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Field of blazing star flowers

Blazing Star Therapy

Psychotherapy and Counseling

Tucker Eads, LCSW

Tucker Eads, LCSW

I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 7 years of psychotherapy experience. I support people in living a full life despite pain and struggle. Together we can create space to navigate challenges, unwind stress, and move towards purpose.

About

I found this work after seeking support for myself as a young adult at the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). I then volunteered at NAMI facilitating support and education groups. This inspired me to complete a Master's in Social Work from the University of Chicago followed by a psychotherapy fellowship.

During my 5+ years as a psychotherapist at Rush University Medical Center I developed an interest and specialty in working with folks experiencing complex medical challenges and chronic pain.

Personally, I'm down-to-earth and draw inspiration and joy from live music, nature, organizers and activists, art, food and history. I love to grow food and flowers, ride bikes, and am interested in learning more about native plants and regenerative ecology.

My Therapeutic Approach

Therapeutic relationship

I center the therapeutic relationship. Healing and growth are most likely to happen in therapy within a relationship of safety, empathy, and collaboration. That is key to having the willingness to explore challenging and vulnerable themes.

Evidence based

My approach is grounded in evidence-based therapies including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). DBT offers specific skills for coping with distress, navigating strong emotions, and handling challenges in relationships. ACT is all about doing what matters most to us, despite the inevitable pain in life. I also integrate elements of other modalities including relational therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD (CPT).

What to expect

You are always in charge, and I'm here to help guide you. Initially we'll meet for 1-2 sessions to better understand the problems and goals you'd like to address. We'll then develop a treatment plan together and you can decide if I'm a good fit. We'll check-in regularly and adjust as needed.

Regardless of the treatment plan and intervention, I commit to showing up for you with empathy, openness, and care.

Schedule initial consultation

You can book a no-cost 20-minute initial consultation with me here. I have telehealth availability in Illinois and Indiana, and in-person sessions in Bloomington, IN.

You can also email me: tucker@blazingstartherapy.com

Cost

In-network with your insurance

I’m an in-network provider with the insurances listed below. After the initial consultation I can process an insurance verification to confirm your benefits and out-of-pocket cost.

Illinois

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBS-IL) (PPO and Blue Choice)
  • Cigna
  • Aetna

Indiana

  • Cigna
  • Aetna

Out-of-network and self-pay: I can also work with you as an out-of-network provider for you to submit to your insurance. For out-of-network and self-pay, the rate is $150 per session.

What is Blazing Star?

Blazing star, or Liatris, is a genus of perennial flowers native to North America. Prairie blazing star (Liatris pycnostachya) is an iconic prairie plant, blooming from midsummer onward. Rough blazing star (Liatris aspera) is hardy and tolerates drought and sandy and rocky soil. Blazing stars host numerous pollinators including bees, butterflies, moths, and even hummingbirds.

Blazing Star flower (Liatris spicata)