Welcome! I like to look at life as a journey, sometimes it feels like an amazing adventure, other times it can feel completely overwhelming, challenging, or out of control. Most importantly, it is YOUR unique journey, and I am here to help along the way. My name is Liz and I have worked in the behavioral health field for 12 years. For the last 6 years, I have provided individual therapy to people of all ages. I am honored to be a part of your journey with you today. I have extensive experience working with children, adolescents, young adults, adults, families, and couples, on various clinical issues such as depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, and adjustment issues, just to name a few! My therapeutic approach is always tailored to your needs. I believe that the therapeutic relationship between you and I is one of the most important elements that will allow you to feel our time together is safe and comfortable. I will provide you with a judgment free zone filled with compassion, empathy, and warmth. This will be a place to express yourself, your feelings, and your needs. Clinically I often turn to cognitive behavioral, solution focused, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness techniques, as I have been trained on those evidenced based practices and have noticed their efficacy with the people I work with. It is my belief that you are the expert on your life/journey, I am simply here to guide you to insight and coping tools and strategies that can assist you in improving areas you have designated. Thank you for reaching out and I look forward to learning more about you!

Unfortunately, life is not always sunshine, rainbows and lollipops. Sometimes, life can leave a sour taste upon our palates and it can be difficult to continue to eat from its table. With major life changes, transitions, difficulties, and stresses, it can be hard to swallow at times. I can help guide you through your mental health journey, by empowering you on how to use those things life has thrown at you for the recipe of recapturing & restoring peace & joy to your life. In 2013, I graduated from Lindenwood University with a Masters of Art (M.A.) in School and Professional Counseling. I graduated top of my class and was peer-nominated & winner of Student of the Year 2013. I have over 15 years’ experience as a Department of Mental Health-Division of Developmental Disabilities Case Manager I/II/III & Habilitation Specialist II. This has afforded me the opportunity to work closely in the community with adults, children, and their families who have been diagnosed with Autism, Downs Syndrome, among other intellectual challenges as well as with individuals diagnosed with intellectual AND mental illness disorders. I also have experience working with individuals (children & adults) who struggle with substance abuse, suicidal ideation, anxiety, depression, and trauma. My previous professional experiences afford me the unique position to function like a social worker, considering each aspect of a person’s life and how those parts interconnect and impact the person as a whole, but also providing an in-depth approach from a therapeutic approach as a counselor. I primarily work from the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Informed, Narrative Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, & Solution-Focused Brief Therapy approach, but I am extremely flexible in my approach as each person is unique in their personality as well as their needs. In using cognitive behavioral therapy, I help people see life issues & stresses they face daily from a different perspective. My philosophy is “if you can change the way you think, you can change the way you feel, and if you change the way you feel, you can change your life by changing the way you respond to life challenges.” However I am also a realist, that life is sometimes tough and sour, and another philosophy I have and live by is "it is okay to not be okay, just don't get stuck there". I also use the Solution-Focused brief therapy, to quickly identify unhealthy cycles and/or systems, and assist with identifying reasonable solutions, unless otherwise indicated for a more in-depth approach such as trauma informed approaches. I am here to help guide you through learning skills, strategies, and gaining insight to assist you out of your "stuck" place of your journey in your story of life, and empower you with the tools needed to navigate through any of life’s tumultuous journey's successfully.

About Me: Mary is a Licensed Professional Counselor licensed in the State of Missouri and Texas with over 12 years experience in working with clients from pre-K through late adulthood. Mary has worked in the school districts as a Counselor in Special Education and General Education, an insurance company, Veterans, substance abuse treatment center and a sexual offender treatment center. Mary has helped client’s with a wide range of concerns including trauma, depression, anxiety, relationship issues and parenting problems. Assistance has also included working with clients experiencing emotional abuse, as well as separation issues related to adoption. Mary uses several types of therapy including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Reality Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Client- Centered Therapy and Mindfulness-Based Therapy. Mary brings exceptional listening skills, caring and most of all energetic personality. Mary is licensed in two states and is current on all required trainings. Mary also does presentations at various venues and provides training. Also experienced in assisting those with mental health issues related to COVID-19 and diagnosis, Codependency, Women’s and Teen Issues and Self Esteem. Mary has a very warm and caring demeanor and enjoys talking and listening to others. SPECIALTIES • Veterans • Stress, Anxiety • Trauma and Abuse • Parenting issues • Addictions • Family Conflict Clinical Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Reality Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Client Centered Therapy and Mindfulness-Based Therapy

