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 am a Licensed Professional Counselor providing individual, couples and group counseling with adolescents and adults incorporating an eclectic approach to therapy. I have been fortunate during my years to work with families experiencing difficulties, angry teenagers and adults struggling to meet their full potential, couples trying to grow their relationship and individuals struggling with alcohol and substance abuse and I feel grateful to see the process of growth and change that can occur. I invite you to come along and will commit to providing a place where you will be heard and supported unconditionally through this process.

Are you someone who likes to help or care for others? I love to "help the helper." I have a special interest in working with those in the helping professions, including (but not limited to) teachers, therapists, and medical professionals. Unfortunately, those who strive to care for or help others often fall short with their own self-care.

I'm not your typical counselor... You won't find me busy looking at my notes and only paying attention half the time you're talking. My style is very conversational and I'll share about myself any time it's pertinent, or when asked. I don't believe in dragging counseling out because it's expensive so why waste your time and money? You've got a problem so let's get to fixing it! The bottom line is your quality of life: it's not where you want/need it to be, and it's my job to help you improve it. My primary office is in Springfield, MO with a secondary location in Chesterfield, MO a few days a week.

I specialize in assisting individuals to overcome issues that feel hopeless. I support and walk along side you to take back your life and become the person you want to be. As a person who has had his fair share of life's challenges, I found the counsel of a professional was life changing. I believe everyone is capable of change, and everyone can be successful. I believe above all else shame and guilt are the fuel that keep your problem cycling. Deshaming, celebrating successes, and setting goals are the key to moving forward. You can overcome addiction, anxiety, depression, relational conflict, or any other issue in your life.

**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.

Change is about hope, about effort, about personal growth. My goal as I work with clients is to help facilitate that effort as they strive for the growth they desire. I believe change occurs by awareness and establishing one's authentic vision of who they wish to be--as an individual, a parent, a partner, a friend. I work collaboratively with clients to help them bring about positive changes in their lives that make sense to them, according to their personal values.

I work with individuals with a wide range of concerns. My clinical specialties and interests include disordered eating, body image, obesity and weight loss, LGBTQ, gender identity, phase of life transitions, grief/loss, relationships, assertive communication, issues related to trauma/adverse life experiences, holistic health and wellness, self-compassion, and promoting self-awareness and insight. My background includes significant experience in the delivery of behavioral health care including individual psychotherapy and inpatient, intensive-outpatient, and outpatient groups. In addition to my experience with psychotherapy services, I also complete psychological assessments, provide supervision to pre-doctoral psychology interns, and consultation services.

I believe counseling is a partnership in which we work together in developing and implementing a plan to reach the clients treatment goals. Each client is unique and different, and I adjust according to the clients needs. I work well with clients who are ready to do the work to heal and grow. The client and I are active throughout the counseling process. I have found that this process is a journey towards healing and thriving in all areas of life. Many of my clients have found themselves stuck in life. I help clients find what is keeping them stuck and develop the skills to overcome these barriers so they might heal and grow.

I believe in a confidential, non-judgmental, relationship-centered counseling environment where individuals, families, and couples can openly and safely discuss their thoughts and feelings. Each client is treated with respect and supported to gain greater self-understanding and self-awareness. The client is at the center of therapy and determines the direction of therapy. I present different perspectives and ideas and help the client identify and develop their own ways to resolve blocks to personal growth and to improve communication and the relationships in their lives.

In this grave hour in America's existence we need to help each other. When we work together we will find our own sources of strength and resolve to meet the challenges of our life. I have been doing EMDR since 1996 and have many techniques to resolve past traumas that cause anxiety. If you are looking for a psychologist with 33 years of professional experience, you may wish to make an appointment. If you have panic attacks, social anxiety, P.T.S.D., or depression then I'm sure I can be of significant help to you. Visit my website at www.murrellpsychologicalservice.com or visit www.healthgrades.com/rate/XPCS2 to see our reviews.

As a licensed psychologist, I provide adult individual and couples therapy. I specialize in treating people who may need to change unhealthy patterns in their life, improve their relationships, explore life events that are affecting well-being, discover past issues that may be causing difficulty, and many other issues. Although I work with clients who have many different types of problems, I am also an AASECT-certified sex therapist and work with sexual health concerns. I welcome LGBT clients.

At Compass Counseling, we are dedicated to providing responsive service to our clients, contacts and community. We have a diverse staff of professional counselors who are capable of meeting the most difficult counseling needs. We seek to develop cooperative relationships with everyone involved in the client's care to maximize the therapeutic benefit to the client and optimize the treatment process. Our growing list of therapists allows us to match up client needs with specific areas of interest/expertise within our counselor community.

From Adversity to New Life. While often it is our daily reactions that make us what change, neurobiological research now proves that past traumatic experiences cause damage to the brain. EMDR Therapy helps clients to process and overcome a multitude of difficult life experiences and regain healthy thinking and functioning.

The cracks, bumps, potholes, and debris in life’s journey can wear you out. They can make you tired, beat you down, and terrify you to the point of paralysis. Counseling gives you a place of peace, security, and nonjudgmental reflection. I believe that it is my role to help facilitate the change you want in your life. Whether it is the general anxieties of life, specific trauma, or the pain of grief I am skilled to walk with you through the most difficult moments of your life providing you with the support and tools you need to overcome the chaos of it all.

If hopelessness, loneliness, fear, anger, or despair are a part of your regular experience, there is help. Many people live their daily lives carrying these heavy burdens all alone. Sometimes, even in marriage, there is a deep loneliness that feels overwhelming, but you do NOT have to make this journey alone. I am a specialist in life recovery and relational repair. I am Gottman Level 1 trained, and hold advanced certification in LIFE Languages™ & Couples Coaching™, and am BCPPC board certified. My greatest hope is that anyone reading this who is feeling overwhelmed, alone, and hopeless will be encouraged to reach out for support.

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.

Through one-on-one counseling or group sessions, I utilize take-home tools and day-to-day life applications to help my clients experience the freedom associated with self awareness and self acceptance. I am passionate about creating a guilt free environment and open forum for any and all discussions.

I believe that there is currently a large population of highly successful professionals who are struggling with issues of addiction, abuse, or trauma in an unhealthy way, such as watching pornography or sex. My clients are successful professionals who have areas in their lives that have become chaotic. My goal is to accurately assess then offer personalized, safe, therapeutic interventions.