Therapists in Saint Louis, MO

Feeling fractured from your once-strong sense of self can be confusing, isolating, and painful. Oftentimes these feelings can arise from societal pressures to conform, living in a sex-negative society, or relationship and systemic trauma. Sex & relationship therapy can be a good fit for improving the relational quality of your life and accessing desire as a tool for living well. I specialize in supporting individuals and relationships (of all styles) who struggle to access authenticity and wholeness in their daily lives. I work best with engaged clients who practice active self reflection.

I work with those who struggle with trauma, relationship problems, and not taking care of oneself first. I have experience working with those who have sexual abuse or assault histories, trauma within problematic relationships, and compassion fatigue. Trauma comes in all sizes and from a variety of experiences, so do not discount what you have lived through. No matter the circumstances that bring you into therapy, we will spend time healing your wounds to help you grow into the person you wish to be, with a stronger sense of safety.

Welcome! I am a firm believer that the therapeutic journey is deeply personal, and I value the strength of the therapeutic relationship. You are an expert in your own life, and my role is to guide you back to your own expertise through self- exploration and growth while finding greater balance overall. I recognize a wide variety of healthy human desires, spiritual practices, relationship organizations, and identities and will meet you where you are at and respect your personal identities and goals. I have over 10 years working in mental health and come from a background in non-profit management, sexuality studies, and fine art.

Life is messy. At River Rock Behavioral Health, we understand that change is slow and effortful; if your problems were easily solved, you wouldn’t be talking to us about them. Whether you are stalled out in your career, overwhelmed by life transitions, or struggling in your relationships, you are not alone. If you are interested in managing anxiety, spending more time on what’s important to you, or clarifying where you are going in your life, we can help.

Whether you are struggling with a specific issue, feel stuck within the cycles of depression or anxiety, or are seeking greater fulfilment and authenticity in your life, therapy can empower you with tools, support and a confiding, trusting relationship. I truly believe that a therapeutic relationship created with the purpose of self-healing is a necessary and powerful framework from which a person can transform their lives. I believe in therapy, and I love what I do! I specialize in working with women and mothers, not limited to Depression, Anxiety, Postpartum Depression/Anxiety, the motherhood identity, parenting, relationships, sexuality, and life changes. I also specialize in working with teens that struggle with Depression, Anxiety and identity, including LGBTQIA and questioning/curious youth.

Therapy is a unique experience. It provides the opportunity to show up exactly as you are and explore your thoughts, feelings, identities, and relationships without fear of judgement; and to feel heard, accepted, and cared for in return. Life is increasingly hard, and my goal is to provide space to decompress, navigate hardships together, and celebrate your growth and successes. We might be a good fit if you are in a life transition, experiencing anxiety or depression, struggling with body image, have specific goals you'd like to work towards (or would like to identify some!), or simply believe you could be happier.

We all face times in our life where it seems we have been thrown a curve ball. We suddenly find ourselves in the midst of a personal crisis. Where do we go, and who can we turn to for help? It is these times, when professional counseling and therapy is helpful. My motto is, "When life hurts...healing helps." My ideal client is an individual, or family member who is seeking a skilled mental health professional. I provide a therapeutic environment for my client, that will assist you in navigating through the personal issues that you have been struggling with.

I specialize in offering trauma-informed therapy to LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent adults residing in Missouri. As a queer and trans individual myself, my focus is on co-creating a safe and affirming environment for folks to thrive. I hold space for clients to explore and process their experiences of grief, complex trauma, and challenges stemming from the impacts of living in a traumatic and oppressive society. I particularly enjoy working with queer and neurodiverse individuals who are interested in taking a more deliberate approach to their personal growth and who wish to develop a deeper connection with themselves and their bodies.

Brienna is a Licensed Professional Counselor with more than 5 years of experience. She is committed to helping children, adolescents, adults, and couples develop strategies for daily living that address their unique challenges. She specializes in depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and child behavioral issues. Brienna completed her Master's in Clinical Psychology at the Forest Institute of Professional Psychology.

Do you feel like no one understands what you're going through and like you have to constantly explain yourself? We all have bumps along the road and I am here to provide you with the support needed in order to get through them. I provide therapeutic services through a "person-centered" approach and allow for clients I am working with to take the driver's seat and determine where we go and what aspects of concern we will talk about in session. I am here to listen, help you create positive change in your life, and provide you with skills necessary to handle everyday hurdles you encounter.

