Counseling Center
Meet Our Counselors
In my work as a therapist, I listen with both my heart and mind, and I am passionate about helping people change thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that have become obstacles in achieving their goals. I believe that every person possesses unique, God-given value, and I believe in second chances. I work with children, teenagers, and adults. I also enjoy helping individuals and families with special needs. Much of my strength as a practitioner lies in my ability to form safe and trusting client-therapist relationships. I have been married since 1984, and we have three adult children. I enjoy music, reading, hiking, walks with our golden retriever, and spending time with my family and friends. My practice draws upon evidence based treatments and techniques, such as: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Rational Emotive Therapy. Insurance plans accepted: Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare, Aetna, and Cigna/ Optum. For those without insurance, billing will be determined on a needs based sliding scale. Contact me at cravens601@comcast.net.
Janet Cravens
MAPC, LMHC
I obtained a Masters in Pastoral Counseling degree after working with those struggling with substance use disorders, behavioral addictions, and mental health issues in the Celebrate Recovery ministry. Also, during my previous healthcare career as a registered nurse, I experienced those suffering from addictions, depression, and anxiety unable to find necessary resources. I felt the calling to help those struggling with mental health disorders and addictions find peace, love, and acceptance through the healing power of Jesus Christ. I provide therapeutic support and spiritual guidance to promote wholeness, healing, and personal growth using evidence based techniques, including person-centered therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. I am accepting self-pay clients at this time. If you would like additional information or would like to schedule an appointment, please call or text 219-246-3772. I look forward to connecting with you.
Stacey Newton, RN, BSN, MPC
I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) whose professional goal is to help others learn to lead a balanced, joyful life. With my 28+ years of social work practice, I hope that my experience will help us form a partnership that can help you find whatever you may be missing from your life. My clinical experience includes social work in schools (serving students with disabilities), hospitals, nursing homes, home-based services, and private practice mental health counseling. In my practice, I utilize several different evidence-based therapies to meet you where you are and go from there. I have been married for 25 years, and I have two teenage children. I love to read, watch movies, travel, cook, and laugh. God has truly blessed my life! Insurance plans accepted: Optum (United Healthcare), Anthem Blue Cross, Humana, Medicare, Aetna, Beacon Health, and Morneau Shepell. Contact me at (219) 242-3223.
Amy Tharp
MSW, LCSW
Connection, compassion, and authenticity, are the cornerstones of my therapeutic approach. I completed my Masters of Social Work from Loyola University and am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 17 years of experience. I am currently focusing my therapeutic work on adults only. I work to treat anxiety, depression, ADD, stress related to life transition, with evidence based techniques. I have experience with individuals facing infertility, coping with the transition to parenting, and life balance. I offer a safe and comfortable environment where my clients can be their authentic selves and take steps to strengthen their coping skills and sense of self. I look forward to learning about your life and how I may work with you on your journey to nurture the life you want to live! I accept many insurances including, Blue Cross, Anthem, Aetna, Cigna and Humana. Please contact me at 219-281-2276 to discuss scheduling and what is bringing you to therapy at this time. I look forward to working with you!
Beth Aguayo
LCSW
I am a Christian and have been attending VNC for about 20 years. I have over 31 years of experience in the mental health field and over 28 years of experience as a mental health therapist. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, a Licensed Clinical Addictions Counselor and am certified in Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I have extensive training and experience providing the following therapy services; CBT, CPC-CBT, MRT, Mindfulness, EMDR, Systems Theory, RAD bonding interventions, Brief Task Centered Therapy, MI, and TF-CBT. If you would like information regarding availability, insurance accepted and payment please contact me at
