Summit Family Therapy, PLLC

01/19/2026

✨ New on the Blog ✨
Grief doesn’t just live in our minds — it settles into our bodies, our rhythms, and the ways we move through the world. I wrote this piece to help make sense of that experience and to offer compassion for the ways your body may still be carrying what your heart has lost.

If you or someone you love is navigating grief, I hope these words bring understanding, gentleness, and a reminder that you’re not alone.

— Robin Hayles, MA, LCPC

Read “The Grieving Body: How Loss Lives in the Body” here 👇

Grief is one of the most painful and disorienting human experiences. Many describe it as feeling as though a part of themselves has been cut away—an absence so profound it is felt not only emotionally, but physically. In The Grieving Brain , psychologist and neuroscientist Mary‑Frances O’Conno...

01/16/2026

✨ The Quiet Power of Friendship ✨
In a world that’s increasingly busy, divided, and distracted, friendship may be one of the most powerful—and overlooked—sources of healing and resilience. 🤍

This week on the blog, we explore why meaningful friendships matter more than ever, how they support our mental health, and why connection doesn’t have to be loud to be life‑changing.
Whether it’s a longtime friend or someone who simply shows up, these relationships can make all the difference.

👉 Read the full article here:
https://summitfamilytherapy.com/summit-family-therapy-peoria-illinois-blog/2026/1/8/quiet-power-of-friendship-why-we-need-each-other-more-than-ever?utm_campaign=meetedgar&utm_medium=social&utm_source=meetedgar.com

💬 Reflection question:
Who has been a quiet but steady presence in your life?

As a therapist, I’m often reminded that some of the most important healing doesn’t happen in my office. Healing happens over cups of coffee, in late-night phone calls, during shared laughter, or when someone says, “I’m here. Tell me what’s going on” or “I support you.”

01/15/2026

🌿 We’re Hiring: Psychotherapist (LMFT, LCPC, LCSW, PhD, or PsyD) 🌿
Are you a compassionate mental health professional looking to make a meaningful impact? Our team is growing, and we’re looking for a skilled full time Psychotherapist to join us!

🧠 Who We’re Looking For:
✔️ LMFT, LCPC, LCSW, PhD, or PsyD
✔️ Committed to high‑quality client care
✔️ Values collaboration, empathy, and professional growth

🎁 Benefits & Perks:
✅ Competitive compensation
✅ Flexible scheduling
✅ Medical (employee funded), dental, and vision coverage
✅ 401(k) with employer match
✅ PTO
✅ Paid CEUs/tuition or professional development stipend
✅ Weekly/ongoing clinical consultation and supervision
✅ Malpractice coverage support
✅ Easy-to-use EHR
✅ Admin support so you can focus on clients
✅ Insurance credentialing
✅ Furnished private office
✅ Mission‑driven, collaborative culture

✨ If this sounds like you (or someone you know!), check out the full job description and apply here:
👉 https://www.indeed.com/job/psychotherapist-lmft-lcpc-lcsw-phd-psyd-9cf9b490a889cc78

Help us spread the word by sharing this post! 💚

01/14/2026

🐾 A Cozy Reminder from Hattie the Therapy Dog 🐾

Hey friends, it’s me—Hattie! 🐶💤

Even this busy pup knows the importance of taking time to recharge. When my paws get tired from all the running and playing, I find a quiet spot to rest and refill my energy. 🌿🐾

You deserve that too! Taking a break isn’t just okay—it’s necessary for your body, mind, and heart. So don’t feel guilty about slowing down. Curl up, breathe deep, and give yourself permission to recharge. 💛

When you take care of yourself, you’re ready to shine even brighter.

Rest well, friends!
– Hattie the Therapy Pup 🐕

01/14/2026

If you've been feeling overwhelmed by everything in the news lately, this short clip from 25News WEEK is worth a watch! Dr. Ryan Stivers and other experts share practical tips on how to cope with stressful headlines and protect your mental well‑being.

Check it out here ⬇️
https://www.25newsnow.com/video/2026/01/14/how-cope-with-stressful-news-clipped-version/?fbclid=IwZnRzaAPUcjdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeY9Hdq_FEc8mxnkKYePtEH2ZTyZfkQPTvSJ1H2PKW0EUx3pXg1KJ2KDgnu9M_aem_g5lkpDan8r0d24LglVxT1w

🧠💛 Taking care of ourselves matters—especially now.

01/12/2026

Feeling stuck, uncertain, or questioning your path in your 20s or 30s? You’re not alone—and you’re not failing.

A quarter‑life crisis is a common developmental experience marked by identity questions, career uncertainty, and pressure to “have it all figured out.” Changing timelines, financial stress, and constant comparison can make this season especially overwhelming.

In our latest blog, we explore what a quarter‑life crisis really is, why it happens, and how support and self‑reflection can help you move forward with clarity and intention.

👉 Read the full article here:
https://summitfamilytherapy.com/summit-family-therapy-peoria-illinois-blog/2026/1/8/understanding-the-quarter-life-crisis?utm_campaign=meetedgar&utm_medium=social&utm_source=meetedgar.com

💬 Reflection question:
If you could release one expectation about where you “should” be in life right now, what would it be?

