Healthy sexuality is our objective in sexual addiction. Sex is an integral and balanced part of life experience. Sexual behaviors become problematic when they violate vows and values, are dishonest, harmful to others, put you at risk, diminishes your joy in life, act as a barrier filled with shame, self-contempt, and isolation. Sexual health creates intimacy and closeness, characterized by trust, respect, joy and safety. Sexual health can be achieved by sex addicts in recovery. The trauma and addiction model identifies the trauma and internal system that underwrites addiction and does not view problematic behavior as moral failure.

Communication challenges in marriage and other significant relationships in life have created an emotional divide. A loss of Christian values and connection to God has further compounded all sense of hope. Couples looking for ways to restore, rebuild and re-capture that spark.

Thank you for reading about the services I have to offer, it’s a first step which can sometimes be the most difficult one to take. Your vulnerability in this search is appreciated as you seek happiness and wholeness. I believe each person has unique experiences and I look forward to hearing your story. This will help me understand where you are and where you have been. Through this therapeutic connection we will work to develop goals surrounding where you want to go, what you want to heal, and how you can do it. You have the strength to do this and it’s my honor to assist you on that journey.

The gift of therapy lies in the journey for both client and therapist. It is my belief that therapy is most effective when those involved allow themselves to be impacted by right relationship with the other. Only through right relationship, co-regulation and genuine empathy can true healing occur.

I provide inclusive, secular-based therapy. I recognized a need in my community to emphasize the absence of religion in my practice, when I, myself, was searching for a counselor. I struggled with the sometimes obvious, and sometimes subtle implementation of prayer, and religion in my sessions. It felt dismissive, and invalidating. When a client comes to session with an open mind and willingness to explore their thoughts and expressions with me, in sometimes unconventional ways, amazing insights come into focus. With that, confidence in their ability to recognize their needs and meet their goals, become their reality.

**Now accepting new clients for virtual or in-person therapy** The problems we bring to therapy are often complex and hard to deal with directly, but I believe there is hope and possibility in every circumstance or situation. The process can be uncomfortable, but in my approach to counseling, you can rest assured that the content and goals of therapy are in your control and are welcome to change. I engage my clients in a relationship that may assist them in becoming who they are, recovering from what weighs on them, redeeming their past, and making a bright future.

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.

**Accepting new clients** We all experience times in life where things become overwhelming, and we may respond with frustration, sadness, anxiety, or even a complete loss of hope. I aim to assist clients who are facing these challenges, and help them find a new balance. I believe strongly in the human potential for growth and change, and have been privileged to assist clients who work hard to make this manifest in their own lives. I counsel clients who struggle with issues including addictions, relationships, depression/anxiety, and many other concerns that make life overwhelming and challenging.

Belief: life is comprised of a multitude of experiences each shaping who we are and how we engage in the world around us. We have the ability to re-evaluate and transform difficult or traumatic experiences into something new; creating a more whole self. This takes work, a desire to self-reflect, and at times, move toward change.

My job as a counselor is to help empower you and to work with you to find a solution to the problems you or your family are facing; whether it be anxiety, depression, or school/job related stressors, or you’re having relationship or family issues, I am here to help. I have worked with a wide variety of clients from the ages of 10 to 45 years old using individual, couples, and family therapy. Sometimes just having a judgement free place to talk can make all the difference when life stressors are impacting your daily functioning. I am offering telemedicine (on-line counseling) during this time of quarantine.

***WAITLIST***I provide telebehavioral health therapy services for Missouri and Kansas residents. We all encounter hurt and trauma along our way in life. It can leave many feeling confused or lost in their day to day functioning. I strive to focus on your strengths while working with you to resolve current issues that are interfering with personal relationships or goals. I am privileged to walk alongside your journey of hope and healing in a safe and secure therapeutic relationship. My background experience includes psychiatric facilities, university counseling, millenials, high achievers, women's issues, adults and adolescents.

