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
Life can be hard sometimes, and everyone needs a good friend to talk to. But not everyone has a good friend to share life’s troubles with. In a safe, non-judgmental space, I help people work through life's challenges. I am a Licensed Clinical Addictions Counselor (LCACA) and Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHCA) working with a wide variety of mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, adjustment to life events and transitions, relationship distress, and addictions. My focus is on adolescents and adults, particularly men and couples. Having been married for 35 years and raising three children with my wife, I have a lot of experience navigating through the issues couples may experience.
My approach to therapy includes using evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy and is guided by my Christian beliefs. We can work together toward healing and hope by collaboratively developing a tailored treatment plan focusing on solutions.
If you would like to talk with me or schedule an appointment, you can reach me at (219) 280-1223 or drgardin@buildinghopetherapy.com. Both in-person and telehealth appointments are available. Presently, I am accepting self-pay clients.
Rod Gardin LCAC, LMHCA
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
