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Headshot of Ashley Kreke, LCPC

Ashley Kreke

Therapist
18 years of experience
  • In-person
  • Anxiety, ADD/ADHD, Stress management, Panic disorders
  • Individual therapy, Child or adolescent therapy

Great to meet you!

Hi, I'm Ashley.

I'm so glad you're here.

If you're looking for support for your child, chances are you're carrying a lot of questions—and maybe even some worries. Whether your child is struggling with anxiety, big emotions, behavioral challenges, or a difficult life transition, I want you to know that you don't have to navigate it alone.

Every child deserves a place where they feel safe, accepted, and understood. My goal is to create a warm, nurturing environment where children can express themselves freely, discover their strengths, and grow at their own pace. Meaningful healing begins when children know they are valued exactly as they are, which is why my goal is to build trusting relationships with each child who walks in the door.

As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and Registered Play Therapist (RPT), I specialize in working with children and adolescents using child-centered play therapy. Because play is a child's natural language, it allows them to communicate feelings, experiences, and needs that can be difficult to express with words alone. Through play, children can explore emotions, build confidence, develop healthy coping skills, and strengthen their ability to navigate life's challenges.

My Credentials

15+ years of experience working with children and adolescents as a School Counselor

  • 2+ years of experience working with children and adolescents in the community mental health setting
  • Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC)
  • Registered Play Therapist (RPT)
  • Master of Science in Counseling
  • Specialized training in evidence-based approaches for children and adolescents
    • Foundational TraumaPlay training
    • Level One Theraplay and Marschak Interaction Method (MIM)

My approach to therapy

While each child's journey is unique, my approach remains the same: to meet them with compassion, patience, and genuine acceptance. I believe children thrive when they feel emotionally safe, and I work to create that sense of safety in every session.

Who Can Benefit From Play Therapy?

Play therapy can support children experiencing:

  • Anxiety and excessive worry
  • Emotional regulation challenges
  • Behavioral concerns
  • Changes in family structure
  • Grief and loss
  • School-related stress
  • Self-esteem concerns
  • Social difficulties
  • Adjustment to life changes

What you can expect from me

The first appointment is an opportunity for us to begin getting to know one another. We'll talk about your concerns, your child's strengths, developmental history, and what brought you to counseling. Depending on your child's age and needs, I may spend time with you, your child, or both. There is no expectation that your child will immediately open up or talk about difficult experiences.

About me

  • I identify as
    Caucasian, Cisgender Woman
  • My style is
    Warm, Open Minded, Affirming

Qualification and insurance

  • Years of experience
    18 years of experience
  • Training
    MC (Masters in Counseling) at Eastern Illinois University
  • License type
    LCPC (Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor) (Illinois)
  • Licensed in
  • Insurance accepted
    Aetna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, Carelon Behavioral Health, Cigna, Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey, Independence Blue Cross Pennsylvania - Virtual National Network

Cost

Care details

  • Top specialties
    Anxiety, ADD/ADHD, Stress management, Panic disorders
  • More specialties
    Anger management, Trauma
  • Therapy methods
    Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Play
  • Care types
    Individual therapy, Child or adolescent therapy
  • Ages served
    Children, Infants / Toddlers
  • Languages
    English
  • Location
    2201 Willenborg Street Suite 3
    Effingham, IL 62401