LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Clayton, MO

Need help, support, or just feeling stuck? Let's talk. Clients often report they have found me to be warm and genuine, while also being committed to offering effective, research supported treatments. While my experience has spanned across a diversity of people, various settings, and presenting issues I have a specialty and passion for working with the LGBTQ ( lesbian , gay , bisexual , transgender , queer ) population. My work and relationship with each client is unique and guided by their needs. I view therapy as a collaboration used to facilitate growth, change, and create a more fulfilling life.

As a licensed clinical psychologist, I administer, interpret, and prepare culturally sensitive reports based on psychological test data. Cultural considerations play a crucial role in understanding an individual’s beliefs, learning styles, educational attainment, and values and which provide a foundation for her or his pursue of happiness, attainment of career success, and development of a sense of purpose and situatedness. I conduct aptitude and achievement evaluations, assessments to evaluate an individual’s intellectual and emotional intelligence, assessments to evaluate an individual’s personality and social functioning.

If you are exploring the option of therapy, you may have already made attempts to improve your situation on your own. You may feel depressed, anxious or lack assertiveness. Though you desire to make a change, you may be skeptical about the idea of counseling. You may also feel that finding a therapist who listens without judgment and who balances honest feedback with empathy, is a confusing and difficult task. If this describes your situation, I hope that I might have the opportunity to speak with you about a practical strategy to bring about the change you desire.

I am currently accepting clients who are looking for counseling where diversity is celebrated in A space where big emotions and authenticity are welcome. With several years of experience providing inclusive, affirming counseling with LGBQ+, Intersex, & Trans /Nonbinary folx of all ages, I recognize the concerns brought by members of this community are related to various concerns & circumstances. Additionally, caregivers of LGBTQIA + folx looking to gain education, be more affirming & supportive of, or just process their own stuff independently around their family members disclosure or transition are welcome too!

I have experience working with teenagers, college students, and adults in outpatient and residential settings. I have counseled adopted individuals and their families, those struggling with substance use, and those combating the symptoms of anxiety, depression, relationship conflict, and feelings of isolation. This is a small list of the clients I have worked with, but by no means a full list. I also have a deep connection to counseling members of the LGBTQ + community and addressing the unique lived experiences of LGBTQ + individuals.

I am not currently accepting new clients. Hi and welcome! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and I have been providing therapy services for 9 years. I have a background in treating individuals who have experienced trauma, are struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, and relationship issues. I can also help with life transitions, lack of motivation, and struggles with self-esteem. I have direct experience working with diverse populations, including specialized experience working with the LGBTQIA + community and those who identify as non-monogamous. I see individuals ranging in ages from 12 years old and up.

At Wellness Alliance Counseling & Psychotherapy, we specialize in brief and long-term therapy for children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. We believe everyone possess within themselves the potential for transformation, growth, and healing, and have experience helping clients address a variety of concerns: anxiety, depression, family of origin issues, identity development, LGBTQ + issues, healthy relationships, career concerns, women's issues, eating and body image concerns, substance use, trauma, and living with chronic illness.

Have you been considering therapy but don't know where to start? Start here! My name is Missy (she/her) and I am here to walk alongside you as you navigate your next steps. I know that life can feel difficult and quite complicated at times. I believe therapy can help by providing a safe space to process events, thoughts and emotions. Together, we can explore and learn different tools and strategies to help you navigate current and past challenges. It is never too late to start working on your wellness.

You are going through life surviving but aren't really thriving. On the outside, people might not even notice anything is wrong. Inside, you're second guessing yourself & struggling to find balance. It's difficult to feel like you know who you are or how to be yourself around other people. These feelings may be affecting your relationships, school, parenting or career. Through our work together I will help you engage more fully in the present, & work towards the best version of yourself. It is hard work but can be done with gentle guidance. I'm trained in EMDR, CBT and EFT.

