Therapists in Ava, MO

I specialize in MEN'S issues, with several years of experience providing mental health services, primarily to Men. I believe everyone has the potential for change when provided optimal psychoeducation, a space to be vulnerable, and individualized therapies that are driven by genuine warmth and support. Men historically do not seek mental health services because of stigma, fear of not being understood, and limited numbers of male therapists who "get" them. MEN’s issues can include mental health and wellness, self-care practices, relationship problems, healthy relationship skills, depression, stress, anxiety, crisis management, anger management, career exploration, and academic concerns. What makes an issue a “MEN’s issue” depends on how it was developed. MEN’s issues are developed within a context (such as family raised in, time period, culture, or geographical area). Such contexts have the potential to define behavior as something a man would or would not do. These definitions can be limiting and unhelpful. They can restrict the problem-solving ability of Men in situations that require more flexible and adaptive responses. Anger and irritability: Often, Men are taught to hide more vulnerable emotions such as hurt or sadness and instead express anger and lash out. This may be the only way they have learned to communicate they are hurting. However, anger can have disastrous effects on relationships. Learning how to communicate hurt and sadness effectively can facilitate an opportunity for repair and even strengthen relationships. Psychotherapy can help Men let go of problematic anger and express the vulnerability needed to have fulfilling relationships. Numbing or pushing away emotions: Some MEN may have been raised in environments where the very experience of emotion was unacceptable. This can result in attempts to avoid or control emotions. For example, ending relationships, devaluing the importance of loved ones, or keeping people at a distance can be ways to avoid uncomfortable feelings. Unfortunately, these attempts to control emotions can result in even more problems and even more difficult emotions. Therapy can help men identify, learn to deal with, and effectively express emotions in more adaptive ways and help preserve and strengthen relationships. Dr. Robinson earned his master's degree in counseling and practices as a Licensed Professional Counselor, Board-Certified National Counselor, and Board Certified TeleMental Health (BC-TMH) provider with various experiences from counseling adults, couples, and college students. He later went on to earn his Doctor of Education degree. I look forward to working with you!

Would you like to change how you feel? Do you know that your thoughts about yourself and your life determine what you're feeling and the choices you make. Let's use Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy to change your thoughts and change your life. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker licensed in the state of Missouri with over 22 years of experience as a psychotherapist. I have worked with clients of every age and diagnosis, but most of my experience is in the areas of relational issues, depression, anxiety, parenting difficulties, and life changes. I received my Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Baylor University and my Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Tennessee. I've been married for 30 years, and I have four children ranging in ages from 13-22. As mentioned above, my main therapeutic approach is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). However, I also employ Insight-Oriented Therapy as well. This just means that we will work on discovering what your thoughts are about yourself and your life, and then work on changing them so that your emotions and behavior change as well. We will develop your treatment goals suited to your specific needs and desires. My belief is that counseling will empower you to accomplish your therapeutic goals and that you will acquire a new set of skills that you'll be able to use the rest of your life.

I completed seminary and then added courses to become a Licensed Professional Counselor in Missouri. I am a therapist with 30 years experience in working with clients with many issues., including stress, depression, grief, anger management, self esteem, relationship issues, I had a difficult childhood and worked with youth at a behavioral hospital. I also have worked in an outpatient setting with adults and teens. Clients relate well to me and begin healing in the process of being understood and better grasping their issues. My style is insight oriented, helping clients identify and develop ways to improve. I believe relationships need respect, good communication and a peaceful interaction to thrive. Relationships are a key to fulfillment, including a person's attitude toward themselves. When clients are able to better understand themselves and their goals, they find the counseling experience meaningful.

My belief and approach to therapy begins with the idea that humans are generally self- correcting. This follows the teaching of both Carl Jung and Milton Erickson. We can get stuck for a variety of reasons and if able to get past that point, it can lead to us moving in a healthier direction. I believe that our value systems are extremely important to finding direction and solutions. I have studied comparative religions and cultures to be able to understand and work with a wide variety of people. I have worked in many different settings with a wide range of cultures and values. Currently my greatest strength is in working with individuals and couples. I started my career by creating and running an outpatient clinic as part of a runaway and homeless youth shelter. I did this for my first 18 years. We provided case management, individual and family therapy to youth and their families. We did this both in the shelter and in the community. My personal approach includes brief family therapy, problem solving therapy, structural and strategic systems theory, hypnotherapy, cognitive behavioral, communication theory and addiction therapies. I trained and supervised paid staff and graduate students. I worked in conjunction with a local university to conduct research which enabled us to improve our working therapy model and process. During this time, I completed 29 hours towards a PH. D in family therapy. I was offered a fellowship with Washington University's Ph. D program. I worked part time for New Life Christian Counseling, an outpatient therapy group, providing professional Christian therapy. I then worked 18 years for managed care helping members utilize their mental health benefits, providing phone therapy and crisis intervention. My other experiences were in outpatient office settings.

Hello! My name is Debra Robinson. I am Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Missouri. I have over 10 years of experience working in the field of counseling. As Life is Precious, my goal is to help individuals live a “quality” life. Quality living is when there is a balance between the body, mind and spirit; an unspeakable sense of peace. I am committed to helping individuals gain self-awareness so that they can begin to heal and see more positive emotional outcomes. I practice from an integrative perspective, meaning that I typically use several different therapeutic modalities in my work depending on the needs of the individual. I have specialized training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectal Behavior Therapy and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy. My clinical experience has included working with individuals, families and groups. I have a special interest in working with individuals experiencing anxiety, trauma, depression and anger issues. I know that seeking therapy can be hard at times, so I would love to make this process as easy as possible for you. My goal is to help you build on your inner strengths and natural resilience.

I have been a practicing therapist for nine years and continue to further my knowledge through continuing education in a variety of mental health fields. I have extensive experience with treating individuals who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, life stressors, depression, and anxiety. I also specialize in family unification, focusing on family dynamics. I believe life can be stressful. Life can be joyful. Through the balance of personal growth and security comes the knowledge of one's self needed to manage the highs and lows of life. Striving to establish goals with each client to ensure growth and security is a priority for me. Practicing critical thinking through reality therapy provides assistance for one to recognize personal strengths. The recognition of personal strengths provides further assistance to overcome and manage the troubling events of day to day life.

I am licensed in Missouri with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, anger management, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

I am licensed in Missouri and Kansas with 8 years of professional work experience. I have a background in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & family conflicts. Additionally, I have experience working with adolescents who suffer from chronic pain. I will provide a safe, healing space for you. Therapy is not a one size fits all approach. I hope to work together and determine what could be helpful for you. I believe in the mind-body connection and learning how to listen to our bodies. A regulated nervous system can lead to feeling more calm and content, a quieter mind, and a clearer outlook on life. I am excited to get to know you and find ways to help you move towards healing.

I am licensed in Missouri with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy related issues, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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. 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 & empower you in that journey.

I am licensed in Kansas with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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. 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 & empower you in that journey.