care. I’ve worked with youth ages 8–12, as well as unhoused young adults ages 17–25. She is passionate about supporting a range of individuals, including children, young adults, veterans, and older adults navigating t

10/24/2025

No waitlist!!!

Great news!! Due to growth, Survive & Thrive Counseling, Inc is accepting new clients!

Daytime, evening, and weekend availability and no waitlist currently!

If you or someone you know is ready to change their lives, call us at 219-281-6053 or schedule online with one of our therapists who currently have availability!

www.survivethrivecounseling.org

We offer counseling for children (age 3 and over), teens, adults, and couples! We have offices in Merrillville and Griffith and can provide teletherapy throughout the State of Indiana. We are in-network with all commercial insurance plans, several EAP plans, as well as most Medicaid plans!

Michael Maddox, LMHC-A offers counseling for children, teens, adults and couples. He has experience with neurodivergent clients as well as infertility issues, trauma, anxiety, depression, and relationship issues.

Michelle Mentink, LSW has years of experience working with developmental disabilities in children, teens, and adults. She is trained in Mindfulness, CBT, and DBT. She loves treating anxiety, depression, and other challenges people are facing. Learn more about Michelle on her Psychology Today profile:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/michelle-a-mentink-cedar-lake-in/1578072

Kaitlyn Johnson, LMHC-A offers counseling for children (ages 3 and up), teens, and adults. She is skilled in complex trauma. anxiety, depression, behavior issues, high functioning neurodivergent clients, and parenting. She also has experience with addictions and eating disorders. She has been trained in DBT, CBT, and other evidence based practices. She has a warm, accepting personality that puts clients at ease. She is in our Merrillville office as well as teletherapy. Check out her profile:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/kaitlyn-johnson-merrillville-in/1358089?msockid=0f10983932206a233d5088cf33886bd2

Alexis Darland, LMHC-A provides art therapy and supports holistic care. I’ve worked with youth ages 8–12, as well as unhoused young adults ages 17–25. She is passionate about supporting a range of individuals, including children, young adults, veterans, and older adults navigating trauma, anxiety, or life transitions. Alexis is in both offices as well as teletherapy. Check out her profile:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/alexis-darland-merrillville-in/1598948

ChaKara Gunn, LCSW offers teletherapy appointments for older children, teens, and adults. She has a passion for working with couples and addictions!
Check out her profile:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/chakara-gunn-gary-in/1573627

Shadia Ibrahim, LMHC offers teletherapy for adult women. She specializes in trauma, eating disorders, depression, and relationship issues.

We also have Master's level interns who are available to see clients for the low rate of $25 per session!

Heather Rosenwinkel, graduate student, is a dedicated mental health professional with over two decades of experience supporting individuals across the lifespan. Currently serving as the Quality Assurance Manager for the 988 Su***de and Crisis Lifeline at the Crisis Center, Inc., Heather brings a compassionate, trauma-informed approach to every interaction.
Her background includes case management for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, program leadership for adults diagnosed with autism, and direct service to survivors of relationship abuse and violence. She specializes in Person-Centered Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), with a focus on meeting clients where they are—honoring each person’s unique experience with trauma.
Heather is completing her Master’s in Mental Health Counseling at Northeastern Illinois University, where she also serves as President of the Chi Sigma Iota counseling honors society. She holds a Bachelor’s in Sociology with a minor in Urban Studies from Valparaiso University and is a certified trainer in ASIST (Applied Su***de Intervention Skills Training).
Heather is passionate about creating safe, supportive spaces for healing.

10/22/2025

We are excited to welcome Michelle Mentink, MSW, LSW to Survive & Thrive Counseling, Inc! Michelle will offer in-person and teletherapy appointments in our Merrillville and Griffith offices. To schedule with Michelle, or any of our therapists, call 219-281-6053 or schedule online at www.survivethrivecounseling.org.

"I received my undergraduate degree in Human Development and Family Services, with a concentration in Child, Adolescent, and Family Studies from the University of Pennsylvania, and earned my Master’s in Social Work from Indiana Wesleyan University.

With over 20 years of experience working with individuals with special needs ranging in age from 3 to 92 through the Indiana Waiver System, I bring a compassionate and person-centered approach to therapy. I am certified in Mindfulness Practices and well-versed in both Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for Individual therapy services.

