Compassion Focused Therapists in Edina, MO

Many of my clients come to me feeling overwhelmed, disconnected from family or loved ones, hopeless about the future, or like they’re struggling to make decisions or meaningful change. They may be uncertain of how to start the process of change or healing, though they’re ready for growth and understanding.

I offer individual counseling, mindfulness training, EMDR, and life coaching through video chatting. Common focus areas include: personal growth and development, career issues, lifestyle issues, assertive communication, self-esteem, ADHD, anger management, persistent mental health problems, addictions, trauma, and disability. I enjoy positive psychology and prefer to focus on solutions, strengths, and assets. I feel it is important to view each person from their unique cultural experience with a nonjudgmental stance. I believe in the biopsychosocial model and understand health and functioning as being systemic in nature.

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!

Everyone deserves to have support and help in navigating challenging moments in their lives. I strive to aid clients in finding their own strengths and abilities to help them tackle and survive even the difficult moments in their journeys. My experience as a therapist has given me the opportunity to work with many different populations and I have learned and grown from each new client. I have a passion for working with those experiencing anxiety and depression as well as supporting parents through the intense transitions that come with building families and navigating this new stage of life.

Do you find yourself overthinking everyday life occurrences? Do you feel like stress and worry are taking over areas of your life that you used to enjoy? Do you find relationships difficult to navigate? Did something happen to you and now you feel like you can't move forward? What if I told you that you don't have to stay stuck, that I can help you navigate those waves that are making you feel like you are sinking...I can help you. The first step is reaching out, you are well on your way!

College and entrance into adulthood is hard! You’re still figuring out who you are, what you want to do, and how you want to live. Maybe you find yourself struggling with friendships or dating relationships in ways you haven’t before. Or you might feel lost and confused about your identity and who you want to be. Maybe you’re realizing, potentially for the first time, that the way you grew up isn’t “normal” and isn’t what you actually needed or wanted. So many transitions and challenges are happening and you may feel ill-equipped to deal with them. Let me help you navigate the questions and obstacles you are currently facing.

Navigating life’s challenges can often feel overwhelming. You might be grappling with trauma, chronic worry, anxiety, or struggling with low self-esteem and depression. You're looking for more than just coping mechanisms or quick fixes; you seek a transformative healing journey. You want to feel empowered and validated, to see tangible progress in your life. In short, it's time to build a life where past pains and stressors no longer dictate your present or future. You're ready to invest in therapy that extends its benefits beyond the therapy room, integrating what you learn into your daily life for lasting change and well-being.

I have learned that no one is immune to mental health stress, trauma, OR substance abuse. Most really can find recovery and wellness. In 2000, I began my career providing counseling services in a treatment center and have continued to specialize in coping methods vs. "using." Relationships are sacred. I work with all arrangements of families (CNM & polyamory). Expert family/couples counseling requires expert training. The Gottman Method is taught in three levels and I completed all three in 2017. My intensive couples approach is successful in improving communication and provides many tools and results in a reasonable time frame.

The core of my practice is assisting individuals and families to navigate the challenges and uncertainties of life with success and purpose. To provide guidance on supporting those with mental health symptoms, behavioral and emotional disorders and trauma to be able to thrive. To help identify negative communication patterns and strengthen communication with others. I provide an assortment of parenting ideas to help families live together with a better understanding and appreciation of each other. I draw from Dr. Garry Landreth, Child-Parent Relationship Therapy, Dr. Fay & Dr. Cline, Love & Logic, and Dr. Phelan with 1-2-3 Magic.

My ideal client is an adult, couple, or family that has experienced loss or trauma and wants to feel connected to themselves, those they love, and their community again. The individual/s may be experiencing extreme anxiety, irritability, or depression and have been trying to keep picking themselves up, but are tired and concerned about what their future holds. They often find themselves using a variety of means to numb such as eating, substance use, gambling, pornography, sex, video games, etc. They experience emptiness and feel that they really have no sense of who they are or what they want and often feel alone and disconnected.

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.

Now accepting online clients! I am a board certified telemental health counselor providing online counseling for residents of Missouri. I currently offer online sessions for individuals, couples, and families. I have worked for several large community mental health agencies, a local college counseling center, provided psychotherapy for the University system and numerous co-occurring substance facilities. It is through these experiences that I continue to be passionate about helping all clients improve their lives, relationships and their mental health.

Life is hard! There are so many things to balance and never enough hours in the day. It is important to make time for yourself in the chaos. If we show up for ourselves we are better able to be there for the rest of our life. I love helping people live to their potential by exploring their stressors and mental health issues. I want you to feel empowered to be the best version of yourself at home, at work, and in your relationships. I want to help you develop strategies that help you meet your personal goals.

Nicole is a licensed social worker with over fifteen years of experience working with individuals with dementia or special needs and their caregivers. She brings these years of experience to her clinical practice as she works with those experiencing grief, loss, life transition, anxiety, or depression.

Are you feeling frustrated as the result of alcohol, drug, or tobacco use issues? Are you experiencing feelings of helplessness and worry? Are you carrying the weight of blame and guilt? Would you like to untether yourself from the chaos of addiction and begin on a path of sobriety? I can help you navigate through this emotional process. During my 20+ years of experience in an Addiction Treatment setting, I have helped many individuals center around hope and courage to obtain a more stable lifestyle. Recovery IS possible for you! You do NOT have to hit "rock bottom". Take the first step toward your personal freedom from addiction

As a licensed clinical social worker I provide therapy and partner with individuals and families helping them achieve their determined goals. I specialize in assisting clients who have experienced trauma, grief, addictions, anxiety, depression, crisis pregnancy, infertility, and adoption. From a 'strengths-based perspective', I support clients through a variety of treatment modalities to gain insight into how their thoughts and emotions impact behavior and how the past can affect the present and determine the future.

The road we travel towards living as our truest self is by no means smooth. Often, we have learned messages that get in the way of living authentically, whether it be messages from society, family, peers, strangers, or even ourselves. We may feel lost and uncertain of finding a way forward. We will work together to find ways that you can feel empowered to break free from these messages to live openly and authentically. I love working with many different concerns including healing from traumatic experiences, being present with our emotions, creating positive self-narratives, and providing affirming LGBTQ+ care.

We all go through difficult times at different parts of our life. It can help to have someone to talk to. I have particular experience with adults in midlife crisis, couples counseling, and adolescents experiencing, school problems, behavior problems, parent/child conflict, and trauma. I have experience with individual therapy, parent/child conflict, divorce, alternative relationships and LGBTQIA issues. I specialize in trauma treatment for all age groups. CURRENTLY OFFERING TELEMEDICINE SESSIONS VIA ZOOM OR SKYPE.

What makes counseling work? A study found that resilience, relationship and faith make a difference. Together we can figure out your capacity for resilience - yes you have a capacity for change. One of the best things about counseling is building relationship. You can't know someone without allowing them to know you. Building that relationship is my primary focus and greatest strength. Believing that change is possible and using that belief can help your process. What are your values and beliefs? How do they guide you? I use my faith in my process, I will encourage you to use yours, whatever it may be - all are welcome.