Therapists in Missouri

Welcome! Hey there. First, I want to congratulate you on taking the first step towards a pathway to happiness. I find that the most difficult step in the counseling process is reaching out for help. So, mark that off your list! I want to introduce myself. My name is Charna and I currently live in Missouri (Go Chiefs!). In my free time, I enjoy traveling, watching movies, reading terrible books, and spending time with family. I have a degree in Psychology and am a Licensed Clinical Social Work. I have over 10 years experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. I have worked with concerns such as anxiety, depression, self-harm, attachment issues, parenting challenges, trauma, and dealing with everyday challenges including life transitions. I believe that the client is the driver of the therapy process. I allow the client to decide goals and can either be a listening ear or offer advice/concrete strategies to deal with life’s challenges. I feel that no one should be judged and I will be impressed if you can say something that will shock me. I tend to use a person-centered, solutions focused approach for most counseling sessions. Although, I also have knowledge in Cognitive-behavior therapy, DBT, and several other approaches as well. No two people are the same and neither is my approach. I returned to being a Counselor because I truly believe that everyone has a path to happiness that sometimes needs to be found. Counseling can be a remarkable thing for people and I think the most important aspect in finding a counselor you can connect with. So, if you are ready to take this journey with me, then let’s begin in this process and learn from each other. Thank you!

I graduated with my undergraduate degree in psychology and my master’s degree in professional counseling, both from Lindenwood University. In my professional career, prior to being a therapist, I worked in the fields of vocational rehabilitation, pain management, drug and alcohol addiction, and applied behavior analysis. My practicum for my Master’s degree was completed at Northwest High School, where I held group sessions for at-risk youth and provided individual crisis counseling to students. I was a professor of undergraduate introductory psychology at Jefferson College and continue to see clients through my private practice. Our problems, concerns and struggles in life often cannot be reduced to a simple diagnosis. As human beings navigating a constantly evolving and sometimes difficult world, we are accumulations of our experiences, patterns, skills, and desires. We sometimes need to enhance our abilities to cope or gain insight through seeing a different perspective, but we all have the innate ability to grow and heal ourselves. As a therapist, my goal is to assist you in attaining your desired outcomes and reaching a point of contentment in your life. I work with a variety of individuals in an effort to help them sort through their thoughts, identify their feelings, and honor their present experience. I utilize an eclectic approach to therapy, incorporating person-centered and solution-focused models, as well as Gestalt’s techniques, and ACT to empower and challenge my clients to reach their goals. While the needs that I see are varied, acceptance, understanding, and intentional focus on growth make my approach universally applicable. I hope that my studies and passion can help you on your journey to attain the calm, light, and fulfilling life we all work for and deserve. Take care and be well!

I started my career working in addiction treatment programs. Then as a director of a psychiatric hospital day treatment program I helped individuals who were in a fragile condition with many different disorders and situations to regain their footing in the world. Now for 13 years I have worked in private practice. I have 21 years of experience with patients with numerous mental health disorders, problems, and situations. I believe strongly in individualized treatment depending on the person and their needs. I enjoy meeting each person and hearing about their difficulties and struggles then working together to plan an approach that will help them to find relief from their discomfort so they can move on to achieve their goals.

I am a dual licensed as a Professional Counselor with (35+) years of service, and I am (LMT 16+) as a Massage Therapist. I utilize a holistic, therapeutic approach to treatment that involves healing of the MIND, BODY, and SPIRIT. I have an earned a BA degree in Psychology from Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA. And I earned a MA degree in Psychology from Washington University, in St. Louis MO. I have completed a massage therapy certification program at The Healing Arts Center in St. Louis, in 2005.

I have been Licensed Professional Counselor in Missouri for 7 years and I am also a Certified Grief Informed Professional. Prior to this I spent 5 years as a Recovery Counselor working in both an outpatient setting and treatment court and before that I spent 6 years working with Family Centered Services as a case manager and intervention specialist. I have experience in helping clients with depression, anxiety, stress, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our therapy to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy takes courage. I am proud of you for getting started and letting me be a part of your journey.

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 licensed in Missouri with 10 years of professional work experience. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

I am a license clinical social worker with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, anger management, substance use, domestic violence, depression, and interpersonal issues. 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. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I do not believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic 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 am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

Ms. Garafola received her Bachelor's degree in Behavioral Psychology from Texas Woman's University and earned her Master's of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Texas at Arlington, as well as her Associate's degree in Nutrition from Tarrant County College. Over the past 12 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 and sunshine, relocating from Texas to Florida where she lives with her husband and 17 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 licensed professional counselor in the state of Missouri with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence, and depression. I have experience working with clients on treatment goals and learning new coping skills. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support and empower you in that journey. I have worked with children, teenagers, adult individuals, couples and families in therapy. Let's work together.