Adoption Therapists in Creve Coeur, MO
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.
Sometimes it can feel like seeking therapy for yourself or your child means that something has gone wrong. I see it differently. Reaching out for encouragement and support is a courageous step toward growth and healing. I have specialized training and experience working with children as young as three, adolescents, and young adults facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, trauma, grief, parental separation, and behavioral concerns. I also provide caregiver support and consultation to help adults strengthen their relationships with their children and foster healthy development.
Sometimes it can feel like seeking therapy for yourself or your child means that something has gone wrong. I see it differently. Reaching out for encouragement and support is a courageous step toward growth and healing. I have specialized training and experience working with children as young as three, adolescents, and young adults facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, trauma, grief, parental separation, and behavioral concerns. I also provide caregiver support and consultation to help adults strengthen their relationships with their children and foster healthy development.
I work with adults and couples of all ages, identities and backgrounds. They're seeking help for struggling relationships, stressful careers, trauma, depression, anxiety, and a general feeling of wtf. They want help understanding where they're at, how they got there, and where to go next. They ask things like: Why am I feeling this way? Is this normal? Will you be honest with me if I'm way off base? What am I missing?
I work with adults and couples of all ages, identities and backgrounds. They're seeking help for struggling relationships, stressful careers, trauma, depression, anxiety, and a general feeling of wtf. They want help understanding where they're at, how they got there, and where to go next. They ask things like: Why am I feeling this way? Is this normal? Will you be honest with me if I'm way off base? What am I missing?
People look for counselors/therapists/life coach for all reasons. I work with clients with a variety of backgrounds and issues to help them reach goals or navigate through transitions in a therapeutic supportive way. I work with clients who are of middle school age through adulthood including Seniors. I work with individuals, couples and families. From depression, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, communication problems, women's and men's health specific related issues to general support, I have worked with and helped many people over the years. Throughout Life we often need a professional to help us achieve our very best.
People look for counselors/therapists/life coach for all reasons. I work with clients with a variety of backgrounds and issues to help them reach goals or navigate through transitions in a therapeutic supportive way. I work with clients who are of middle school age through adulthood including Seniors. I work with individuals, couples and families. From depression, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, communication problems, women's and men's health specific related issues to general support, I have worked with and helped many people over the years. Throughout Life we often need a professional to help us achieve our very best.
I provide a safe, comfortable, and supportive enviornment where I guide individuals and couples to help them overcome mental health and emotional issues to bring about a new level of awareness and change. This is done by identifying and understanding the underlying causes, changing destructive thought patterns, and behaviors. I am also a certified Thai Yoga therapist. I keep both practices separate in that I do not do psychotherapy with Thai Yoga clients or vice versa.
I provide a safe, comfortable, and supportive enviornment where I guide individuals and couples to help them overcome mental health and emotional issues to bring about a new level of awareness and change. This is done by identifying and understanding the underlying causes, changing destructive thought patterns, and behaviors. I am also a certified Thai Yoga therapist. I keep both practices separate in that I do not do psychotherapy with Thai Yoga clients or vice versa.
Are you feeling overwhelmed? Weighed down by anxiety? Difficulties in relationships or tensions with your children? I can provide you with tools and teach you how to use them, which can help to provide a more satisfying life and to help you become a healthier individual. I am driven by a passion for improving the lives of others and work diligently to provide a custom approach to meet client’s needs. I want to help individuals discover their true identities and God-given gifts, potential, and purposes in life. My approach is to provide empathy and challenge and help clients move toward transformation to make necessary changes.
Are you feeling overwhelmed? Weighed down by anxiety? Difficulties in relationships or tensions with your children? I can provide you with tools and teach you how to use them, which can help to provide a more satisfying life and to help you become a healthier individual. I am driven by a passion for improving the lives of others and work diligently to provide a custom approach to meet client’s needs. I want to help individuals discover their true identities and God-given gifts, potential, and purposes in life. My approach is to provide empathy and challenge and help clients move toward transformation to make necessary changes.
In today’s world, mental health is essential to overall well-being. I invite you to take the first step toward healing. As a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist trained in Family Systems therapy, I work with individuals & families by recognizing how each person’s experiences impact the whole system.
My ideal client is someone who is willing to show up, work hard, & face challenges with honesty & courage. They are open to self-reflection & committed to bettering themselves—not only as an individual, but also within their relationships. Even when the work feels uncomfortable, they value growth, accountability, & meaningful change.
In today’s world, mental health is essential to overall well-being. I invite you to take the first step toward healing. As a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist trained in Family Systems therapy, I work with individuals & families by recognizing how each person’s experiences impact the whole system.
