Summit Family Therapy, PLLC

11/16/2025

Today, our brave group of six women completed their group trauma intensive—a journey that required vulnerability, strength, and deep commitment. I am beyond proud of the work these women have done and inspired by the new paths they are stepping into.

Healing is not linear, and it takes incredible courage to show up for yourself and do the hard work. These women did just that.

Thank you, Regina Bridges and Britny Wallace for the yoga expertise and extra counselor support.

“Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome.” — Brené Brown

Here’s to new beginnings, growth, and the power of community. 💜

11/14/2025

As therapists, we strive to support every client well—but sometimes, even with the best intentions, we miss the mark.

This article highlights common misconceptions about autism in therapy and why it’s so important to approach neurodivergent clients with understanding and flexibility.

If you’re a clinician, parent, or simply someone who wants to learn more about autism and mental health, I encourage you to read this piece:
👉 https://summitfamilytherapy.com/summit-family-therapy-peoria-illinois-blog/2025/11/7/what-therapists-typically-get-wrong-about-autism?utm_campaign=meetedgar&utm_medium=social&utm_source=meetedgar.com

Let’s keep working toward care that truly honors neurodiversity.

— Nathaniel Oldenburg, MA, LCPC

Despite increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), significant barriers persist in mental health treatment for autistic clients. Many therapists lack adequate training and knowledge about autism, leading to misinterpretations and ineffective interventions. This post addresss recent rese

11/12/2025

💔 Trauma isn’t just a memory—it lives in your body and affects how you experience the world every day. Whether you’re healing from childhood trauma, PTSD, or spiritual and religious trauma, finding compassionate, trauma-informed support is key to reclaiming your life.

At Summit Family Therapy, we offer EMDR therapy and other trauma-informed approaches that help you process painful memories, reduce anxiety, and build resilience. Our therapists understand the unique ways trauma impacts the mind and body, and they provide a safe space for you to heal at your own pace.

✨ If you’ve been carrying the weight of trauma for too long, know that healing is possible. You don’t have to do it alone. Take that courageous first step today.

Struggling with past trauma, anxiety or negative beliefs about yourself? Summit Family Therapy offers EMDR to process emotional distress, reduce symptoms, and restore wellbeing.

11/10/2025

This piece is close to my heart: “Understanding Anxiety: A Survival Signal, Not a Flaw.”

Anxiety often gets a bad reputation, but what if we reframed it as a built-in survival mechanism rather than a personal failing? In this post, I explore why anxiety exists, how it’s meant to protect us, and practical ways to respond with compassion instead of shame.

If you’ve ever felt like anxiety makes you “broken,” this is for you. 💙

👉 Read the full article here: https://summitfamilytherapy.com/summit-family-therapy-peoria-illinois-blog/2025/11/7/understanding-anxiety-a-survival-signal-not-a-flaw?utm_campaign=meetedgar&utm_medium=social&utm_source=meetedgar.com

Let’s start a conversation—how do you personally cope when anxiety shows up? Share your thoughts below!

-Erica Ray, MEd, LCPC

Anxiety is universal. Even those who seem cool, calm, and collected experience it. And for good reason — anxiety is necessary for our survival. That’s right: anxiety is necessary . Is it pleasant? No. Fun? Not really. Embarrassing? Sometimes. But it’s also unavoidable, necessary, and even usef...

11/09/2025

K-pop idols, demon hunters, and… people-pleasing? It sounds like an odd mix, but these worlds share something powerful: the masks we wear to feel accepted.

In my latest blog, I explore how masking behaviors and internalized shame show up in fandom culture and everyday life. These patterns often start as survival strategies—but they can keep us stuck in cycles of anxiety and self-doubt.

✅ Why we hide parts of ourselves
✅ How shame shapes our choices
✅ Practical steps toward authenticity and self-compassion

If this resonates with you, you’re not alone. Let’s unpack it together.