The term quarter-life crisis describes a period of emotional upheaval and identity questioning that commonly occurs during early adulthood, roughly between the mid‑20s and mid‑30s. According to psychologist Claire Hapke, PsyD, LMFT, this phase is marked by uncertainty, pressure, and reassessment...

01/12/2026

When the news is scary, how do you talk to your kids about it?
National events can feel overwhelming—not just for adults, but for children too. Knowing what to say (and what not to say) can make a big difference in helping them feel safe and supported.
Dr. Courtney Stivers shares practical tips for guiding these conversations with care and compassion.

Let’s help our kids process the world in a healthy way. 💙

When distressing national events dominate headlines—violence, disasters, protests, political conflict—children notice. They overhear conversations, catch glimpses of images, and feel the emotional “temperature” at home. As caregivers, we can’t control the news cycle, but we can shape how o...

01/09/2026

💔 Estrangement and Fractured Families 💔

Family estrangement is more common than we often talk about—and it’s deeply painful. When family relationships become distant or break entirely, people can experience grief, shame, confusion, and profound loneliness, especially when it feels like everyone else has a “perfect family.”

In our latest blog, we explore what family estrangement is, why it happens, and how intergenerational patterns, values conflicts, and boundaries can play a role. Most importantly, we emphasize that if you’re experiencing estrangement, you are not alone—and your feelings make sense.

👉 Read the full article here:
https://summitfamilytherapy.com/summit-family-therapy-peoria-illinois-blog/2026/1/8/estrangement-and-fractured-families?utm_campaign=meetedgar&utm_medium=social&utm_source=meetedgar.com

💬 Gentle reflection:
What does taking care of yourself look like when family relationships are complicated?

Family estrangement is one of the most emotionally painful and least openly discussed experiences individuals face across the lifespan. Estrangement is commonly defined as the cessation or significant reduction of regular contact between two or more family members (Agllias, 2017). While often assu

01/07/2026

Ready for a deeper, more personalized approach to healing?

We’re excited to introduce Trailhead: Custom Intensives at Summit Family Therapy! These tailored sessions are designed for individuals and relationships who want focused time to work through life’s challenges in a supportive, immersive environment.

Discover how this unique offering can help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of Trailhead Custom Intensives , a new therapy program designed to help individuals and couples reach deep, focused healing. Unlike weekly sessions, Trailhead Intensives offer extended blocks of time, ranging from half-day to multi-day formats, tailored to you...

01/07/2026

At Summit Family Therapy, we believe every mind is unique—and that includes yours. Whether you're navigating ADHD, autism, or other neurodiverse experiences, our compassionate, neurodiversity-affirming counseling is here to support you.

💡 What We Offer:

Personalized Strategies: Develop tools to manage attention, organization, time, and emotions.

Inclusive Support: Address challenges related to self-esteem, relationships, and daily life.

Gender-Inclusive Care: Recognize and validate the diverse ways neurodivergence manifests across genders.

Adult Diagnosis Support: Navigate the journey of understanding yourself with compassion and clarity.

Our therapists are dedicated to helping you understand your brain, celebrate your strengths, and create systems that work for you. You're not broken—and you're not alone.

📍 Serving Peoria, IL, and surrounding areas. Telehealth options available.

🔗 Learn more and schedule a consultation: https://summitfamilytherapy.com/autism-adhd-and-neurodiversity-whole-self-approaches?utm_campaign=meetedgar&utm_medium=social&utm_source=meetedgar.com

Discover whole self approaches to autism, ADHD, and neurodiversity support at Summit Family Therapy. Enhance understanding and growth through expert counseling services.

01/05/2026

🧠✨ New on the Blog: The Good Enough Parent ✨🧠

As a therapist—and a parent—I’ve seen firsthand how perfectionism can quietly erode our confidence and connection with our children. The truth is: you don’t have to be perfect to be a great parent.

In my latest post, I explore the concept of the “good enough parent”—a compassionate, research-backed approach that encourages presence, responsiveness, and grace over perfection. If you’ve ever felt like you’re falling short, this is for you.

💬 Let’s shift the narrative from pressure to permission. You are enough.

-Kate Mills, MA, LCPC

📖 Read the full post here:
👉 https://summitfamilytherapy.com/summit-family-therapy-peoria-illinois-blog/2025/9/25/the-good-enough-parent?utm_campaign=meetedgar&utm_medium=social&utm_source=meetedgar.com

01/02/2026

Healing isn’t always quiet—and it doesn’t have to be alone. 🌿 I just published an article, “Not All Healing Happens in Silence: Retreats vs. Therapy Intensives,” exploring the crucial differences between restorative retreats and psychotherapy group intensives, and why sometimes going deeper is exactly what we need.

If you’ve ever felt like you want more than just a pause — if you’re seeking real transformation, tools for trauma recovery, or breakthroughs rather than relief alone — this might speak to you.

Curious to dive in? Read more and see which path might resonate most with your healing journey:

When it comes to healing, growth, and recovering from trauma, there are several formats offered by therapists and wellness providers. Two common options are group therapeutic intensives and retreats . Though they can overlap, they also have distinct features, formats, and goals. Understanding the