Myrna Pledger

Myrna Pledger trained as a Community Counselor and brings that broad community-focused perspective to her clinical work. She is prepared to address the concerns that arise for individuals and families, believing that most people live within and are affected by the systems around them.

Early in her career she worked primarily with children displaying violent or inappropriate behavior in school settings. That experience led her to view a child’s difficulties as part of a family system, and to understand that maladaptive behavior is often learned within the family environment or may reflect inherited tendencies.

Myrna also recognizes how harmful relationships with individuals who display narcissistic traits can be. She specializes in treating survivors of narcissistic abuse - including mental, spiritual, and physical forms of abuse - and has helped many people who experienced physical trauma or emotional mistreatment.

With 21 years of clinical experience, Myrna is licensed in Illinois as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, a credential that authorizes her to provide professional mental health services; her license number is 180.006251. Over the years she has worked with a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Her practice is faith-based and primarily Christian, and she believes it is important to acknowledge The Creator when offering help to His people. Myrna describes her therapeutic style as truth-based, educationally focused, and kind. She aims to treat others as she would want to be treated, avoids relying on labels, and often shares examples of others who have overcome similar circumstances.

She is solutions-focused and integrates cognitive-behavioral and rational-emotive approaches, tailoring conversations and treatment plans to each person’s unique needs. Seeking change takes courage, and Myrna offers support and empowerment for those ready to take the first steps toward a more fulfilling and happier life. She looks forward to working with you.