Therapists in Jefferson City, MO

I love to work with clients who are motivated to heal the trauma of their past. That trauma can be due to Family of Origin, abuse, neglect, LGBTQIA+ Struggles, medical trauma, religious trauma, sexual abuse, a single event, or a combination of these. Typically, my clients want to gain function in daily life as well as be able to relate to others in a way that works better than what they are currently doing. They are tired of being triggered and their trauma response ruling their lives, so they want to take charge again.

In Psychotherapy, it is the relationship between the patient and the therapist that allows for the patient to search for understanding into the nature of their difficulties. It is within the safety, confidentiality and understanding acceptance that the patient is encouraged to reveal intimate parts of themselves that allow the therapist to identify characteristic problems and patterns of behavior. Seemingly unexplainable behavior, thought patterns and symptoms turn out to have identifiable meanings beyond the awareness of the patient. Psychodynamic psychotherapy is aimed at personality changing goals and symptom relieving efforts. The patient is always in control of the therapeutic process.

I am a psychologist with several years of experience providing psychotherapy to adult clients, as well as adolescent clients who have been identified as gifted and/or creative. I specialize in LGBTQIA+-affirming care and working with visual artists, musicians, and clients engaged in additional creative endeavors. Past clients have come to therapy with symptoms of depression and anxiety as well as distress related to life/career transitions, the sociopolitical climate, and identity. Additionally, I have experience in ADHD assessment and assisting clients with managing symptoms of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.

I provide a genuine and authentic space to validate your feelings, and help you figure out what your strengths are, allowing us to use that to your advantage. Everyone goes through tough times and just because you may think that people have it 'worse' than you, doesn't discount your experiences. Life is complicated and difficult, the last thing anyone needs is any shame or pressure for struggling. You're stronger than you realize and I'll be here along side you to remind you!

Whatever it is that has brought you here is important to me—life changes and transitions, grief and loss, trauma and growth, anxiety and depression, or ADHD symptoms—your life is important to me. I can work with you to create a personalized wellness plan. You deserve to see your inner greatness. Your growth is inspiring to me. You deserve to cultivate your inner calm.

I offer short-term & long-term therapy focusing on depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, LGBT and gender identity exploration, adoption and parenting issues, PTSD, complex stress and trauma, & substance use. As a clinician, I approach my work from a holistic, trauma-informed lens. An individual's mental health and overall happiness are based on a number of different factors that are unique to that individual. Therapy is a collaborative effort that takes compassion, reflection, & creativity. Therapy is a financial commitment, but it's also an investment in your emotional well-being, relationships, and quality of life.

Anyone who walks through my door is showing strength and courage in stepping outside of their comfort zone. If you are one of them, I will encourage you to build up your "tool box" of helpful information and reflections to keep for life.

I am a certified EMDR therapist specialize in treating trauma and PTSD + c-PTSD for women and LGBTQ+ folks. Utilizing ERP & I-CBT, I work with clients to get their life back from OCD. I have been working directly with clients for over 14 years. In particular, I work with people who have experienced traumas that have historically not been seen, like oppression, attachment trauma, burnout, intergenerational trauma, sexual assault, religious trauma, emotional abuse, discrimination, and living in a colonized and capitalist society.

Have you been combing the St. Louis area for a therapist, only to be discouraged because no one felt like the right fit? Been there. Have you been putting off seeing someone because the thought of laying on a chaise lounge, talking about yourself to a stranger across the room for an hour gives you heartburn? Been there. Have you been avoiding getting help because you feel like that means you actually have to acknowledge that you need it? Holy moly, I’ve been there. While I can’t speak to your experience, I understand that the decision to go to therapy can feel impossibly hard. Seeking therapy/treatment shouldn’t feel like a burden.