Adoption Therapists in Brentwood, MO
Life can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. I'm Cynthia, and I’m here to support you in navigating your challenges and achieving emotional and social fulfillment. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, trauma, or life transitions, I use an eclectic therapeutic approach, combining CBT, experiential therapy, and parent coaching to guide you toward positive change. Together, we’ll identify your unique needs, overcome obstacles, and empower you or your teen to live the life you desire. Let’s start your journey toward healing today.
Life can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. I'm Cynthia, and I’m here to support you in navigating your challenges and achieving emotional and social fulfillment. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, trauma, or life transitions, I use an eclectic therapeutic approach, combining CBT, experiential therapy, and parent coaching to guide you toward positive change. Together, we’ll identify your unique needs, overcome obstacles, and empower you or your teen to live the life you desire. Let’s start your journey toward healing today.
My focus is to help youth and teens uncover what they already possess--highlighting their strengths, resilience, and ability to cope with life. Together, your child, your family, and I will work to make sense of troubling experiences and identify and learn coping strategies that allow my clients to realize the power they have in themselves. Using play based interventions, children can communicate their inner world in a way that is natural and feels comfortable to them. Using sand tray, expressive arts, and games, play provides a concrete, action-oriented way for children to work through what they are going through.
My focus is to help youth and teens uncover what they already possess--highlighting their strengths, resilience, and ability to cope with life. Together, your child, your family, and I will work to make sense of troubling experiences and identify and learn coping strategies that allow my clients to realize the power they have in themselves. Using play based interventions, children can communicate their inner world in a way that is natural and feels comfortable to them. Using sand tray, expressive arts, and games, play provides a concrete, action-oriented way for children to work through what they are going through.
Maybe you've tried all the things: you've read the books, you're following tips from social media, you go on 'stupid walks for your stupid mental health,' maybe you even use ChatGPT to get advice. But you're still feeling stuck — unable to make the changes in your life or relationships that you've been longing for. I can help you dismantle the barriers that are getting in your way and develop a path forward, one where you actually feel better: more connected, more compassionate, more curious. I'd love to help — reach out for a free consultation today.
Maybe you've tried all the things: you've read the books, you're following tips from social media, you go on 'stupid walks for your stupid mental health,' maybe you even use ChatGPT to get advice. But you're still feeling stuck — unable to make the changes in your life or relationships that you've been longing for. I can help you dismantle the barriers that are getting in your way and develop a path forward, one where you actually feel better: more connected, more compassionate, more curious. I'd love to help — reach out for a free consultation today.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Missouri with 33 years of experience. My work has included serving as a college professor of counseling and providing therapy to individuals, couples, and families. I specialize in multicultural counseling and have supported clients facing depression, anxiety, self-esteem challenges, relationship struggles, and communication issues.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Missouri with 33 years of experience. My work has included serving as a college professor of counseling and providing therapy to individuals, couples, and families. I specialize in multicultural counseling and have supported clients facing depression, anxiety, self-esteem challenges, relationship struggles, and communication issues.
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Life is full of experiences that hold a lasting effect on us and can deter us from moving forward, but we also have a long list of personal strengths within our “SELF” that too often go unnoticed due to the overwhelm of life in general. I will work with you to understand your addiction and become secure in recovery. With living as an alcoholic in recovery for nearly 17 years, and as an adjunct professor teaching the graduate level Addiction Counseling course at McKendree University, addictions are my passion. I am also a gay man, who thrives in helping people who are struggling with personal identify and finding their safe place.
Life is full of experiences that hold a lasting effect on us and can deter us from moving forward, but we also have a long list of personal strengths within our “SELF” that too often go unnoticed due to the overwhelm of life in general. I will work with you to understand your addiction and become secure in recovery. With living as an alcoholic in recovery for nearly 17 years, and as an adjunct professor teaching the graduate level Addiction Counseling course at McKendree University, addictions are my passion. I am also a gay man, who thrives in helping people who are struggling with personal identify and finding their safe place.
My speciality is treating children and adults with attachment disturbances. Most of the children I see have been adopted, but many have had other medical and other relationship traumas that have contributed to their current acting out or anxiety issues. Many of the children I see have been previously diagnosed as having Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, ADHD, and Bi-Polar Disorders. I also see adults who have experienced childhood trauma.
