Big News! Greta Long, MA, LPC is Joining Summit Family Therapy

We are excited to welcome Greta Long, MA, LPC to the Summit Family Therapy team. Greta brings a warm, grounded presence and a thoughtful, relationship-centered approach to counseling that aligns deeply with our values of connection, collaboration, and meaningful change.

A Therapist Who Helps Clients Understand Themselves in Context

One of Greta’s greatest strengths is her ability to help clients make sense of their inner world within the context of their relationships. Our relationships—past and present—shape how we see ourselves, how we cope, and how we move through life. Greta helps clients slow down, reflect, and better understand these patterns so they can respond with intention rather than feeling stuck in cycles that no longer serve them.

Greta works from a person-centered, collaborative approach, meaning therapy is not something done to you—it is something built with you. Clients can expect a nonjudgmental, steady space where their experiences are honored and goals are shaped together. This approach is especially helpful for those who may feel anxious about starting therapy or who have struggled to feel fully understood in the past.

Supporting Life Transitions, Grief, and Relationship Challenges

Greta has a particular passion for working with individuals navigating life transitions, grief and loss, and relationship concerns. Whether someone is adjusting to a new season of life, processing the loss of a loved one, or trying to improve communication and boundaries in their relationships, Greta helps clients find clarity and emotional steadiness during uncertain times.

Clients often seek Greta’s support when:

• Life feels overwhelming or uncertain

• Grief or loss feels heavy or unresolved

• Relationships feel strained or disconnected

• Anxiety or stress increases during transitions

• They want to better understand themselves and how they relate to others

Rather than rushing toward solutions, Greta helps clients understand why certain patterns exist—then gently supports them in creating healthier, more sustainable change.

A Calm, Grounding Presence in the Therapy Room

Beginning therapy can feel intimidating, and Greta is especially mindful of this. She is known for creating a calm, non-anxious environment where clients can take their time, ask questions, and feel supported from the very first session. Her style is steady, thoughtful, and compassionate—ideal for individuals who value reflection, emotional safety, and depth in the therapeutic process.

Using EMDR to Help the Brain Heal from Trauma and Distress

In addition to her relational, person‑centered approach, Greta incorporates Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) into her clinical work when it is an appropriate fit for the client and their goals.

EMDR is an evidence‑based therapy that helps the brain reprocess distressing memories and experiences that can remain “stuck” in the nervous system. These experiences don’t have to be major, single‑event traumas—many people carry the emotional impact of chronic stress, relational wounds, grief, or past experiences that continue to shape how they feel, think, and respond today.

Rather than focusing only on talking through the past, EMDR helps clients:

• Reduce the emotional intensity connected to painful memories

• Shift long‑standing negative beliefs about themselves

• Feel more grounded and present in daily life

• Respond to triggers with greater flexibility and calm

Greta approaches EMDR with the same care and collaboration that defines her work overall. She prioritizes emotional safety, pacing, and preparation, ensuring clients feel supported and in control throughout the process. EMDR is always integrated thoughtfully—never rushed—and used alongside insight‑building and relational work to support lasting change.

This approach can be especially helpful for clients who feel they “understand” their struggles intellectually but still feel emotionally stuck, reactive, or overwhelmed despite their best efforts.

Education, Training, and Professional Background

Greta holds a Master’s degree in Counseling from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary and is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Illinois. Her training integrates clinical skill with a deep respect for the whole person, allowing her to work effectively with clients from diverse backgrounds and life experiences.

Is Greta the Right Fit for You?

Greta may be an excellent fit if you are looking for a therapist who:

• Values collaboration and mutual understanding

• Helps you explore patterns in relationships and identity

• Offers a steady, nonjudgmental presence

• Supports both insight and practical growth

• Honors your pace and your story

We are thrilled to have Greta as part of the Summit Family Therapy team and confident that her presence will be a meaningful resource for individuals and families in our community.

Now accepting new clients. We invite you to reach out and take the next step toward clarity, healing, and connection.

What is Play Therapy?

As parents, we want the very best for our children. When they’re struggling, whether with big feelings, changes at home, or difficult experiences, it can be hard to know how to help. Many parents come to me saying, “They won’t talk about it. I’ve tried asking, but I just can’t get through.” That’s where play therapy is a great option.

Why Play Instead of Talking?

Adults often process emotions by talking. Children, however, typically don’t have the words or life experience to explain what’s going on inside. Instead, they may “speak” through play. When a child picks up a toy, draws a picture, or acts out a story, they’re often telling us what they’re feeling, even if they can’t put it into words. Play therapy is a specialized form of counseling that uses this natural language of children to help them express themselves, work through challenges, and build skills for coping and resilience.

What You Can Expect as a Parent

It’s normal to wonder, What exactly happens in play therapy? or How will this help my child? Here are some key things to know:

• Sessions look like play, but they have purpose. Your child will use toys, games, art, and stories to explore feelings. The therapist is trained to guide this process so the play becomes healing and meaningful.

• Progress takes time. Just like with adults, therapy is a process, not a quick fix. You may notice small shifts such as better mood, fewer meltdowns, more confidence, though these may be observed over weeks and months during treatment.

• Parent Involvement. Parents play a vital role. Depending on the therapist’s approach, you might meet regularly with the therapist to discuss your child’s progress, learn strategies for home, or even join in parts of sessions.

