Therapists in Ozark, MO

Sometimes what we KNOW is true does not FEEL true. Your days may involve fighting intrusive thoughts, wrestling with anxiety, or trying to act okay when you feel anything but “fine.” Your mind may feel like the problem right now, but it is a beautifully unique and complex part of you that is capable of wellness. While stress can be minimized, it will never be completely eliminated from our lives. However, our brains can learn to adapt and find safety even in the midst of life's storms. Whether you have trauma symptoms, anxiety, or OCD you can move beyond just surviving. You are capable of thriving.

I believe counseling is a partnership in which we work together in developing and implementing a plan to reach the clients treatment goals. Each client is unique and different, and I adjust according to the clients needs. I work well with clients who are ready to do the work to heal and grow. The client and I are active throughout the counseling process. I have found that this process is a journey towards healing and thriving in all areas of life.

I am passionate about educating clients and helping them rebuild their relationships with their bodies and food. I am adept at getting to the root of problems and helping clients develop effective coping skills for different life situations, triggers, and traumas.

First year social work students are always asked what their preferred population or job is when they graduate. Although most therapist do not know what they want to do for years, I knew right away that I wanted to work with children and their families. I am specifically passionate about children and families that have been affected by the foster care system. Research proves that what happens in childhood affects us all as adults. Although therapy does not magically make trauma go away, I want to help reduce the level of disturbance that trauma causes children so that they can be the best version of themselves as an adult.

I work with individuals, couples, and families in helping them achieve control over "emotional hijacking" and poor decision making. Feelings like fear, sorrow, anger, rejection prevent people from experiencing connectedness with life and with others. Therefore, the ideal client is one who is struggling with relationship problems, anger, addictions (sexual or chemical), poor stress control, depression, or anxiety-I provide a safe environment where the individual's pain and/or struggle is met with understanding alongside a plan of action to address the issue(s).

Life can be messy, and it is okay to not be okay; but you do not have to face life’s challenges alone. As a Licensed Master Social Worker, I believe counseling should be a supportive and compassionate collaboration in which clients are accepted where they are in the present and are valued as the experts of their experiences. Life doesn’t happen in a vacuum, and I will work closely with individuals to consider their relationship with their environments in order to explore areas of strength as well as areas for potential growth.

I specialize in trauma, specifically childhood abuse and neglect. Working with all ages from young child to adult. I also have a great deal of experience helping individuals with symptoms of depression and anxiety.

My aim is to be with you as you do the brave work of healing and growth. I consider it an honor to walk with you down this road. Women, families, and couples addressing a wide rage of problems including but not limited to depression, anxiety, grief and loss, childhood trauma, spirituality, relational stressors and marital crisis. Strong emphasis on maternal mental health including pre-pregnancy, infertility, birth trauma, and postpartum issues. Are you ready to dig deep and reach the fullness of who you are designed to be?

My reason for being a counselor is to help people understand and heal from their past and/or current pain and to learn coping strategies to manage future pain. People and relationships can be complex and full of both positive and negative emotions, including some that are painful. The ability to feel them, learn from them, and express them to others allows us to live more engaged and meaningful lives. It is rewarding to be able to support people as they go through the process of self-exploration.

I work with individuals with a wide range of concerns. My clinical specialties and interests include disordered eating, body image, obesity and weight loss, LGBTQ, gender identity, phase of life transitions, grief/loss, relationships, assertive communication, issues related to trauma/adverse life experiences, holistic health and wellness, self-compassion, and promoting self-awareness and insight. My background includes significant experience in the delivery of behavioral health care including individual psychotherapy and inpatient, intensive-outpatient, and outpatient groups. In addition to my experience with psychotherapy services, I also complete psychological assessments, provide supervision to pre-doctoral psychology interns, and consultation services.

PTSD is not always easily talked about and often masked by other symptoms. Do you startle easily? Unable to sleep through the night? Having nightmares? These are symptoms of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder after experiencing domestic violence, workforce harassment, tragic event, death of a family member or friend, natural disaster such as tornado, flood or fire. PTSD can be a vicious cycle of triggers, anxiety, panic attack, tiredness, unable to sleep, nightmares, ruminating thoughts, having conditions that you can't escape. I provide understanding, finding the triggering event and work through the event to find peace again.

My experience with helping individuals and families overcome difficult challenges is my passion. I believe that it easier to find and build upon one's strengths than it is to focus primarily on fixing problems. Much of my time in therapy is spent on discovering creative solutions rather than talking too long just about what is wrong. I often involve the whole family and believe that every person is unique and requires an individualized approach. One size does not fit all. Please call me or email today discuss your needs and hopes and/or to set an appointment time.

If you are someone who is struggling with understanding the reason why behind certain behaviors & are wanting to learn how to heal, overcome, and succeed, you are in the right place. Many of the individuals who I work with are driven to feel better and have a growth mindset. You know that life is meant to be more fulfilling. Many of the individuals I see struggle with anxiety, trauma, and/or self-esteem issues. (Coaching! I specialize in working with moms to help them overcome anxiety, perfectionism and self-doubt so they can launch a profitable & fulfilling business/side-hustle; allowing them to have more freedom, flexibility)