Therapists in Missouri

Sometimes life is hard. We experience stress, difficult experiences, wounding in relationships, and trauma along with many other experiences. We carry these with us and they show up in our daily lives - in our thoughts, emotions, physical body, relationships with others, relationship with our self. Maybe you've noticed feeling stuck and overwhelmed. Weighed down. Maybe anxious. Maybe you've noticed patterns in your relationships. Maybe physical discomfort and pain. Tension in your body. Maybe you're curious about what you're noticing. Or maybe you’re curious about who YOU are – the authentic you.

Are you struggling with feelings of loneliness? Maybe even in the company of others? Do you question if something is inherently lacking within you, hindering your ability to forge the meaningful connections you yearn for, yet maybe also fear? Are you grappling with uncertainties about how to cultivate intimacy with your partner or how to initiate and nurture fulfilling relationships? Perhaps past hurts have left you hesitant to trust again, leaving you pondering if there's a way to discern who is worthy of your trust and affection. You deserve love, connection, and fulfillment, and I'm here to support you every step of the way.

Welcome! Do you feel misunderstood and undervalued? Are you looking for more meaningful connection? Anxiety, pain and relationship stress can show up in our bodies, our work ethic, our social interactions, sleep habits and so much more. What happens to us early in life influences our ability to cope with the stress and setbacks that life can throw at us. Whether it's a chronic health issue, recent or past trauma, grief, or an ongoing stressor, you don't have to experience it alone. I have an integrative and person-centered approach that uses the therapeutic relationship to build your sense of agency to get yourself unstuck.

There are many presenting issues that might bring you to counseling. Finding a therapist that you can connect with and build an alliance with is important to your success in therapy. I work very hard to create a relationship that will provide you the safety and warmth that you need to explore your experiences; I am very comfortable earning your trust. I use different treatment modalities, depending upon which is appropriate for you personally. Empathy is the primary tool used to give you the safety you need to explore your inner world while we begin to understand your experiences together.

Knowing we can be loved exactly as we are gives us the best opportunity to grow into the healthiest people. I believe relational psychotherapy helps to restore hope and connection, even during seasons of immense pain and suffering. Having a place where you can be heard and feel known is essential while working through heavy feelings, emotions, thoughts, and processing difficult experiences. As therapy deepens, individuals I work with gain insight into presenting symptoms and patterns of behavior that initially brought them to see me.

I went into the field of psychology because I love helping people transform to the best version of themselves. We all need a safe place to understand ourselves and how we relate to others/self. I often say "We need to be Mindful of our Total-Well Being and that our minds and our bodies are an inter-connected systems. Where the mind goes, so does the man or woman in their actions and body states. We go to the physician for our physical health, so how much healthier would we be if we went to our psychologist for our mental health?" At heart, I am a holistic practitioner and love seeing my clients Thrive.

I have seen both professionally and personally how transformative the therapeutic process can be when seeking change, growth, and healing. I focus on individuals and couples whose concerns may include anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship problems. My goal is to provide clients a safe and nonjudgmental space to explore and process their pain and help them reflect on how their experiences influence their perception of themselves, others, and the world. With empathy, understanding, acceptance, and encouragement, I work with clients on integrating changes so that they have the tools they need to live a happy and healthy life.

Life presents challenges that are difficult to face alone, and trusting someone to hold your thoughts and emotions as sacred takes courage. I consider it an honor to walk with you, side by side, through your journey of transformation, healing and restoration. I seek to connect the body and the brain to dig deeper, at your pace. Creating and being a safe, inviting, warm and connected space is a passion of mine. It is such a privilege to bear witness to people reclaiming themselves and finding freedom from trauma!

You may be struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or carrying the weight of abuse and trama through life. Issues like these weigh you down as you continue to fulfill your roles at work, at home, and in your relationships. These struggles may be new to you, or you may have carried them alone for years. Perhaps you've even reached out for help but not yet found the right fit, yet you long to break through these challenges and feel like yourself again.