• Confidentiality matters. Children need to feel safe in therapy. That means your therapist may not share every detail of what happens in the playroom, but they will update you on themes, progress, and ways you can support your child outside of sessions.

• It’s about building tools for life. The goal isn’t to make problems “disappear,” but to help your child develop healthier ways to understand and manage their emotions, relationships, and experiences.

How Parents Can Support the Process

• Be patient—healing happens in small steps.

• Stay consistent with therapy appointments.

• Show interest without pressuring your child to “report back” after sessions.

• Practice new coping skills at home when your therapist suggests them.

Recommended Reading for Parents

If you’d like to learn more about play therapy and supporting your child’s emotional growth, here are some excellent resources:

• “Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship” by Garry L. Landreth – A classic guide for understanding the philosophy behind play therapy.

• “Parenting with Play Therapy: A Practical Guide to Nurturing Emotional Well-Being” by Nancy Boyd Webb – Accessible, parent-friendly insights.

• “Child-Centered Play Therapy: A Practical Guide to Developing Therapeutic Relationships with Children” by Rise VanFleet – Helpful for parents curious about the techniques therapists use.

Short Videos about Play Therapy

If you’re a visual learner, like me, here are some short videos on YouTube that do a great job of outlining play therapy and its benefits:

• Introduction to Play Therapy — therapist Joey Harmon gives an overview of child-centered play therapy

• Play Therapy Works! — a succinct video by the Association for Play Therapy introducing what play therapy is and why credentialed therapists matter 

• Play is the Child’s Language: Play Therapy — Joanne Wicks describes how play is children’s emotional expression in a brief talk 

• Introducing Andrew — a short clip emphasizing that “play is a child’s first language” and how children express inner worlds through play 

Final Thoughts

Remember: seeking play therapy doesn’t mean you’ve failed as a parent. It means you’re giving your child another pathway to healing and growth, and that’s a powerful gift.

Disclaimer: The content shared on this blog reflects my personal and professional reflections. It is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for therapy, counseling, or professional mental health treatment. If you are experiencing distress or seeking support, I encourage you to reach out to a qualified mental health professional in your area.

10 Signs That You Need a New Therapist

If you are in counseling now or consider seeking a therapist in the future, it is important to choose a counselor who is the right fit for you. I am always saddened to hear of an individual or couple giving up on counseling after one bad experience. Therapists are each unique in their specific approaches and you deserve one who is qualified to meet your needs. Here are a few signs that you may need a new therapist.

#1 Connection is Missing

It is well researched that the therapeutic alliance, or relationship, with the therapist and client is likely the single biggest predictor of success in therapy (Martin, Garske, & Davis, 2000). If you do not feel a connection or trust starting to build between you and your therapist, it might be time to consider a change.

#2 No Improvement

You see a therapist for several months and do not feel that any progress has been made. You might even feel worse after every session. Some issues take longer to solve or learn to manage than others, but if there is no hope for change…you might need a new therapist.

#3 Lack of Boundaries

Your counselor seems to forget that you are a client. They talk to you in depth about their own personal life or problems with no apparent therapeutic purpose. Maybe they seem a bit too interested in the details of your sex life. They want to be buddies outside of the therapy room while you are still a client. It sounds like they have boundary issues.

#4 Distractions

Your therapist seems to have trouble paying attention. They take calls or text during sessions. They seem to be thinking about something else. Maybe they even fall asleep.  Not only is this rude, but you are paying them for a service. This is your time.

#5 Focus is on the Therapist

It is not a good sign if your counselor monopolizes your therapy hour by talking about him or herself. A certain amount of self-disclosure is probably therapeutic, but the therapist should not do the overwhelming majority of the talking. If you cannot seem to get a word in during your session, you need a new therapist.

#6 Never Neutral

Your therapist clearly always aligns with you or with your spouse on every issue. Yes, there are times when a therapist might agree with one person on a concern, but this should not be a constant taking of sides. It makes me think that the therapist has a personal issue that is appearing in the therapy office.

#7 Feeling Shamed and Judged

Feeling guilt because you are doing something or have done something that conflicts with your belief system might be a very appropriate response to a situation. A therapist can explore this without shaming a client and making him or her feel bad about who they are. If you feel constantly judged by your therapist, you need a new one.

#8 Violating Your Belief System

Every therapist has his or her own set of personal values. We cannot “not” have them. As counselors, we are not allowed to push our beliefs on others. This does not mean we cannot explore issues like spirituality, but simply that we cannot force our own values on you.

#9 Not Qualified or a Specialist

Some therapists claim to be able to treat a wide variety of issues. Many therapists truly are generalists, but I recommend that you seek a therapist that specializes in your presenting issue. They may have specialty certifications or degrees in that area. I have heard horrible stories about a therapist blaming a spouse for a client’s sexual addiction, and the therapist was simply not trained properly in addiction. This can be very damaging.

#10 Cancelling or Showing Up Late

This happens to all of us from time to time. If they are consistently late or cancelling often, it shows that they are not respectful of you or your time. Your counselor expects you to show up for appointments and they owe you the same courtesy.

In the end, you need to trust your gut. If you have a bad feeling about a therapist, I would find a new one. If you have a bad feeling about ten therapists, then something might be off with your gut feeling. Do you agree with these red flags? Please share below.

References

1. Martin, D. J., Garske, J. P., & Davis, M. K. (2000). Relation of the therapeutic alliance with outcome and other variables: a meta-analytic review. Journal of consulting and clinical psychology, 68(3), 438.