Mindfulness-Based (MBCT) Therapists in Kirkwood, MO

I have been personally affected by a high risk pregnancy, a traumatic birth and a NICU stay. That is what has led me to this work. For the past thirteen years, my work has been with perinatal mental health; specifically working with women with high risk pregnancies due to a congenital anomaly identified in their baby during pregnancy. I am here to help anyone that is struggling with feelings of angst and unrest about those unexpected challenges that are thrown your way. I have worked a great deal with perinatal and infant loss as well. I have a growing passion for helping women, specifically focusing on maternal mental health.

You are feeling stress/anxiety at home, work, school or having difficulty with relationships and connecting with others. You have trauma histories to explore or are impacted by stressful relationships such as caregiving, family members with substance use, or conflict in romantic relationships. You are looking for a therapeutic relationship that will be comfortable for you to explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors so you can begin to find peace, increased self-worth, better boundaries, and improved ability to feel joy and be present in the spaces you occupy. If you relate to these concerns send me an email and lets talk.

Many women experience life changes, whether expected or unexpected, that result in feelings of restlessness, confusion and anxiety. Perhaps you feel stuck, consumed by negative thoughts or concerns, unable to complete goals and/or are looking for a change within yourself. Often we find ourselves at crossroads struggling for clarity or ways to find joy. Let me help you find a path of hope and confidence again.

For as long as you can remember, you’ve been singularly focused on your goals. Yet, no matter how much you achieve, it’s never enough. You always want more success and recognition. And, until now, you’ve been able to get it without much thought. But recently, you’ve been noticing how much you’ve been ignoring. Without even realizing it, you’ve sacrificed every other aspect of your life in favor of success. Friends have stopped calling because they know how busy you always are. Self-care has gone out the window – you eat poorly, don’t sleep, and never exercise. You are overcome with guilt and worry.

Are you seeking inner growth and healing? Struggling with anxiety or past trauma(s)? Feeling depressed or stuck? Having difficulty in your relationships? Finding yourself easily triggered? Wanting to better understand yourself? If so, then the services I provide may be a great fit for you! I work to create a non-judgmental, safe space to allow for a trusting and connected therapeutic relationship to grow. Through this, clients are able to face emotional vulnerabilities, leading to increased understanding, compassion, and acceptance of self and others, and take committed actions towards self-growth and healing.

I believe change is possible! I help people just like you improve their relationships and build healthy interpersonal and family interactions by highlighting your strengths and resources, and helping you develop new coping strategies. I help families in crisis due to school issues, relationship issues and economic issues. I work with grief and specializes in issues related to pregnancy loss, infertility, life transitions for women including career issues, relationships, child birth, adoption, empty nesting, divorce and menopause.

Our mental health is impacted by our physiology as well as a variety of environmental factors. My approach as a therapist is to get to know you and your unique story very well. In the process, we identify which parts play what role and how best to heal. I work collaboratively with you to optimize functioning, restore inner peace and find happiness. Allow me to help you along on your healing and growth journey.

Thank you for considering me as your counselor. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC). Additionally, I am a burden, humorous, annoying, musical, incorrect, artistic, wise, slow, and energetic. I welcome you to come in and allow us to accept our true nature, together. I take what I do seriously, but I don’t take myself seriously. I specialize in serving individuals suffering from obsessions and compulsions, anxiety-related issues, body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRB), depression and emotional dysregulation, and existential dilemmas.

Many of us have unknowingly rejected or silenced parts of ourselves that don’t fit with our idea of who we are supposed to be. As a result, life can feel out of balance or even inauthentic. My hope is to create a safe and accepting space for you to feel empowered to implement positive changes in your life. I work with individuals who struggle with depression, anxiety and worry, substance use, stress, trauma, abuse, anger, fear, grief and loss, guilt and shame, and other challenges. I also work with couples who are having difficulty connecting and experiencing issues related to trust, intimacy, and affection.

My goal as a counselor is for my clients to feel safe, seen, and heard during our time together. I have a passion for providing a space filled with acceptance and support as people process hardships and begin to heal.

It takes courage to walk in and sit down with someone to share your story. An honest story that includes stress, anxieties, sadness, grief, and emotional suffering. My intention as a therapist is to create a safe and inclusive space for clients. This space allows individuals to open up and be present with the emotions, thoughts, and feelings that make up the human experience. I currently specialize in working with adults struggling with depression, anxiety, grief and loss, life transitions, and relationship issues.

Welcome! Do you feel misunderstood and undervalued? Are you looking for more meaningful connection? Anxiety, pain and relationship stress can show up in our bodies, our work ethic, our social interactions, sleep habits and so much more. What happens to us early in life influences our ability to cope with the stress and setbacks that life can throw at us. Whether it's a chronic health issue, recent or past trauma, grief, or an ongoing stressor, you don't have to experience it alone. I have an integrative and person-centered approach that uses the therapeutic relationship to build your sense of agency to get yourself unstuck.

Whatever struggle is motivating you to start counseling, something inside is knocking. The knock may be feeling depressed, anxious, angry, or overwhelmed. It may be feeling disconnected in relationships and from what is meaningful in your life, a sense of emptiness or lack of purpose. It may be unresolved trauma. To answer that knock means to turn inward, which can be challenging and uncomfortable at times, yet I whole-heartedly believe the life you seek is patiently waiting. The pain you are experiencing is actually an invitation for healing and growth. Answer the knock. When things break down, breakthroughs happen.

Are you struggling to find meaning and purpose in your life? Maybe you struggle with negative, self-defeating thoughts and beliefs that may cause depression and/or anxiety.

I work with individuals with a variety of mental health diagnosis and concerns. Some people come to counseling to process a traumatic event, some come to talk about the stress they're experiencing at their job, and some come just to learn about why they haven't been feeling their best emotionally lately. If you feel like you could even pinpoint exactly why you feel how you do, but it just doesn't make it better, I'm the counselor for you. I don't just help you figure out why, I help you DO something with what you learn about yourself so you can move past any barriers you have.

Are you struggling with anxiety, trauma or disordered eating? Are you feeling depressed or overwhelmed with constant worry? Are you experiencing difficulty with various relationships in your life? I have a deep passion for supporting others through their journey towards general wellbeing. I follow a holistic approach to therapy and place emphasis on total wellness. It is my mission to create a safe, welcoming, inclusive and non-judgemental space as we work together to help you overcome roadblocks.

It's getting harder and harder not to argue in front of the kids. Or, not to argue at all. You are feeling resentful and annoyed with your partner and your negative reactions happen faster than ever before. Plus, you don't want to rock the boat and almost any conversation you have right now turns into an argument. It feels like the person lying next to you in bed is only a roommate and you are lonely. You thought things were getting better but then one more fight sent you back to square-one of feeling alone and distant from each other. You are no longer playing the waiting/hoping game and are looking for change.

Have you found that no matter how hard you work on your relationship, you're not experiencing the type of spark and connection you long for? Are you struggling to make peace with a recent breakup or divorce? Do you find yourself grappling with feelings of anxiety, loneliness, or anger? Whether I am working with you as an individual or a couple, my goal is to help you piece together the puzzle of how your past is impacting your present.

Personal philosophy: "Seek to understand, empower to grow". I believe effective therapy must occur in an environment of safety, trust, collaboration and a true connection between the therapist and the client. You deserve to feel understood, respected and supported. My work is to help you minimize the gap between where you are today and where you want to be.