Therapists in Missouri

Taking the step to participate in therapy/counseling takes tremendous courage and desire for something in one's life to be different. As a therapist, my job is to create an atmosphere that encourages alliance between therapist and client, a key component for successful therapy. I consider myself primarily a generalist in types of clients I work with as I have worked with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and groups. The therapy relationship makes the theory and techniques used most effective. Building this is the first task in a therapeutic relationship. Through this alliance clients and I venture on a journey often anxiety-provoking (as any/all change is) and develop skills and strategies to managed problems and resolve difficulties. My theoretical approach draws from many areas. The primary influence is cognitive-behavioral theory. What is best and most effective is very individual to each client and situation.

While my first career was in the business world, my subsequent careers were being a Lutheran pastor, working as a social worker in child protective services, and being a mental health therapist. I have 24 years of experience in social work and mental health. As a pastor, I have served 5 theologically conservative Lutheran churches in 3 states. My experience as a therapist has mostly been with community mental health clinics that provided services under the auspices of the state department of mental health. At community mental health clinics I provided therapy to clients of all ages, many having the full range of serious mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma from sexual abuse and post -traumatic stress disorder. My experience in community mental health was invaluable in honing my skills as a therapist. At one clinic I was part of the Dialectical Behavioral Therapy team that provided DBT therapy to clients suffering from borderline personality disorder. I believe that psychotherapy is a marvelous thing. It brings healing to people only through words. It is work, and to be successful in therapy one must work harder than the therapist. My therapeutic approach is cognitive behavioral, which means that I help the client to change beliefs that are false (example: "I believe I am worthless due to my history of sexual abuse as a child."), and change behaviors that are unhealthy and which stand in the way of a life that has joy and peace. That means that the key factor in my approach is CHANGE. My successes have been with clients who are willing to do that. I look forward to working with you!

Many of the individuals who come to see me are searching for a therapist they can connect with, someone they feel calm and comfortable around. Often times, this individual is searching for someone to meet them where they are at and to listen to their needs, their wants, their goals. Many have struggled with experiencing adverse events, or traumas, whether from childhood, teen years, or early adulthood; and now, may be struggling with depression, anxiety, fear, low self-esteem, broken relationships, etc. My goal is to meet you where you are at. I work to help individuals overcome life challenges through use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Positive Psychotherapy to name a few. The type of therapy depends on your specific needs, goals, and wants. Life can be difficult at times, regardless of age or experience. Sometimes, all we need is someone to talk to and help sort through our experiences. Other times, we need someone to help us learn ways to overcome the stress. Whatever you are feeling, is OKAY! I want to encourage and support you, by providing a space for you to find comfort and serenity.

I am a nationally certified counselor, licensed professional counselor in the State of Missouri as well as Nationally Certified DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) Clinician. My belief is that every human being wants to be happy and have a life worth living. As a counselor I often find people are unable to figure out exactly what they want much less how to get it. My approach to therapy is to provide a safe, supportive environment to help people figure out where they are now and where they want to be. From there we work together to come up with a plan to get there. I believe we have resources within us but sometimes our life experiences block us from moving forward. My approach to working with teens mental health treatment is to listen and provide a safe environment to address the core issues that cause depression, teen anxiety, and self-destructive behaviors. I enjoy working with many teens, young people and, if necessary their families to build understanding and strengthen those relationships. During the past 23 years I've worked with children, teens, adults and families. I love my work and the opportunity to help people become their best selves. While I have a basic structured approach to therapy, it is strength-based, collaborative and flexible. I'll work with you to clarify your values and goals. My primary counseling is DBT based, I have also trained in ACT (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy), EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) and am client focused. We will come up with a plan particular to your needs and situation. I see life as a journey of discovery and I am privileged to work with you and walk with you during this time in your life.

I am an accomplished Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years experience providing direct clinical therapy. I specialize in Crisis Management, substance abuse, behavioral health, co-occuring, serious mental health issues, and various others along the continuum. I have extensive experience in all aspects of total patient care services including case management, one-on-one therapy, group therapy, medication management, team leadership, long-term recovery, suicide prevention education and intervention, work with change of life, and geriatric solution focused therapy and many others. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns from depression, anxiety, addiction, trauma, OCD, ADHD/ADD, and many others. I have also assisted those with serious mental health issues such as schizophrenia, bipolar, dissociative disorder, traumatic brain injuries and those on the spectrum. My therapy style is typically warm, interactive and believe in meeting the client where they are currently at. I believe that everyone should be treated with dignity, respect, compassion, and understanding. I don't believe in labels but that in understanding a diagnosis that fits the symptoms we may be able to find solutions and peace while moving forward. My approach is eclectic in that not one approach is right for all and therefore my approach is often tailored to the situation and the individual. I often use cognitive behavioral techniques to assist in processing and furthering treatment. Treatment plans will be completed in a collaborative fashion as it takes courage to seek counseling and look inside; therefore what you wish to accomplish or where you wish to go is up to you. I will walk beside you and be your guide. I want to help you achieve the best version of you that you can be! I look forward to meeting you and taking this journey with you.

I am a licensed professional counselor in Missouri and Colorado with 9 years of experience working with children, teens and adults. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including stress and anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, coping with grief and loss, & depression. I have expertise in EMDR Therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and have worked with clients who have experienced physical trauma and emotional abuse. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, and solution focused strategies to overcome obstacles and improve your life. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life. I'm proud of you for taking that step and I am here to support you in that process. I look forward to working with you!

I am licensed in Virginia and Missouri with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Missouri with over 20 years of experience. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, parenting problems and career challenges. I have also helped many people with drug and alcohol problems. I have helped people who have experienced trauma and domestic abuse including physical and sexual abuse. I have helped youth experiencing emotional and adjustment problems. My therapy style is warm, non-judgmental and interactive. My approach involves cognitive behavioral, person-centered therapy and motivational interviewing. I will focus on your wants and needs giving you tools to cope and communication skills that will help you to get your needs and wants met. It takes courage to seek help in pursuing a life that is happier and fulfilling. If you are ready to take the first steps, I will help support and empower you to achieve your therapy goals. I look forward to working with you.

I am licensed in Missouri with 10+ years of professional work experience with children and 3 years of clinical work with adults with both moderate and significant mental illness. I currently work in schools with parents and students with disabilities, but I also have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, parenting issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that everyone experiences life in their own unique way and that helping requires respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will customize our treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs and goals with the understanding that it is an evolving process. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life can be extremely difficult, but I am here to support you in that process.

I am licensed in Missouri with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!