My speciality is treating children and adults with attachment disturbances. Most of the children I see have been adopted, but many have had other medical and other relationship traumas that have contributed to their current acting out or anxiety issues. Many of the children I see have been previously diagnosed as having Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, ADHD, and Bi-Polar Disorders. I also see adults who have experienced childhood trauma.
Karen R Moist
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
University City, MO 63130
Waitlist for new clients
Many children I see have pre-verbal trauma from parental stress during pregnancy, adoption, neglect, or abuse.
My objective is to help a child and family move from surviving to thriving by helping the child heal from trauma and the family system heal and change to support each individual.
Many children I see have pre-verbal trauma from parental stress during pregnancy, adoption, neglect, or abuse.
My objective is to help a child and family move from surviving to thriving by helping the child heal from trauma and the family system heal and change to support each individual.
Hello, I'm Ameerah specializing in providing therapeutic services to children, adolescents, and adults. I have been providing therapy to clients for over 15 years utilizing a variety of therapies including an eclectic approach to therapy, trauma- focused cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy in helping my clients to reach their goals.
Hello, I'm Ameerah specializing in providing therapeutic services to children, adolescents, and adults. I have been providing therapy to clients for over 15 years utilizing a variety of therapies including an eclectic approach to therapy, trauma- focused cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy in helping my clients to reach their goals.
Graduate of The Accredited Training for Adoption Competency 2023.
Throughout life we experience many seasons and sometimes life does not go as we have planned. Are you seeking additional support as you face a new season in your life? Counseling offers the opportunity to work through challenges and to move toward a more satisfying and fulfilling life.
Graduate of The Accredited Training for Adoption Competency 2023.
Throughout life we experience many seasons and sometimes life does not go as we have planned. Are you seeking additional support as you face a new season in your life? Counseling offers the opportunity to work through challenges and to move toward a more satisfying and fulfilling life.
I’m Ashley, a trauma-informed therapist in St. Louis, Missouri, with a passion for supporting individuals and families. I earned my Master of Social Work degree from Washington University in St. Louis’ George Warren Brown School of Social Work, where my concentration was children, youth and families. My therapeutic methods include Play Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and mindfulness practices. I’m also working toward play therapy certification. I believe every human being has the power within to overcome fear, anxiety and other obstacles preventing us from reaching our full potential.
I’m Ashley, a trauma-informed therapist in St. Louis, Missouri, with a passion for supporting individuals and families. I earned my Master of Social Work degree from Washington University in St. Louis’ George Warren Brown School of Social Work, where my concentration was children, youth and families. My therapeutic methods include Play Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and mindfulness practices. I’m also working toward play therapy certification. I believe every human being has the power within to overcome fear, anxiety and other obstacles preventing us from reaching our full potential.
Many parents come to me feeling worried, confused and burnt out. You might be wondering whether your child’s challenges are “just a phase,” navigating new ADHD or Autism diagnoses, or trying to make sense of behaviors that feel overwhelming when emotions run high. Maybe your child feels different, misunderstood, or is exploring their LGBTQ+ identity. You want to feel more confident, strengthen your relationship, and understand what your child is communicating beneath the behaviors. You’re doing your best — and you deserve support, too.
Many parents come to me feeling worried, confused and burnt out. You might be wondering whether your child’s challenges are “just a phase,” navigating new ADHD or Autism diagnoses, or trying to make sense of behaviors that feel overwhelming when emotions run high. Maybe your child feels different, misunderstood, or is exploring their LGBTQ+ identity. You want to feel more confident, strengthen your relationship, and understand what your child is communicating beneath the behaviors. You’re doing your best — and you deserve support, too.
We’re Bud to Bloom Play Therapy! We help St. Louis families heal and thrive through play therapy, play-based therapy and, engaging and effective approaches to support children’s emotional wellbeing. Is your child's behavior challenging or difficult to understand? Are you unsure how to help your child after a trauma or big life transition? We specialize in trauma, big behaviors and adoptive and foster families. Whether you are a caregiver looking for therapy for your child, your family or yourself we're happy to help!
We’re Bud to Bloom Play Therapy! We help St. Louis families heal and thrive through play therapy, play-based therapy and, engaging and effective approaches to support children’s emotional wellbeing. Is your child's behavior challenging or difficult to understand? Are you unsure how to help your child after a trauma or big life transition? We specialize in trauma, big behaviors and adoptive and foster families. Whether you are a caregiver looking for therapy for your child, your family or yourself we're happy to help!