Coming from a strong Christian background, I believe that faith can be a powerful component of healing and motivation. However, I am deeply committed to meeting each client where they are, honoring their unique journey, beliefs, and values. My goal is to provide a safe, supportive environment where clients can explore their stories, discover their strengths, and find hope for lasting change."

Thank you,

Michelle Mentink

10/13/2025

We are looking for businesses or groups to host this free presentation on a topic that us very difficult but so incredibly important! Email me at survivethrive@outlook.com if your business or group is interested in hosting!

10/13/2025

We are looking for businesses or groups who are interested in hosting this free presentation on this very difficult, yet incredibly important topic! Please email survivethrive@outlook.com if your business or group would be interested in scheduling this presentation!

10/13/2025

No waitlist!!!

Great news!! Due to growth, Survive & Thrive Counseling, Inc is accepting new clients!

Daytime, evening, and weekend availability and no waitlist currently!

If you or someone you know is ready to change their lives, call us at 219-281-6053 or schedule online with one of our therapists who currently have availability!

www.survivethrivecounseling.org

We offer counseling for children (age 3 and over), teens, adults, and couples! We have offices in Merrillville and Griffith and can provide teletherapy throughout the State of Indiana. We are in-network with all commercial insurance plans, several EAP plans, as well as most Medicaid plans!

Michael Maddox, LMHC-A offers counseling for children, teens, adults and couples. He has experience with neurodivergent clients as well as infertility issues, trauma, anxiety, depression, and relationship issues.

Kaitlyn Johnson, LMHC-A offers counseling for children (ages 3 and up), teens, and adults. She is skilled in complex trauma. anxiety, depression, behavior issues, high functioning neurodivergent clients, and parenting. She also has experience with addictions and eating disorders. She has been trained in DBT, CBT, and other evidence based practices. She has a warm, accepting personality that puts clients at ease. She is in our Merrillville office as well as teletherapy. Check out her profile:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/kaitlyn-johnson-merrillville-in/1358089?msockid=0f10983932206a233d5088cf33886bd2

Alexis Darland, LMHC-A provides art therapy and supports holistic care. I’ve worked with youth ages 8–12, as well as unhoused young adults ages 17–25. She is passionate about supporting a range of individuals, including children, young adults, veterans, and older adults navigating trauma, anxiety, or life transitions. Alexis is in both offices as well as teletherapy. Check out her profile:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/alexis-darland-merrillville-in/1598948

ChaKara Gunn, LCSW offers teletherapy appointments for older children, teens, and adults. She has a passion for working with couples and addictions!
Check out her profile:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/chakara-gunn-gary-in/1573627

Shadia Ibrahim, LMHC offers teletherapy for adult women. She specializes in trauma, eating disorders, depression, and relationship issues.

We also have Master's level interns who are available to see clients for the low rate of $25 per session!

Emily Russell – Counseling Graduate Student

Hi there! I’m Emily, a counseling grad student who’s passionate about creating a safe, supportive space for everyone. No matter who you are or what you’re going through, you deserve to be heard without judgment.

Whether you're dealing with something heavy or just need someone to talk to, I’m here to listen, support, and walk alongside you.

Heather Rosenwinkel, graduate student, is a dedicated mental health professional with over two decades of experience supporting individuals across the lifespan. Currently serving as the Quality Assurance Manager for the 988 Su***de and Crisis Lifeline at the Crisis Center, Inc., Heather brings a compassionate, trauma-informed approach to every interaction.
Her background includes case management for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, program leadership for adults diagnosed with autism, and direct service to survivors of relationship abuse and violence. She specializes in Person-Centered Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), with a focus on meeting clients where they are—honoring each person’s unique experience with trauma.
Heather is completing her Master’s in Mental Health Counseling at Northeastern Illinois University, where she also serves as President of the Chi Sigma Iota counseling honors society. She holds a Bachelor’s in Sociology with a minor in Urban Studies from Valparaiso University and is a certified trainer in ASIST (Applied Su***de Intervention Skills Training).
Heather is passionate about creating safe, supportive spaces for healing.

10/11/2025

Letter from a son to his separated parents.

