Summit Family Therapy, PLLC

09/13/2025

🌿 Ready to make self-care a priority? 🌿

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Because caring for yourself isn’t selfish—it’s essential. ✨

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09/13/2025

Hi everyone, Kate Mills, MA, LCPC here. 💙

Navigating the special education system can feel overwhelming, even for experienced parents. When advocating for my own child, I quickly realized there was so much I wished I had known beforehand.

That’s why I wrote “What I Wish I Knew: A Parent’s Guide to Navigating Special Education.” In this article, I share practical tips to help parents feel more confident, informed, and empowered—whether it’s understanding your rights, preparing for meetings, or knowing how to ask the right questions.

I hope this guide can make the journey a little easier for families. You don’t have to do it alone.

When I first stepped into the world of special education as a parent, I thought I was prepared. I’m a licensed therapist and I had already spent years working inside the school system. But nothing truly readied me for what it feels like to sit on the other side of the table; this time, as a mom ad...

09/12/2025

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families are the heart of our communities—and sometimes, even the closest families need a little help navigating life’s challenges.

Whether your child is struggling with anxiety, behavior, or emotional regulation, or your family is facing communication breakdowns or conflict, Summit Family Therapy offers specialized family therapy and play therapy designed to strengthen relationships and build resilience.

Play therapy provides children a safe, natural way to express feelings they might not have words for, helping them process emotions and develop coping skills. For parents and caregivers, family therapy creates a space for honest dialogue, boundary-setting, and healing old wounds.

We believe every family has the potential to grow stronger together, and we’re here to support that growth with empathy and evidence-based approaches.

Learn more about how family and play therapy can transform your home life: https://summitfamilytherapy.com/childrens-counseling-peoria-illinois?utm_campaign=meetedgar&utm_medium=social&utm_source=meetedgar.com

09/12/2025

We’re thrilled to share that Summit Family Therapy has been named a Top Three Finalist in the 2025 Peoria Community’s Choice Awards! 🏆💙

This recognition wouldn’t be possible without our amazing clients, supporters, and community who trust us to provide compassionate, effective therapy. Thank you for being part of our journey!

Please join us in celebrating the power of mental wellness in our community!

09/11/2025

We had an outstanding day at our executive summit in Chicago! We aligned on key business strategies, shared insights, made new connections, and laid the groundwork for continued innovation and success. Attendance was around 800 people. Time to bring it to Peoria! 🧠💡📈

09/11/2025

Never forget. ❤️🇺🇸🙏

09/10/2025

You are not alone. ❤️

Today is World Su***de Prevention Day. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available.

Call or text 988 for free and confidential support from trained counselors all day, every day.

09/10/2025

You are never too old to jump in a pile of leaves!! What are your favorite fall activities?

09/09/2025

Many people have heard of PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), but fewer are familiar with C-PTSD (Complex PTSD)—and the differences matter.

👉 PTSD often develops after a single traumatic event, such as an accident or natural disaster.
👉 C-PTSD, however, comes from repeated or long-term trauma—like abuse, neglect, or captivity—and often includes additional struggles such as:

Difficulty regulating emotions
Persistent negative self-beliefs
Challenges trusting or connecting with others

At Summit Family Therapy, we know that naming the experience is the first step toward healing. By understanding how PTSD and C-PTSD differ, we can find more compassionate, tailored ways to support recovery and resilience.

💙 Healing is possible. If you or someone you love is navigating trauma, know that you don’t have to walk that journey alone.

Read more in our latest blog post:
👉 PTSD vs. C-PTSD:

When people talk about trauma, the term “PTSD” often comes up. But in recent years, another diagnosis has gained recognition: Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) . While both involve the lasting impact of trauma, they are not the same. Understanding the differences can help individua...

09/08/2025

🌿 Meet Dr. Courtney Stivers, PhD, LMFT 🌿

Dr. Courtney Stivers is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and the co-founder of Summit Family Therapy in Peoria, IL. With over a decade of experience, she specializes in trauma recovery, grief and loss, relationship challenges, and emotional wellness. She is the primary architect of the Connections Workshop program.

As a Certified Trauma Therapist (CTT) and EMDR Level 2 trained, Dr. Stivers blends evidence-based approaches with compassionate care. She believes in helping clients reconnect with themselves and others through trauma-informed, relational therapy.

Dr. Stivers is also passionate about supporting individuals navigating spiritual or religious trauma, including those recovering from high-control belief systems. She is LGBTQ+ affirming and creates a safe, inclusive space for all clients.

💛 Beyond individual therapy, Dr. Stivers leads workshops and specialized programs designed to heal, empower, and build resilience.

If you’re looking for guidance on your healing journey, Dr. Stivers and the team at Summit Family Therapy are here to walk alongside you.

🔗 Learn more: http://summitfamilytherapy.com/courtneystiverssummitfamilytherapypeoriaillinois?utm_campaign=meetedgar&utm_medium=social&utm_source=meetedgar.com

09/08/2025

🧠 Unlock Mental Wellness in 2025: Nutrition & Lifestyle Matter
Written By Robin Hayles, MA, LCPC

Did you know your diet, sleep, and daily habits can significantly impact your mental health? 🌿

At Summit Family Therapy, we explore the latest research on how nutrition and lifestyle choices influence conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and ADHD.

Key Insights:

🌿 Adopting a Mediterranean-style diet rich in whole foods can improve mood and reduce anxiety.

🌿 Regular physical activity boosts serotonin levels, enhancing overall well-being.

🌿 Quality sleep is crucial; aim for 7–9 hours in a dark, cool room.

🌿 Managing stress through mindfulness and reducing sugar intake can support mental clarity.

Discover how integrating these practices can complement traditional treatments and promote lasting mental health.

👉 Read the full article here: https://summitfamilytherapy.com/summit-family-therapy-peoria-illinois-blog/2025/9/5/integrating-nutrition-and-lifestyle-for-mental-health-a-2025-update

09/07/2025

✨ Why Choose Shelly Hart, MA, LPC? ✨

Looking for a therapist who truly listens—and helps you tap into your inner strength? Shelly Hart offers a warm, collaborative approach tailored to your unique story. Whether you're navigating life transitions, grief, anxiety, or parenting challenges, she creates a safe space to explore, heal, and grow at your own pace. With expertise in both individual and family counseling—and experience supporting trauma survivors, foster care individuals, and women’s issues—Shelly empowers you to become the healthiest version of yourself.

Ready to talk? Shelly currently accepts new clients in Peoria, both in-person and via telehealth.

Learn more: https://summitfamilytherapy.com/shelly-hart?utm_campaign=meetedgar&utm_medium=social&utm_source=meetedgar.com