Courtney Stivers, PhD, LMFT

CTT, EMDR II Trained

As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and the co-founder of Summit Family Therapy, I believe that healing happens in the context of safe, authentic relationships. I work with individuals, couples, and families to help them reconnect with themselves and each other in meaningful, lasting ways. My approach is warm, relational, and rooted in trauma-informed, evidence-based practices.

I view clients through the lens of Family Systems Theory, which means I consider how your relationships, roles, and patterns—both past and present—impact your emotional health. Whether we’re exploring family dynamics, communication struggles, or generational patterns, this perspective helps uncover how the systems you’ve been part of have shaped your sense of self. Together, we work to create healthier ways of relating—to others and to yourself.

My clinical work is grounded in specialties that include trauma recovery, grief and loss, relationship distress, family system challenges, and emotional wellness. I am trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and incorporate this and other integrative trauma modalities to help clients process painful experiences, reclaim their voice, and move toward wholeness.

EMDR is a powerful, evidence-based therapy that helps individuals heal from trauma, anxiety, and distressing life experiences. EMDR allows clients to process painful memories in a safe, structured way, often bringing relief where talk therapy alone may not. I use EMDR to support clients in reducing the emotional charge of the past, so they can live more fully in the present—with greater clarity, calm, and self-compassion.

I have a deep passion for supporting clients navigating spiritual and religious trauma, including those recovering from purity culture or engaging in faith deconstruction from high demand and high control belief systems. These experiences often carry complex layers of identity, shame, grief, and liberation, and I provide a compassionate space where clients can explore, question, and heal at their own pace.

I am a LGBTQ+ affirming therapist, and I strive to create a space that is inclusive, respectful, and validating for all. I recognize the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, especially when intersecting with religious trauma, and am committed to walking alongside you with care and allyship.

In addition to individual therapy, I provide couples therapy, premarital counseling, and family therapy. I also lead specialized workshops focused on trauma recovery, boundaries, and reclaiming self-worth. I particularly enjoy working with counselors, medical workers, educators, and other helping professionals—offering a space for reflection, burnout recovery, and the restoration of purpose.

I offer supervision for therapists (LPC or ALMFT) pursuing licensure and consultation for those seeking to deepen their trauma-informed, systemic practice. My clinical lens is inclusive, strengths-based, and always collaborative.

At Summit Family Therapy, we have created a practice where both clients and therapists feel empowered, safe, and seen. Whether you're seeking personal healing, relational repair, or professional growth, I am honored to walk alongside you on your journey. 

Education

• PhD in Marriage & Family Therapy, The University of Louisiana at Monroe, 2013

• Master of Science in Marriage & Family Therapy, Harding University, 2007

• Bachelor of Art in Psychology, Harding University, 2005

Licensing, Training Certifications & Service

• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Illinois

• CTT (Certified Trauma Therapist)

• EMDR Level 2 Trained (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)

• Completed Level 3 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy

• Illinois Affiliation of Marriage & Family Therapy State Conference Planning Committee Chair, (2017 - Present)

I have developed my clinical skills in many different settings, including residential treatment, school-based therapy, and community mental health.  I also have experience in teaching, research, public speaking, professional consultation, the juvenile drug court system, and administration. 

As an Assistant Professor since 2014, I enjoy teaching graduate level counseling courses online. I am currently a subject matter expert and course designer for CEFS 610, Human Sexuality. Other courses that I have taught in the past include: 

• BHS 330, Cultural and Social Diversity in Behavioral Health

• PCN 488, Trauma, Addiction, and Substance Use Disorders

• PCN 500, Counseling Theories

• PCN 520, Group Counseling Theory and Practice

• MFT 532, Marriage & Family Therapy

• PCN 545, Spousal and Child Abuse, Crisis, and Trauma Counseling

• PCN 622, Pre-Practicum

• PCN 644, Evaluation of Mental and Emotional Status

• PCN 662, Practicum

• PCN 680, Theoretical Foundations of Trauma Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment   

• COUN 500, Orientation to Counselor Professional Identity and Function

• COUN 502, Human Growth and Development          

• COUN 510, Theories of Counseling  

• COUN 601, Marriage and Family Counseling

• PACO 603, Premarital and Marital Counseling        

• COUN 611, Counseling Children and Their Families                      

• LIFC 602, Marriage Coaching

• LIFC 604, Leadership Professional Life Coaching

• DBPC 620, Healthy Sexuality

Personally, I am a St. Louis baseball fan, a bit of a foodie, and my favorite way to spend time is being with my family and girlfriends.  I was born and raised in central Illinois and now live in Germantown Hills.  I have two beautiful children and have been married to Dr. Ryan Stivers since 2006.