Kelgen
Among the various options you mentioned, either you can negotiate with your creditors at your own or you can take a debt consolidation program for it.
I refuse to follow a debt negotiation program because it will damage my credit file completely. As the credit report is already tarnished due to defaults, it is advised to prevent further damage. Please go through the debt settlement article to know more reasons of avoiding it.
http://www.debtconsolidationcare.com/debt-settlement.html
Opting for 401(k) retirement plan is also not preferred because you will have to borrow money from your vested account balance.
Since it is your own money, you will have to pay it back with interests added on it. This will be added expenditure over the existing ones.
Firstly, negotiate on your own with your creditors and lay out a payment plan. Convince them that you will be making regular payments to the agreed plan. If you do it in writing, you will have a proof this communication done. It should be sent certified with return receipt requested. While you send this payment plan, advance some money to them and notify that if they cash the check, your payment plan will be considered as accepted and you will make monthly payments as set on it.
Most of the creditors accept this plan because they get assured of receiving money from you. However, if you consider a consolidation program, the consultant will be negotiating with them in the professional way. You will also get reduction in the total amount of debt that will wipe off the financial charges, late fees and also lower the rates of interest.
I was in a similar situation like yours but I had no one to get advice from. I was also looking into these options when I came through this site and signed up with them. I am happy for choosing this program and have been able to reduce my debt largely.
The consultation is free here. So, you can have a choice.