Therapists in Creve Coeur, MO

Many of my clients have had previous experiences in therapy before reaching my office. They feel at the end of their rope as traditional talk therapy hasn't facilitated the changes they need. They often hear how resilient or insightful they are but struggle to feel closeness and safety in relationships or to access positive emotions. Or, they might have been told that the intensity of their emotions is too much for their therapist or loved ones to handle. Overall, they are looking for therapist with an in-depth approach for their specific concerns, and are ready connect with a clinician who is invested in doing just that.

You're feeling stuck, no matter what you do. Maybe you know something in your life needs to change, but you don't know what or where to even start. Maybe you've had some difficult relationships and you want to learn to create healthier connections, especially with yourself. Or maybe you've found yourself crying over laundry and you're curious about executive dysfunction or ADHD, but you're worried you won't be taken seriously by a professional because you learned about them on Tiktok.

The decision to seek mental health support takes a lot of courage. Growth happens through our vulnerability. Depression, anxiety, trauma can feel overwhelming at times. You may find yourself wondering if you will ever feel OK? Maybe you feel like you've tried everything and continue to struggle with anxious feelings and depressed mood. You want to get through these challenging days, but find yourself stuck. It can be hard to seek therapy because you're unsure if it will help. You want to find the right therapist that will meet you where you are, and help guide your healing process.

I have been in private practice for over 35 years. I meet the client where they are at and more importantly assist them in where they want to be. I strive to help in the most professional and respectful way and value each and every opportunity to be in the lives of those who want to live the life they want. I believe there is nothing wrong with the individual but they are often striving for balance and harmony in their lives. All my clients want the same thing-Love and acceptance.

I provide individualize care to clients who are struggling to manage symptoms of anxiety, trauma, depression, and life transitions. I enjoy work with pregnant and postpartum women who are feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, depression and adjusting to their new life as a parent. I focus much of my work on helping you to find clarity and stabilization, then move into personal growth and acceptance. I want to help you find the best version of yourself and truly enjoy life.

When I was serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Ukraine, the comfort of someone speaking my language was immeasurable. Speaking your language is important to me. Whether it’s through humor, warmth, empathy, or directness, I strive to make therapy relieving rather than another foreign experience. When therapists discuss what type of therapy they do, is it just another set of abbreviations with absolutely no meaning? Let me be your translator. I deeply value education, so if you are unfamiliar with any of the therapies I list below, I will explain extensively as to how they work within session. If you like learning, I'm your person.

**CURRENTLY HAVE WAITLIST FOR NEW CLIENTS** Melissa has been practicing clinical social work/psychotherapy with adolescents and adults for over 15 years, specializing in eating disorders, anxiety, depression, self-injury and grief/loss. She has an eclectic approach, drawing from psychodynamic, interpersonal and skills-based therapies including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy and mindfulness-based stress reduction. Her approach is compassionate, non-judgmental, collaborative and integrative. She has a profound respect for the complexity of people's lives and experiences.

My goal is to help you raise your conscious awareness by living more radically open and learning to have a healthier relationship with your own thoughts. I will teach you how to be more curious about your thoughts instead of struggling against them, at the same time allowing yourself to learn something from them. I like to utilize, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Radical Openness DBT, and Cognitive Behavorial therapy. Finding your edge will be an important part of therapy.

6-8 sessions may be all you need. Do you often think/say to yourself: “I should know this?” “I’ve read all the self-help books.” “I’ve done therapy in the past.” "I was doing great." “What are you going to tell me that I don’t already know?” or "I have never done this before" I get it. I work with negative, self-limiting beliefs and past traumas that may be holding you back.

Starting with a new therapist can be overwhelming, especially if you have never taken the giant step to start therapy before, and I promise to always meet my clients where they are in the moment. Everyone is at a different point in their lives, and needs varying amounts of help, and I look forward to meeting you without judgement and on your terms.

Change is one of the few things life guarantees us. If you're going through a transition in your life you may be feeling lost and confused. Maybe you're feeling stuck and wondering how you will ever get through this. Other people seem to skate through life effortlessly so why do you keep hitting every bump? Everything you're thinking and feeling right now is normal. Change is a difficult but necessary part of life. The good news is that you will get through this and come out a happier and stronger person on the other side.

I am here for you as you are right now. I can imagine that right now things may not be the way you want them. Do you find yourself feeling unsettled? Feeling stuck and just can't seem to make important changes? Find that powerful emotions keep taking you off track from what you truly want? Have you had painful events occur and have noticed you're not quite the same anymore? ... For 10+ years I've been helping people build a life full of meaning. Which often means figuring out how to make important changes while also finding acceptance. This can mean resolving past painful events, boosting skills and/or resolving current problems.

I've specialized in treating children, adolescents, and adults with anxiety and related disorders including Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors (Trichotillomania and Skin Picking Disorder), Social Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Agoraphobia, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Separation Anxiety, and Selective Mutism for the past 17 years. As the owner of The Center for Mindfulness & CBT, I've hired and trained other anxiety/OCD/BFRB experts, and continue to provide supervision and consultation, so I work to connect those I can't see to others in the practice.

Ms. Kientzle (she/they), MA NCC LPC CCTP, RYT, EDMR-I, has been practicing as a licensed professional counselor for over 12 years in the St. Louis Metro area. Her areas of focus are trauma, pediatrics, and working with the LGBTQIA+ community. Ms. Kientzle is especially passionate about assisting transgender clients navigate gender-affirming therapies and helping people achieve their full potential. Modalities: Art Therapy, yoga therapy, EMDR, and trauma-focused approaches are utilized both in-person and via telehealth.