Healthy sexuality is our objective in sexual addiction. Sex is an integral and balanced part of life experience. Sexual behaviors become problematic when they violate vows and values, are dishonest, harmful to others, put you at risk, diminishes your joy in life, act as a barrier filled with shame, self-contempt, and isolation. Sexual health creates intimacy and closeness, characterized by trust, respect, joy and safety. Sexual health can be achieved by sex addicts in recovery. The trauma and addiction model identifies the trauma and internal system that underwrites addiction and does not view problematic behavior as moral failure.

I have observed the therapeutic effects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) on depression and have developed an extensive repertoire of behavioral tactics for its treatment. The worst thing about depression is that it makes us feel as if there is no hope for ever getting out of it. In fact, it's a very treatable disorder. CBT uses logic, reasoning, and goal setting to dig ourselves out of depression. I supplement CBT with Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), a state of the art non-talk therapy. EMDR intensifies and multiplies our positive nerves and decreases pessimistic obsessive thoughts.

Life is a mix of joy and sorrow! Walking through the difficult times is tough emotionally, physically, and spiritually! There is no need to suffer through these hard times alone! God offers comfort and unconditional love in the midst of hardship! Thankfully, He equips His followers with guidance, wisdom, and love to help endure our hardships victoriously. God called me into the counseling field to walk with you through the painful areas of your life! I am well-trained in psychological techniques and approaches! In addition, I have a special love and compassion for people, and utilize a Biblical and Christ-centered approach.

My ideal client is one who is aware that they need to do something different but aren't quite sure what the next step is. This could be a life transition from adolescence to adulthood, or a couple who struggles with communication. It could be more intense like a couple who is in the middle of despair or broken trust, or an individual or child who has experienced something traumatic that has changed their whole world. All these individuals are looking for ways to regain their life and become who they believe themselves to be.

As many differences as we all have, we all have things in common - we all have pain, and we're all made both to be healed and to heal each other. I hope to teach others to prioritize their own wellbeing because I have found when I prioritize myself that is how I help heal others. So many of us have been taught that selflessness means prioritizing everyone else first. Selflessness really means losing track of self-consciousness and ego as we pursue joy, spirituality and depth. To be selfless is freedom from guilt, shame, and self judgement.

My ideal client is an individual who is willing to lean into their discomfort. Whether they are five years old or sixty years old I can help. I’ve been a therapist for fourteen years and have extensive experience with kiddos, teens and adults with a variety of issues. When working with kiddos and teens I offer a genuine and comfortable style that works well. When working with adults who have traumas, relationship issues, addictions, and difficulties controlling their impulses, I use variety of approaches,

ONLINE COUNSELING AVAILABLE Therapy is where you can say the words that aren't allowed to be said. While I see clients who are struggling with a variety of issues (depression; anxiety; relationship difficulties; and questions of meaning, purpose, and self), I specialize in working with those who have experienced religious trauma - those who have been deeply hurt by the messages they received as part of their religious experience and have not felt the freedom to tell their story. Clergy and laity alike need space to express and reflect upon their hurt, their sadness, their anger, their disappointment, and their doubts.

Need to talk to someone but don't know where to start? Start here! Marriage, parenting, life transitions, anxiety, and eating disorders are just a few topics discussed in my office. Sometimes the focus of therapy is to resolve current problems and other times the focus is long standing non productive patterns. When we stop taking care of ourselves and live according to other people's expectations, we lose our true self. By working with you in a positive and accepting environment, My practical, interactive style can help you discover the root(s) of your discontent and/or overwhelm and help you find healing and resolution.

Do you feel stuck or like failure is your normal? Do you have painful memories or nightmares of the past that still haunt you and wish you could just move past them? Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based treatment that resolves the body's response to trauma, phobias, or negative life experiences. Whether you are a survivor of a horrific trauma or you have experienced adverse life events, I’m here to help you move past those experiences and into a more fulfilling future. Most people can benefit from EMDR therapy, which is often coupled with CBT and other therapies.

