Who We Are

Tonya received her Bachelor of Science and Master’s of Science in Social Work with a focus in child welfare from Illinois State University. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Certified Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Counselor (CADC) and Certified Trauma Therapist (CTT). Tonya is also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).

Tonya’s experiences include certification through the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services working as a child welfare specialist and working as an addiction therapist in the area of chemical addictions in an agency residential and outpatient setting. During her career in addictions, she was instrumental in developing and implementing the day outpatient treatment program, the family education and counseling groups, and a children’s education group for children of addicted parents. Tonya has also served as an adjunct professor for Illinois State University in the School of Social Work. She is a speaker, educator and trainer on topics of trauma, addiction and holistic therapeutic approaches equipping professionals in the clinical, medical, academic and spiritual setting. Tonya also maintains a private practice, Tonya L. Bassett Counseling Inc. located in Bloomington, Illinois.

Tonya’s area of concentration has been in the work of addiction and trauma healing. She received her trauma certification through Spirit 2 Spirit Healing training with Judy Crane founder of The Refuge- A Healing Place. Tonya’s research and training in the field of trauma has become an essential facet of her work as a therapist. Tonya is the developer and founder of the Midwest’s first and only trauma intensive, Healing Within – A Trauma Recovery Program. The trauma intensive consists of an experiential therapeutic approach and holistic concept set in the midst of nature, allowing the surroundings to aide in the treatment and healing process.

Tonya’s understanding of the neurological and theoretical basis for the mind-body connection allows her to bridge the gap between traditional verbal psychotherapies and body-oriented psychotherapies. Integrated trauma therapy understands the effects on both mind and body. Trauma adversely disrupts the nervous system and it is through Tonya’s specialized training, professional and personal experiences that she is able to unite each element to facilitate a journey of healing and transformation.

Christopher received his B.A. Degree in Human Services from Saint Leo University with undergraduate focus in Psychology, Sociology and Philosophy. He earned his Master’s Degree at Webster University with a concentration in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapies and Experiential Therapies including mindfulness, Somatic Experience and Breathwork techniques. This blend of experiential therapies with his understanding of psychoneuroses and primal response allows for an ability to offer a unique blend of clinical expertise – easily adaptable to client/program/environment.

Christopher has worked as a sex addiction therapist for over 10 years. His experience includes facilitation of specialized sex and love addiction groups as well as recovery groups for co-sex addicts. Christopher has extensive clinical knowledge and practice with eating disorders, trauma resolution, sex and love addiction, co-occurring addictions, sexuality and gender related topics, and grief and loss.

Christopher began his career at The Refuge- A Healing Place, a pioneer in trauma based treatment, in 2007. He enjoyed working alongside leaders in the substance abuse, trauma resolution, and co-occurring addiction field for over seven years. During his time at the Refuge he helped create Spirit2Spirit, a unique trauma focused program designed to educate professionals and first responders in effective ways to treat traumatized individuals and groups. Christopher was also part of the original team of Spirit2Spirit therapists which were responsible for training some of the finest treatment centers in the United States and internationally.

Christopher is also well known for his meditations and mindfulness facilitation as well as his use of heart centered breath in a modified Holotropic Breathwork. This therapeutic modality is suitable for beginners, experts and trauma survivors alike. He firmly believes in practicing a treatment modality that encourages a holistic healing connection between mind, body, and spirit through the efforts of fostering personal empowerment and body acceptance.