I also specialize in areas related to adoption as an adoption counselor, consultant, search specialist, or mediator.
When I first walked into a therapist's office as a client, I was a ball of knotted yarn, twisted with emotion, anxiety, and confusion. I needed something...relief; to make sense of things once again; to understand myself; to identify and solve a problem. I needed someone to help me sort it out. I want to help you unknot that ball of yarn. I want my clients to feel accepted and understood, recognizing their inherent value and strength, through our interactions and exploration of themselves. You are the expert on you. I am the witness, reflection, and guide. I would be honored to help you work through whatever it is you need.
I also specialize in areas related to adoption as an adoption counselor, consultant, search specialist, or mediator.
When I first walked into a therapist's office as a client, I was a ball of knotted yarn, twisted with emotion, anxiety, and confusion. I needed something...relief; to make sense of things once again; to understand myself; to identify and solve a problem. I needed someone to help me sort it out. I want to help you unknot that ball of yarn. I want my clients to feel accepted and understood, recognizing their inherent value and strength, through our interactions and exploration of themselves. You are the expert on you. I am the witness, reflection, and guide. I would be honored to help you work through whatever it is you need.
You are worthy of delight, safety, and care. Through various trials and experiences, this inherent belief has been squashed, marred, or denied. Whether you are off-kilter internally, relationally, or with the world around you, my office is a steady space for you. Balance can be found again, and I hope to be a secure presence, navigating you through the imbalance you are experiencing. I see you. I know there is a blend of grief, pain, shame, strength, and joy all tangled up within you. Together, we can face these and move towards flourishing and wholeness.
You are worthy of delight, safety, and care. Through various trials and experiences, this inherent belief has been squashed, marred, or denied. Whether you are off-kilter internally, relationally, or with the world around you, my office is a steady space for you. Balance can be found again, and I hope to be a secure presence, navigating you through the imbalance you are experiencing. I see you. I know there is a blend of grief, pain, shame, strength, and joy all tangled up within you. Together, we can face these and move towards flourishing and wholeness.
I also specialize in working with youth who have experienced trauma, including foster care, adoption, violence, and other stressful life events.
Currently accepting new clients! After school and evening appointments available! Childhood and young adulthood is a time of great change and growth and often times this can be painful and confusing. There are times when trauma adds to the stress of growing through young adulthood. When these things happen, it can often be helpful to reach out for help.
I also specialize in working with youth who have experienced trauma, including foster care, adoption, violence, and other stressful life events.
Currently accepting new clients! After school and evening appointments available! Childhood and young adulthood is a time of great change and growth and often times this can be painful and confusing. There are times when trauma adds to the stress of growing through young adulthood. When these things happen, it can often be helpful to reach out for help.
I am passionate about creating a safe, inviting space for clients to work through any struggles they may encounter. I strive to meet clients where they are and support them through figuring out how to reach their therapy goals.
I am passionate about creating a safe, inviting space for clients to work through any struggles they may encounter. I strive to meet clients where they are and support them through figuring out how to reach their therapy goals.
Relationships are hard! Is your family stuck in a rhythm of conflict that leaves you feeling misunderstood, underappreciated and alone? The disagreements are numerous and we rarely seem to find a resolution. Each argument chips away at the bond that used to be sturdy and resilient. Chronic conflict leads to ambivalence and resentment in the relationship, and eventually is destructive. That’s where I come in! I specialize in working with exhausted and burned out couples, family members, and parents stuck in the cycle of conflict, self-doubt, and disconnection. My specific expertise is in parenting, chronic illness/pain, & attachment.
Relationships are hard! Is your family stuck in a rhythm of conflict that leaves you feeling misunderstood, underappreciated and alone? The disagreements are numerous and we rarely seem to find a resolution. Each argument chips away at the bond that used to be sturdy and resilient. Chronic conflict leads to ambivalence and resentment in the relationship, and eventually is destructive. That’s where I come in! I specialize in working with exhausted and burned out couples, family members, and parents stuck in the cycle of conflict, self-doubt, and disconnection. My specific expertise is in parenting, chronic illness/pain, & attachment.
Therapy is an experience where human beings learn to live differently. Differently is the key word. Different can look like less depression, more spontaneity, or deeper and more mutual relationships. Different can be learning to say "yes," "no," or "maybe." Different can be improved physical health, less anxiety, or sustained sobriety. When one begins treatment there's usually a percolating idea of what needs to be different. Helping you clarify the ways you'd like to live differently, what has gotten in your way up to this point, and how those changes can be made is psychotherapy.