I offer several services that include assessment, treatment planning, recovery support and case management in addition to counseling. My goal is to do whatever it takes to give you or your loved one the best chance for lasting recovery and improve well being of the whole person. The treatment methodologies utilized are time-tested and have consistently proven successful. I understand that the causes of addiction and mental health are complex and often multifaceted; I am here to guide those we serve and their families every step of the way. 

People come to our office hurting and wanting change in their lives. We offer caring, experienced and professional psychological services.

Life changes can be stressful. These may include changes in employment, educational, financial or relational status, losing a loved one, pregnancy, adoption, being a caregiver, or developing a serious illness. Lacking emotional support or effective stress management and coping techniques can cause more serious and longer lasting relational, physical and mental health problems. Depression, anxiety, substance abuse and family conflicts can appear as a result of not having support and knowledge of how to manage stress. I can provide the support, encouragement and education to assist clients in navigating challenge and change.

My ideal client is a individual who is ready to make personal change to improve his or her life. I am a person-centered counselor; your therapy is focused on you. I listen, enter your world, your understanding of your issues to help you. I reflect your feelings, and ask the right questions at the right time to help you discover the hope you are seeking. You can expect unconditional positive regard; no judgment from me. I am here to help you help yourself. We will decide together what your goals in therapy are.

If you are an adult or teenager struggling with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma issues, self-esteem, and/or setting boundaries, I would love to help you. Couples with relational stress are welcome as I enjoy and have experience in marital/couples therapy and helping relationships succeed. Currently, I lead the Healthy Relationships group at Synergy Counseling Center. I have recently been trained in EMDR to assist clients with reduction in trauma-related symptoms resulting in overall healing. DBT is one of my specialties and I have assisted clients with learning these skills individually or in a group setting.

My clients are successful, highly-motivated professionals who find that certain areas of life are becoming unmanageable. I am a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT®) specializing in sex/porn addictions, partners of sex addicts, multiple addictions, trauma, abuse, and PTSD. I trained under Patrick Carnes at the International Institute of Trauma and Addiction Professionals (IITAP). Under Dan Allender I earned an advanced counseling certificate in trauma-focused narrative therapy. Addiction, abuse and trauma are viewed as symptoms rather than defining characteristics. I seek an approach to recovery that embraces positive, proactive, sustainable change.

Touchstone Counseling is currently collaborating with Missouri State University's Counseling and Clinical Psychology Graduate Students. Our Counseling Department Students have completed required course work, and a full practicum requiring direct client hours in their downtown clinic. Students have experience working with anxiety, depression, stress, relationship issues, family issues, etc. Our Clinical Psychology Practicum Students are joining us to begin their counseling experience here at Touchstone. They are excited to start working with our community members while adapting their counseling identity.

Therapy is a safe place to work through difficult issues you're facing. It can provide tremendous encouragement, support and help for individual growth and relationships. I provide online therapy based on Christian principles and proven techniques to help you find the healing God desires for you. I've had years of training and experience working with a wide variety of clients. I am a certified sexual addiction therapist and hold a certification in EMDR. EMDR will neutralize negative memories and trauma, while providing self confidence and self worth. You'll no longer be triggered by memories or negative beliefs about yourself.

I believe in the power of connection and that we are all capable of positive change and growth, through compassion, vulnerability and awareness. My passion lies in working with individuals, couples and families who are dealing with the impact of substance use and/or mental health issues including trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and grief and loss, to name a few.

I work primarily with adults and married couples. I have recently been trained in EMDR therapy to help those who have experienced trauma. I have worked extensively with couples in crisis. I also have expertise in working with people coming out of abusive relationships. I have helped clients in developing a sense of identity, boundaries, self-care, and holistic well-being. I have helped people work through processes of forgiveness, grief, eating disorder and addictions recovery, and abuse and trauma healing. Clients have expressed that I create a safe place and share practical tools toward change.

**We are accepting new clients.** What a stressful time we are living in! Kids not being able to play and go to school like normal. Parents trying to work from home and be teachers. Life has always been about change, but now it can feel impossible sometimes to feel safe and secure. So many people are just trying to make it through a day at a time and the need for peace and even just a small break in the pressure just keeps being shoved aside. It can feel like there is no time to work on the big things in life, our families, and careers when we keep waiting for another unexpected fire to pop up.