Willow Creek Counseling

01/11/2026

01/09/2026

Looking for a thoughtful podcast to listen to that explores real topics around mental health and well-being? We recommend Therapy Chat, hosted by licensed psychotherapist Laura Reagan. Each episode dives into topics related to trauma, healing, self‑care, and therapeutic approaches with expert guests and grounded insight — a great listen for anyone interested in understanding mental health more deeply.
Talkspace

Whether you’re a mental health professional, someone curious about therapy, or just enjoy learning about emotional wellness, this podcast offers meaningful conversations you can take with you on your walk, drive, or downtime.
Talkspace

01/06/2026

Meet Paul, one of our dedicated mental health professionals with nearly 20 years of experience in the field. A graduate of Aurora University with a Master’s in Social Work, Paul began his journey right here at Willow Creek as an intern, gaining experience in CBT and working with diverse populations.

Throughout his career, Paul has been committed to serving the Rockford community, providing high-quality care to individuals, families, and communities. He’s passionate about helping people reach their full potential and believes everyone deserves access to mental health support.

Outside of work, Paul enjoys spending time with family, exploring new coffee shops, and traveling across the U.S. His love for new experiences and cultures inspires him both personally and professionally.

We’re proud to have Paul as part of the Willow Creek team!

01/04/2026

The start of a new year is a great time to think about goals—not just for your body, but for your mind and overall well-being too.

Instead of “fixing” everything at once, try picking one small goal in each area:

Physical: Take a short walk daily, try a new fitness class, or just drink more water.
Mental: Try journaling for five minutes a day, practice mindfulness, or learn a new skill.
Emotional: Connect more with friends or family, set boundaries when needed, or give yourself permission to rest.

Remember, goals don’t have to be huge to make a difference. Small steps can lead to big changes over time.

What’s one goal you’re thinking about this year? Share it below—we’d love to hear!

12/30/2025

We recently shared an employee spotlight on Jennifer and wanted to follow up to learn a little more about her. Here’s what she had to say:

If you weren’t a therapist, what career do you think you’d have?
Anything working with babies, toddlers, or animals.

What’s your go-to self-care activity after a long day?
Listening to music.

If you could have dinner with any psychologist or historical figure, who would it be and why?
Bruce Perry, because of his work.

What’s one common piece of advice you find yourself giving often?
Taking things one moment at a time and just breathing.

What’s something about being a therapist that surprises people?
That therapists experience big emotions too.

Do you have a favorite quote or mantra you live by?
Just breathe.

What’s a small mental health tip you think everyone should know?
Feelings may feel big in the moment, but they are temporary.

What’s one thing you wish more people understood about therapy?
You don’t have to be going through a difficult time to benefit from therapy.

What inspired you to become a therapist?
Being able to support others.

What’s your favorite way to recharge over the weekend?
Spending time with family.

What advice would you give someone nervous about starting therapy?
It’s normal to feel nervous, and it’s important to connect with your therapist. That connection is a key part of successful therapy.

Coffee, tea, or something else to start your day?
Coffee.

We’re grateful for Jennifer and the care, thoughtfulness, and presence she brings to her work every day.

12/29/2025

Does anyone even know what day it is?

Welcome to that strange stretch between Christmas and New Year’s where time is fake, leftovers are a food group, and no one knows if they should be productive or take a nap.

If you’re feeling a little off, unmotivated, or mentally checked out—good news: that’s normal. This is actually a great time to ease off the gas. You don’t need to plan your entire year, reinvent yourself, or “start fresh” just yet.

A few professional (and very realistic) suggestions:
• Rest without feeling guilty
• Do one small thing a day and call it a win
• Go outside, hydrate, and maybe stop judging yourself so much
• Let your brain reset before jumping back into real life

We’ll all figure out what day it is eventually.