Dear Dad and Mom,

Please tell me — with words and with your actions — that I can keep loving both of you, and help me maintain a close relationship with each of you. After all, you were the ones who chose each other to be my parents.

Don’t make me a witness, a referee, or a messenger in your fights and conflicts. I feel used and burdened with fixing a problem that isn’t mine. Keep in mind that everything you do to hurt each other — whether you mean to or not — will hurt me first.

Don’t criticize or belittle each other in front of me, even if what you say is true. Please understand that, no matter how bad you were as a couple, you are still my parents — and I need to see both of you as the best in the world. Don’t fight to see who gets to keep me, because I don’t “belong” to either of you, but I *need* both of you. Remember that being with me is a right, not a privilege — a right that you both have, and so do I.

Don’t put me in situations where I have to choose who to go with, or whose side I’m on. It’s torture for me, because when I choose one, I feel like I’m betraying the other — and I love and need you both. Tell me that your separation isn’t my fault, that it was your decision, and that I had nothing to do with it.

Even if that seems obvious to you, I still blame myself — because I need to keep your image intact, and so I think the only one who could have failed is me. Please understand that when I come home angry after being with Mom or Dad, it’s not because one of you “poisoned” me — it’s because I’m sad and frustrated that I can’t live permanently with both of you anymore.

Please never cancel a visit or meeting you promised. You have no idea how excited I get waiting for you, nor how deeply it hurts me when you don’t show up. Allow me to care for the new partner of my mother or father. Even though it hurts deep down to accept them, I want to like them — so I don’t lose the parent I feel I lost because of them.

Don’t ask me to spy or tell you how my other parent lives or what we do together. It makes me feel disloyal, and I don’t want to be a snitch. Don’t use me as a tool for revenge by telling me bad things about my mom or dad. The only thing you’ll achieve is filling me with resentment toward the one who’s trying to damage the image I *need* to keep whole.

Please make sure I understand that even if your marriage is over, our relationship is different — and it will always remain.

Remember that while your separation might be a chance for you to end an unhappy marriage or start a new chapter, for me it’s the loss of my only chance to grow up beside the two people I love and need the most: my mom and dad.

Please remember that the best thing you can do for me, now that you no longer love each other, is to respect each other.

Sincerely,
Your Son

10/09/2025

Great news!! Due to growth, Survive & Thrive Counseling, Inc is accepting new clients!

If you or someone you know is ready to change their lives, call us at 219-281-6053 or schedule online with one of our therapists who currently have availability! https://lnkd.in/g3fGRWvf We offer counseling for children (age 3 and over), teens, adults, and couples! We have offices in Merrillville and Griffith and can provide teletherapy throughout the State of Indiana. We are in-network with all commercial insurance plans, several EAP plans, as well as most Medicaid plans!

Michael Maddox, LMHC-A offers counseling for children, teens, adults and couples. He has experience with neurodivergent clients as well as infertility issues, trauma, anxiety, depression, and relationship issues.

Kaitlyn Johnson, LMHC-A offers counseling for anxiety, depression, behavior issues, and other concerns. She is in our Merrillville office as well as teletherapy. Check out her profile:

https://lnkd.in/gtZtfuR4

Alexis Darland, LMHC-A provides art therapy and supports holistic care. I’ve worked with youth ages 8–12, as well as unhoused young adults ages 17–25. She is passionate about supporting a range of individuals, including young adults, veterans, and older adults navigating trauma, anxiety, or life transitions. Alexis is in both offices as well as teletherapy.

ChaKara Gunn, LCSW offers teletherapy appointments for older children, teens, and adults. She has a passion for working with couples and addictions!
Check out her profile:
https://lnkd.in/gt2AVmmT

Shadia Ibrahim, LMHC offers teletherapy for adult women. She specializes in trauma, eating disorders, depression, and relationship issues.

We also have Master's level interns who are available to see clients for the low rate of $25 per session!

Emily Russell – Counseling Graduate Student

Hi there! I’m Emily, a counseling grad student who’s passionate about creating a safe, supportive space for everyone. No matter who you are or what you’re going through, you deserve to be heard without judgment.

Whether you're dealing with something heavy or just need someone to talk to, I’m here to listen, support, and walk alongsid

Survive & Thrive Counseling, Inc.

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