I believe identity is a critical part of self-understanding and healing. For this reason, I enjoy working with folks who are looking to explore their identities which might include sexuality, gender, race, religion, physical and mental ability, and roles in society. I am cognizant that our identities shape our personal and lived experiences in the world, and this continually impacts how and what we need to heal. I approach therapy from a non-religious standpoint, but have a deep interest in how religion impacts people, including ways that it can act as a source of trauma, while also acknowledging that it can be a source of support.

It’s not easy to maintain a relationship and grow as individuals at the same time. Sometimes relationships can get stuck when you’re arguing about the same thing, or, maybe your relationship is changing in a big way—parenthood, marriage, someone’s career—and you want to work through that decision or create a plan. Whether you are in a new relationship, contemplating marriage, or have been married for many years, counseling can be a great place to update the relationship and come together in an intentional way. I would be honored to work with you and rebuild your connection and grow stronger as a couple!

I find the greatest joy in working with families to repair and build nurturing relationships. Coming from a playful perspective I love to help children and their parents find their self-worth and express their true feelings in ways that they can understand each other. I utilize my training and background in child development studies to help children and parents understand each other in appropriate ways. I keep in mind that each child and family is unique, seeking to understand without judgment.

You are worthy of feeling fully alive. The dimensionality and uniqueness of your human experience are worthy of exploration. You are constantly changing and unfolding. In every transition, life invites you to explore more of who you are and what you need and want. This is a great opportunity to seek support. Together we will explore your inner and outer world allowing the wisdom from within to guide you. You have the Keys within you and my intention is to help you discover them.

My passion is to empathetically guide and support transformation of traumatic experience. I will empower you to face your fears, unburden toxic shame, heal traumatic wounds and help you reclaim the courage that you know is inside of you. The ability to have love, compassion and acceptance for yourself are powerful healing forces that I strive to ignite, recover and unlock in my clients. Through EMDR and Somatic Experiencing I focus on restoring a sense of calm, centered connectedness within the brain and body. I work to inspire courage, promote healing so you can embody radical acceptance, release fear and embrace authenticity.

Do you find your relationship is in a rut? Are you unable to resolve conflict? Do you feel disconnected from your partner? The Marriage & Family Counseling Center can help! While all couples and relationships experience negative patterns at times, there are ways to end those cycles and find healing, reduce conflict and create a more fulfilling relationship.

Are you looking to make a change but keep getting stuck in old, unsatisfying patterns? Is there a life transition (for example, opening up a relationship or a later-in-life coming out) you're having trouble with? I'm a queer therapist passionate about working with people who want support in navigating life's complexities. Together, in a non-judgmental space, we will find approaches that work to repair attachment wounds, address past traumas, and get curious about limiting beliefs so you can live a more expansive and authentic life.

Do you feel stuck like you are in a never ending loop of conflict, unhealthy patterns and negative emotions? We all can feel overwhelmed by life and all of the stress it brings. Maybe you have gone through something unthinkable and you are ready to heal and be more present in your life. Are you wanting solutions to conflict with people you care about? Unhealthy communication can lead to shallow, drama filled relationships that leave everyone feeling drained and defeated. Counseling can help. Working with me will bring awareness to patterns, empowerment, and skills needed to make shifts to change your life.

Are you or your child struggling? Burdened by difficulties? Trapped by anxiety? Stuck in patterns of unhealthy behaviors? Do the days seem more dark than bright or your relationships more of a burden than a joy? Take a deep breath. There is hope. In my office you will find a safe place to grow, heal and change for the better. From toddlers to adults, those who are struggling can come and find the help and support they need.

I believe that the path to recovery is made by walking - one step at a time. Inner healing can replace pain and suffering with joy and connection. I know because I have walked the path. I offer individual therapy and family therapy for the following: Anxiety and depression, grief and trauma, relationship issues, difficult life transitions, divorce and trauma recovery, parent/caregiver coaching and training, Grandparents raising grandchildren and other kinship families.