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have 10 plus years of experience working in the mental health field and 6 plus years as a therapist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges and ADHD. I also enjoy working with children, adolescents, and younger. I have worked in school settings. The majority of my work as a therapist has been dedicated to working with teens struggling with depression, anxiety, and panic disorder. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My style of therapy is humanistic, warm, and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect. Despite our differences or life experiences, we all have a story and it takes courage to take the initial step and seek help. In essence, I strive to create a safe space to help you through your journey to creating your desired life. My approach is nonjudgmental, compassionate, and understanding while incorporating various modalities tailored to meet your specific needs.

I am a licensed professional counselor, licensed in Missouri with over 5 years of experience working as a counselor and 20 in other helping professions. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, autism, and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical, emotional and sexual trauma or abuse. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating people with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic solution-focused, and rational-emotive therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I would be my honor to help support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

I am licensed in Missouri with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with lgbt-related issues, relationship issues, intimacy related issues, & 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!

I am licensed in Missouri with 15 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

I am licensed in Missouri with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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!

I am licensed clincal social worker with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, coping with grief and loss, & depression. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

I am licensed professional counselor in Missouri with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping individuals and families with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma, and abuse. It takes strength, courage, and vulnerability to work toward making positive change in life. I am honored to work alongside you in that process. I work from a client-centered perspective, where you are the expert of your own story and experiences. Together we can build on the strengths and skills you already have to work toward unique goals.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who has been licensed since 2006. I have worked with children and adolescents in the residential setting and in the IOP setting and this included individual and family session as well as groups to teach life skills and also wilderness therapy at times. I also have experience working with the male substance abuse population where I did life skills group. I also worked with the geriatric population where I did IOP groups and also did individual and family sessions. I currently work with military solidiers and their families.

I am licensed in Missouri in professional counseling. I have experience in helping clients with anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, career difficulties, confidence-building, and more. I believe in treating everyone with respect and compassion. I have a warm client centered approach. It takes courage to take the first steps toward change. I am here to support you in that journey. You can message me 24/7. I will respond at least twice a day.

Ms. Garafola received her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Texas Woman's University and earned her Master's degree in Mental Health and Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington, as well as her Associate's degree in Nutrition from Tarrant County College. Over the past ten years, she has had the opportunity to work with seniors and their families in a myriad of settings to include end of life issues, chronic illness, grief and loss, life transitions, caregiver issues and aging parents. Ms. Garafola practices client-centered philosophy, utilizing cognitive behavior therapy, mindfulness, and solution-focused therapy. She believes in developing a non-judgmental and trusting therapeutic relationship with each client in order to provide guidance in discovering qualities and strengths, tools, and skills they can use in maneuvering life's challenges. Ms. Garafola's happy place is the beach has relocated from Texas to Florida where she lives with her husband and 15 year old pup Lola. Spending time outside in the sunshine biking and gardening are activities of choice, as well as dining out, shopping, traveling, and family vacations with her adult children. She is active in her church as well as her husband's vacation property business.

I am a family and marriage counselor licensed in California with nine years of experience working as a psychotherapist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, divorce/separation, phase of life issues, and family conflict. I have also helped many people who have experienced anger issues, physical trauma, and emotional abuse. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in maintaining a secure and safe environment so anyone can express themselves. I treat everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines humanistic, cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, and Jungian counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I welcome you to a judgment-free zone that fosters self-discovery and personal growth utilizing an integrative approach tailored to your needs. I look forward to working with you!

I am licensed in Missouri with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma, abuse, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. In addition, I also have experience with working with couples. In couples therapy, we focus on enhancing communication, resolving conflicts, and building a stronger emotional connection. By exploring each partner's perspectives and working on shared goals, we aim to create a more harmonious and supportive relationship. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.