Do you notice that you struggle with the same kinds of problems, emotions, and relationships over and over again? Have you tried different coping skills without success? Do you turn to things like substances, unhealthy relationships, or mindless internet scrolling to take the edge off sadness, anger, fear, or loneliness? Explorative, insight-oriented, in-depth psychotherapy can help you understand and finally transform these dynamics, increasing your well-being and sense of self. This lasting change offers an opportunity to expand your world.

I work with people who find themselves not living the life they want or expected. Many have experienced career success but are struggling in their personal life. Maybe you are in your 30’s or 40’s & are just done with dating. You are so ready to find your person. explore these parts of themselves. Maybe you are dealing with anxiety, grief, or you are LGBTQ & want to embrace your identity more fully. I support people who feel like they haven’t been able to be their true self. In our work together you can discover how to be the best version of yourself; & not feel overwhelmed by the ordinary tasks of life.

Young adulthood is an exciting journey of SELF discovery- so why is it so easy to obsess about the approval of OTHERS? Whether it’s food & body image, academics, or relationships, the pressure to compete & compare is not only overwhelming, it implies personal failure when we fall short of unrealistic standards. Imagine the possibilities if we all felt empowered to embrace uncertainty & authenticity- rejoicing in the knowledge that we don’t owe anyone perfection at the expense of being ourselves.

I am a licensed clinical psychologist, specializing in psychotherapy and diagnostic assessment. I am committed to providing ethical care in a safe and trusting environment. I work with clients to help them build the skills they need to improve their lives and relationships, so they can live a rewarding life that is balanced, fulfilling, and consistent with their values. My focus in therapy is to help clients examine what may be contributing to their current distress and help them to find meaning, purpose, and growth.

I founded Terrace House because I believe that each of us deserves the opportunity to design a life that we love; one in which we feel at home in our bodies, in our minds, in our relationships, and in our world. I enjoy working with couples, adults, and adolescents to define and change their relationship with the problems in their lives including: anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, identity exploration (including LGBTQ +), existential questions, spiritual concerns, career concerns, and relational wounds (including betrayal, divorce, and attachment.)

I am co-owner of Psychological services of St. Louis, LLC, where I provide psychotherapy to individuals, couples, and groups, and conduct psychological assessments. I have helped people manage a wide variety of problems including anxiety and mood disorders, substance use issues, adjustment difficulties, social/relationship problems, self-esteem and assertiveness issues, anger and impulsivity, career and life direction issues, sexual orientation and gender-related problems, unusual experiences, and existential concerns. I believe strongly in taking the time to know and understand my clients so we can collaboratively find a treatment approach that fits and is as effective as possible.

When the challenges of life and relationship present you with complex dilemmas and create painful or uncomfortable symptoms, therapy offers an opportunity for healing and long-lasting psychological change. The power of therapy is in the way it expands your choice in behaviors or ways of seeing others, yourself and your life circumstances. Through a compassionate journey of self-exploration I will help you work toward a fuller understanding of yourself which will lead to greater choice in how you live, love, work and play. It is a privilege to join you on your journey of self-discovery and healing.

I am a nationally certified DBT therapist. Dialectical Behavior Therapy is my orientation and specialty. My orientation and personal experiences have inspired me to work toward the treatment of clients struggling with childhood trauma, PTSD, anxiousness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, relationship issues, LGBTQ concerns, NSSI(Self-Injury) and Borderline Personality Disorder.

While I provide individual and relationship counseling for all people, my special interest is to support minority 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 that, 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.

If you need a warm, supportive environment where you can feel safe to explore, learn, and make changes, you've come to the right place! I work with people of all ages from diverse backgrounds in a compassionate manner focusing on improving communication, recovering from past trauma, and developing effective strategies for stress/coping. I am directive at times and will challenge you to take on new perspectives and try out new behaviors, but at a pace that is comfortable to you. I use cognitive-behavioral techniques, role-playing, goal-setting, exposure/response prevention, assertiveness training, play therapy, and others. I also offer the convenience of video or telehealth therapy services.