Therapy is an experience where human beings learn to live differently. Differently is the key word. Different can look like less depression, more spontaneity, or deeper and more mutual relationships. Different can be learning to say "yes," "no," or "maybe." Different can be improved physical health, less anxiety, or sustained sobriety. When one begins treatment there's usually a percolating idea of what needs to be different. Helping you clarify the ways you'd like to live differently, what has gotten in your way up to this point, and how those changes can be made is psychotherapy.
I currently have a waitlist for evening appointments, but I have another clinician who is available evenings and weekends! I specialize in working with individuals (of all ages) who are neurodivergent (Autistic, ADHD, OCD, gifted, etc.) and I often work with children and teens who are in foster care or are adopted. I offer individual and family/couple sessions, play therapy, and I often integrate technology, including video and computer games, iPads, and virtual reality (VR), into sessions. To learn more about Gaming Therapy, visit my website!
I currently have a waitlist for evening appointments, but I have another clinician who is available evenings and weekends! I specialize in working with individuals (of all ages) who are neurodivergent (Autistic, ADHD, OCD, gifted, etc.) and I often work with children and teens who are in foster care or are adopted. I offer individual and family/couple sessions, play therapy, and I often integrate technology, including video and computer games, iPads, and virtual reality (VR), into sessions. To learn more about Gaming Therapy, visit my website!
Children, adolescents and young adults each face unique challenges; and sometimes they need extra support to navigate those challenges. As an LPC, Registered Play Therapist, & Certified Theraplay Clinician, I support children and their families with emotional growth, healthy communication, and positive relationships. Many of the kids I see are experiencing challenges such as anxiety, life adjustments, behavioral concerns and difficulty managing big emotions. In addition, I provide support for young individuals struggling with eating disorders, poor body image and self-esteem concerns.
Children, adolescents and young adults each face unique challenges; and sometimes they need extra support to navigate those challenges. As an LPC, Registered Play Therapist, & Certified Theraplay Clinician, I support children and their families with emotional growth, healthy communication, and positive relationships. Many of the kids I see are experiencing challenges such as anxiety, life adjustments, behavioral concerns and difficulty managing big emotions. In addition, I provide support for young individuals struggling with eating disorders, poor body image and self-esteem concerns.
See more therapy options for Brentwood
Nearby Adoption Therapists Searches for Brentwood
- Affton
- Clayton
- Creve Coeur
- Des Peres
- Kirkwood
- Ladue
- Maplewood
- Olivette
- Richmond Heights
- Saint Louis
- University City
- Webster Groves
Adoption Therapists
Does my adopted child need therapy?
Not every adopted child needs therapy. However, many can benefit from seeing an adoption-informed therapist, especially if they were victims of abuse or neglect, appear withdrawn or disconnected, have behavioral or developmental issues (which may or may not be related to their adoption), are struggling with feelings of grief or loss surrounding their birth parents, or find it difficult to establish an identity, a challenge that often becomes most apparent during adolescence.
When should adoptive parents seek therapy?
Prospective parents can benefit from therapy even before an adoption—for example, to voice worries and fears; to reconcile infertility struggles, if relevant; or simply to prepare themselves for parenthood. After the adoption, parents who are struggling to bond with their child; are unsure how to talk about adoption or related issues, such as race; or whose child is dealing with developmental, behavioral, or psychiatric concerns can address these and other issues with the help of an adoption-competent therapist.
Is family therapy appropriate for adoptive families?
Family therapy can be invaluable for strengthening the bond between adoptive parents and children, helping the latter feel more secure in their place in the family. Family therapy can also help adoptive families navigate complex communication issues—for example, parents who feel uncomfortable discussing race with their child, who in turn feels invalidated by their silence, or a child who has questions about his birth parents but avoids asking them out of fear of hurting his adoptive parents’ feelings.
What therapy is not appropriate for adoption issues?
A discredited therapy known as “attachment therapy” (sometimes called “holding therapy” or “rebirthing therapy”) should not be used to treat adopted and foster children, though it was largely designed for this population. Attachment therapy involves restraining, coercing, and punishing the child in order for them to “release” negative emotions and attach to their new caregivers—techniques that are abusive and dangerous and have even proven fatal in some cases.