Ryan Stivers, PhD, LMFT

Specialties

• Trauma Healing

• Shame Recovery

• Marital and Couple Therapy

• Men’s Issues

• First Responders

• Substance Recovery

Populations served

• Adults

• Individuals

• Couples

• Families

Services

• EMDR - Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

• Family Therapy

• Individual Therapy

• Intensives

• Premarital Counseling

• Professional Services

Before launching Summit Family Therapy, I gained experience in several different settings. I worked in a 90-day residential program for young men addressing substance use and trauma-related disorders, in a school system, at a youth ranch, and in an outpatient clinic. I’ve also worked with families and children in the DHS system and with a juvenile drug court.

Through these experiences, I’ve learned a lot about change—what works, what doesn’t, how we get stuck, and how we move forward. I will work hard to understand your story and help you find the best path toward healing. Nothing brings me greater joy than witnessing someone discover their true self.

Every therapist has a “sweet spot.” Mine is helping clients heal from trauma and guiding them toward deeper connections. If you’re struggling in your relationships, feeling alone, or afraid of rejection, I’d be honored to walk alongside you.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my wife and our two children. I probably watch too much television, and I like visiting Busch Stadium whenever I get the chance. I’m also passionate about advocating for the Marriage and Family Therapy profession and currently volunteer with the Illinois Affiliation of Marriage and Family Therapists. In 2016, I moved to the Peoria area from Arkansas to be closer to family—my wife is from here, and my family lives near Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Education

• PhD in Marriage & Family Therapy, The University of Louisiana at Monroe, 2012

• Master of Science in Marriage & Family Therapy, Harding University, 2008

• Bachelor of Art in Psychology, Harding University, 2006

Licensing & Certifications

• Illinois Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

• Florida Out-of-State Telehealth Provider

  • Florida Health Source

• National Certified Counselor

Trainings

• EMDR Trained (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)

• Gottman Method Couples Therapy Level 3 Trained

• Additional specialized trainings in trauma recovery and managing out-of-control sexual behaviors