👉 Read the full post here: https://summitfamilytherapy.com/summit-family-therapy-peoria-illinois-blog/2025/11/7/kpop-demon-hunters-masking-people-pleasing-and-internalized-shame?utm_campaign=meetedgar&utm_medium=social&utm_source=meetedgar.com

-Nathaniel Oldenburg, MA, LCPC

The three main characters in KPOP Demon Hunters resonate with so many people because they mirror the real life experience of internalized shame and wanting to be accepted for who you really are. They further speak to neurodivergent struggles of masking and people-pleasing. 

11/08/2025

We had a great time networking with our Central Illinois Counselor group tonight! It’s always great to connect and talk shop with our local talent. Cheers, friends!! 🥂🎉

11/07/2025

The best part of Summit Family Therapy is our team! This week, we celebrated Brenda’s retirement and she was our very first employee over 8 years ago. Brenda has watched us grow from two clinicians to seventeen, and supported every step of that journey. We could not have made it this far without her. We love you, Brenda!! ❤️🥹🎉

11/06/2025

Sometimes the kindest thing you can do for yourself is to say “yes” to rest—and “no” to self-neglect. If you feel emotionally exhausted from always showing up for everyone but yourself, this is your invitation to lean into healing.

Connections: A Healing Trauma & Reclaiming of Self
A women-only immersive workshop hosted by Dr. Courtney Stivers
🗓 November 14–16, 2025
📍 Soulside Healing Arts, Peoria, IL

What to expect:

- Over 12 hours of intensive group therapy tailored to trauma-informed healing

- Mindfulness, body connection, and self-soothing practices like yoga and breathwork

- A small, nurturing cohort of women holding space for one another

- A deeper understanding of how trauma impacts bodies, emotions, and relationships

- Nourishing meals, a peaceful studio environment, and a pre-event consultation with Dr. Courtney Stivers

https://summitfamilytherapy.com/womens-trauma-recovery-workshops?utm_campaign=meetedgar&utm_medium=social&utm_source=meetedgar.com

11/06/2025

Guess who just won Best Counseling Center in Peoria? 🤩

We’re honored to announce that Summit Family Therapy has been awarded Best Counseling Center in Peoria by the Community Choice Awards! 🏆

This recognition reflects our commitment to compassionate care, personalized support, and helping families thrive every day.

Thank you to our phenomenal team and the amazing community that trusts us on their journey to healing. 💙

11/04/2025

🐾 A Heartfelt Woof from Hattie the Therapy Dog 🐾

Hey there, it’s me—Hattie! 🐶🛑💖

Let’s talk about something important today: boundaries.
I know, I know—setting them can feel ruff. But hear this loud and clear from your fluffy friend:

Loyalty to yourself is never selfish. 🐾

It’s okay to say no.
It’s okay to need space.
It’s okay to protect your peace—even if others don’t understand.

Just like I know when I’ve had enough pets or need a break from the crowd, you get to honor what feels safe, kind, and true for you. 🐕✨

Your needs matter. Your feelings are valid.
And the more loyal you are to yourself, the more love you have to give others—freely, without resentment.

Standing tall with you (and wagging all the while),
💛 Hattie the Therapy Pup

11/02/2025

✨ Brandon C. Hovey, MA, LCPC, NCC, offers a personalized approach to therapy, integrating multiple therapeutic techniques, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, and motivational interviewing, to support clients in their healing journey.

Brandon helps clients with:
💭 Addiction Recovery

🧠 Trauma Healing

💬 Coping with Anxiety & Depression

🌿 Personal Growth

💬 Men’s Issues & Life Challenges

Your story is important, and Brandon is here to listen and support you on your journey to healing.

📞 Call 309-713-1485 or click the link in bio to learn more and schedule a session.

11/01/2025

Hattie the Therapy Pup was all smiles saying hello to trick or treaters tonight! 👻🎃🐾