**NEW CLIENTS WELCOME** Are you a survivor of relational or familial trauma? Do you experience perpetual feelings of shame and unworthiness? Are you seeking action steps that lead to lasting, life changing results? I would be honored to provide authentic connection and solid commitment to your unique journey of recovery. Connection gives meaning and purpose to our lives. Many different experiences leave us feeling disconnected. We need a safe place and skilled assistance to transform ourselves from the inside out. LOOKING FOR LICENSURE SUPERVISION? Emily is also accepting LMSWs seeking supervision in the state of Missouri.

I love working with couples, teens, and adults. A majority of my practice consists of adults and teens who are suffering from depression, anxiety, or other life struggles, and couples who need to address: communication, healthy fighting skills, affair recovery, or grief due to the loss of a child or loved one.

I know you're looking for answers. I know you're wondering, "Why can't I get my life together!" How do you move past this? What can you do to make everything that is troubling in your life disappear so you can enjoy living again? What can you do when every time you try to take one step forward something happens that seems to push you three steps back? What is it going to take for the pain to stop, the memories fade, and the autopilot turn off? It is time for you to finally break free of the thoughts and patterns that hold you captive. Your time of feeling your life is mundane and unfulfilling can become a thing of the past.

I specialize in assisting individuals to overcome issues that feel hopeless. I support and walk along side you to take back your life and become the person you want to be. As a person who has had his fair share of life's challenges, I found the counsel of a professional was life changing. I believe everyone is capable of change, and everyone can be successful. I believe above all else shame and guilt are the fuel that keep your problem cycling. Deshaming, celebrating successes, and setting goals are the key to moving forward. You can overcome addiction, anxiety, depression, relational conflict, or any other issue in your life.

In this grave hour in America's existence we need to help each other. When we work together we will find our own sources of strength and resolve to meet the challenges of our life. I have been doing EMDR since 1996 and have many techniques to resolve past traumas that cause anxiety. If you are looking for a psychologist with 33 years of professional experience, you may wish to make an appointment. If you have panic attacks, social anxiety, P.T.S.D., or depression then I'm sure I can be of significant help to you. Visit my website at www.murrellpsychologicalservice.com or visit www.healthgrades.com/rate/XPCS2 to see our reviews.

As an experienced psychologist, my approach is to provide support and practical feedback to help clients resolve problems and long-standing patterns. The way surgeons use a scalpel and a dentist uses a drill, I use psychological testing and a therapeutic relationship to help create change for each of my patients. Research shows that around 85% of what makes counseling effective is how the patient feels about their therapist. If you think that your doctor cares about you and knows what he/she is talking about; then 85% of the time, you will have positive results.

IN-PERSON or TELEHEALTH. Struggling with a fear of failure, not feeling "good enough", or feeing "worthless" and these beliefs are taking over your life? I have the answers you are looking for in order to move forward in your life. You don't have to feel that way anymore. Take the next step by contacting me. I have advanced training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, as well as, Mindfulness and EMDR. I counsel individuals of all ages for a multitude of issues. Financially tied at the moment? No problem. We have advanced Psychology Interns, clinically trained under my direct supervision, skilled at providing your therapy at no cost.

Life is a mix of joy and sorrow! Walking through the difficult times is tough emotionally, physically, and spiritually! There is no need to suffer through these hard times alone! God offers comfort and unconditional love in the midst of hardship! Thankfully, He equips His followers with guidance, wisdom, and love to help endure our hardships victoriously. God called me into the counseling field to walk with you through the painful areas of your life! I am well-trained in psychological techniques and approaches! In addition, I have a special love and compassion for people, and utilize a Biblical and Christ-centered approach.

My ideal client or couple to work with is one who comes ready to look at the why behind the what, going deeper to understand the roots that cause one to act and think the way they do. The purpose and goal in being curious about the roots is to heal from the wounds and deep-rooted beliefs about ourselves and the world that we have picked up along our own journey in life. The benefit of this work is to live more freely in the Truth of who we were created to be, not allowing fear and past wounds to control one’s life. This growth can equip and lead to more safe, connected, and healthy relationships with ourselves and our loved ones.