Nancy Peterson

With over 45 years of experience in the Champaign-Urbana area, Nancy Peterson, LCSW, brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her counseling practice. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Nancy has dedicated her career to helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life's challenges with compassion and skill.

Nancy's approach to therapy is as unique as the clients she serves. She believes in individualized care that is both supportive and empowering, tailoring her methods to meet the specific needs of each person who walks through her door. Her warmth and non-judgmental attitude create a safe space for clients to explore their deepest concerns and work towards meaningful change.

In her work with adults, Nancy focuses on helping clients restore their strength and develop new coping skills, particularly during times of transition. She excels at unearthing the underlying roots of issues, helping clients to identify and challenge the beliefs that may be causing distress or leading to repetitive problems. This approach empowers her clients to make lasting changes and develop the internal resources they need to thrive.

Couples counseling is another area where Nancy's passion shines through. She emphasizes the importance of emotional safety in relationships and teaches couples specific action steps to improve their communication and connection. Nancy's goal-oriented approach allows couples to see tangible progress, providing hope and motivation for continued growth.

When working with children, Nancy employs a variety of creative techniques to make therapy engaging and accessible. She uses art, books, toys, and play to help children express themselves and work through their challenges in age-appropriate ways. This playful approach allows children to temporarily distance themselves from pain, making it easier to share and ultimately find healthy ways to resolve their hurts and build new coping skills.

Nancy's extensive experience is backed by a strong educational foundation. She holds a B.S. in psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a Masters in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin in Madison. Her professional journey includes roles at various mental health centers, including serving as director at the Christian Counseling Center in Urbana for four years.

Throughout her career, Nancy has not only provided one-on-one counseling but has also conducted groups and given presentations on a wide range of topics, including parenting, social skills for children, boundaries, self-esteem, depression, and time management. Her expertise has also led her to teach child psychology at Parkland Community College in Champaign, further demonstrating her commitment to education and community service.

With a diverse toolkit of therapeutic approaches, including psychodynamic techniques, cognitive behavior therapy, play therapy, and guided imagery, Nancy is equipped to address a wide spectrum of mental health concerns. Her ability to blend these various methods allows her to create a truly personalized therapeutic experience for each client.

Nancy Peterson's counseling practice stands as a testament to her dedication to mental health and her belief in the power of therapy to transform lives. Whether you're seeking individual growth, looking to strengthen your relationship, or seeking support for your child, Nancy's compassionate and insightful approach can help guide you towards healing and positive change.