Our clients often identify as LGBTQIAs2+ / Queer, Non-monogamous, sex positive or sex neutral, neurodivergence, and or disabled and living within Missouri or Kansas. However, identifying in these communities is not a requirement for services through AAC. Clients often start therapy to work on goals to learn more about identities, setting boundaries with others in their lives, opening up their relationship, learning more about themselves or others gender or sexual expression. Through individual, relationship, or family counseling we work to increase healthy communication based on our values, instead of assumed social norms.

Using evidence-based techniques, I will help you look for patterns in your thinking or actions that may be causing problems, often rooted in trauma. I will help you establish healthier relationships, develop better coping skills, set boundaries and aid your ability to connect to your body & emotions while learning to regulate them effectively. Using a warm, genuine and goal-focused approach, you can be assured that whatever issue you have come to therapy to address, I will work to gently, but firmly encourage you to help resolve it. I emphasize praise and rewards for achievements, relying on your strengths as motivators for change.

NO Waitlist! I am currently licensed as a PLPC and received my Master's degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of Missouri. I am dedicated to creating a space for ALL people to feel safe and supported where we can work through the challenges of life together. Helping people work through life transitions and finding their strengths is what I love about being a therapist. I have a history of working in college student mental health and substance use.

Accepting New Patients! You're a mother who has tried therapy. You felt heard and supported but you don't feel different, and motherhood has made everything more intense! You understand your past more and maybe even feel like the expert on yourself. When the past comes up you cry, tense up, get defensive, yell, people please, isolate yourself, feel guarded, helpless, or even voiceless. You're scared it impacts you as a mom, partner/spouse, friend, and woman. You feel anxious, unheard, unsatisfied, unsafe, or unloved. Sometimes you think, "I suck!" You desperately want to release what swirls around your head and body but feel stuck.

While I provide individual and relationship counseling for all people, my special interest is to support marginalized populations. My primary expertise is providing counseling and supportive services for the LGBTQ+ constituency. As human beings, we all struggle with feelings of not being good enough, important enough, lovable or able to love. These feelings embed themselves very early in life producing defense mechanisms, although no longer needed, continue to operate below the surface, wreaking havoc on life, relationships and success. The battle is often a daily one; sometimes minute by minute. Don't suffer alone.

Hi! I'm Ann. I enjoy working with people who are open-minded, inquisitive and who like to challenge norms. Part of the therapeutic process is about confronting the parts of ourselves that we tend to hide and feel a bit less comfortable with. I'd like to help you get to know your whole self and walk beside you as you question some of the beliefs you've held, which may be in conflict with who you are now. Like you, I've been there and asked myself. "What do I want?" "Who am I?" and "What feels motivating and pleasurable in my life?" It's tough to feel ‘stuck’ and also, it's the start of something brand new.

I believe counseling is most powerful when it sensitizes you to what’s happening in your mind, heart, and body and helps you meet whatever you find with compassion. Feeling your feels (literally) is the first step to making sense of them. Within that confusion is the possibility of deeper self-knowledge and freedom. I find it helpful to use yoga and mindfulness practices to keep you grounded as you explore big emotions, and I enjoy working with people who want to bring the wisdom of the body into their therapeutic work—whether that’s processing loss, trauma, change, overwhelm, spiritual concerns, or feeling stuck and disconnected.

I am proud to work with fellow healthcare professionals, individuals from different cultural backgrounds, individuals in the LGBTQ+ community, and anyone who is new to therapy or has tried therapy before but without success. My ideal client is any adult who currently struggles with anxiety, depression, PTSD or other trauma, OCD, burnout, or relationship concerns who is ready to commit to treatment. I believe in meeting clients where they are. I view my job as being your guide to better manage symptoms that represent barriers to you moving forward in your life, following a path determined by your personal values.

Kela Woods is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Missouri with over 10 years experience in Behavioral Health & Social Services. She obtained a Master of Arts in Professional Counseling at Lindenwood University in St. Charles Missouri. Kela’s work experience includes mental health assessments, diagnosing, treatment planning, referrals, crisis intervention and de-escalation. As a therapist Kela is here to listen, to validate, and to provide support in a safe and non-judgemental setting. Kela’s counseling style is warm, empathetic, and client-centered.