My ideal client is someone who is willing to show up, work hard, & face challenges with honesty & courage. They are open to self-reflection & committed to bettering themselves—not only as an individual, but also within their relationships. Even when the work feels uncomfortable, they value growth, accountability, & meaningful change.
I’m drawn to working with couples who are in the thick of parenting, especially those navigating blended families or more complex family dynamics. This can feel overwhelming, and it’s common for couples to find themselves disconnected or caught in the same patterns of conflict. I enjoy helping couples reconnect, understand each other more clearly, and move toward a more aligned and steady way of approaching both their relationship and their parenting.
I’m drawn to working with couples who are in the thick of parenting, especially those navigating blended families or more complex family dynamics. This can feel overwhelming, and it’s common for couples to find themselves disconnected or caught in the same patterns of conflict. I enjoy helping couples reconnect, understand each other more clearly, and move toward a more aligned and steady way of approaching both their relationship and their parenting.
Throughout the human experience, we all face struggles that challenge us. There are moments when we don't fully understand our actions, and despite our best intentions, we may find ourselves straying from our chosen path. In those moments, we can ask ourselves, "How did I get here?"
With over 18 years of counseling experience, I partner with individuals on their journey to uncover their answers and unlock their potential. My solution-focused approach empowers clients to regain balance, develop effective coping skills, and embrace techniques and strategies that enhance their capabilities.
Throughout the human experience, we all face struggles that challenge us. There are moments when we don't fully understand our actions, and despite our best intentions, we may find ourselves straying from our chosen path. In those moments, we can ask ourselves, "How did I get here?"
With over 18 years of counseling experience, I partner with individuals on their journey to uncover their answers and unlock their potential. My solution-focused approach empowers clients to regain balance, develop effective coping skills, and embrace techniques and strategies that enhance their capabilities.
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, families, and parents stuck in the cycle of conflict, self-doubt, and disconnection. My expertise is in couples, parenting, chronic illness/pain, & family conflict.
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, families, and parents stuck in the cycle of conflict, self-doubt, and disconnection. My expertise is in couples, parenting, chronic illness/pain, & family conflict.
For over a decade, I have supported individuals experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, PTSD, grief and loss, relationship wounds, and the complexities of parenting. I have extensive experience working with pregnant and post-partum women, foster and adoptive families, and individuals who have experienced trauma and loss.
While traditional talk therapy often takes a top-down approach — focusing on thoughts and behavior — it can often feel like watering only the leaves of a tree and expecting it to flourish. In my practice, we go deeper.
For over a decade, I have supported individuals experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, PTSD, grief and loss, relationship wounds, and the complexities of parenting. I have extensive experience working with pregnant and post-partum women, foster and adoptive families, and individuals who have experienced trauma and loss.
While traditional talk therapy often takes a top-down approach — focusing on thoughts and behavior — it can often feel like watering only the leaves of a tree and expecting it to flourish. In my practice, we go deeper.
A significant part of my work centers around adoption.
Beyond adoption, I support clients through anxiety, stress, self‑doubt, and life changes. I don’t take a one‑size‑fits‑all approach—our work together is shaped by your story, your values, and what feels meaningful to you. My goal is to help you reconnect with your strengths, understand yourself more deeply, and feel more at home in your own life.
A significant part of my work centers around adoption.
Beyond adoption, I support clients through anxiety, stress, self‑doubt, and life changes. I don’t take a one‑size‑fits‑all approach—our work together is shaped by your story, your values, and what feels meaningful to you. My goal is to help you reconnect with your strengths, understand yourself more deeply, and feel more at home in your own life.
My goal is to help children make sense of big feelings, busy brains, and bumpy moments. Some kids have engines that run fast all day long. Others worry so much their tummies start to hurt. Some feel sad and stuck, while others feel mad and mixed up. Some are figuring out friendships, saying goodbye to someone they love, or trying to adjust to new schools, families, or routines.
For parents, my goal is to help you make sense of what is going on for your child, why, and how to support them through a lens that is informed by child development, neurobiology, and the scientific research literature on child mental health.
My goal is to help children make sense of big feelings, busy brains, and bumpy moments. Some kids have engines that run fast all day long. Others worry so much their tummies start to hurt. Some feel sad and stuck, while others feel mad and mixed up. Some are figuring out friendships, saying goodbye to someone they love, or trying to adjust to new schools, families, or routines.
For parents, my goal is to help you make sense of what is going on for your child, why, and how to support them through a lens that is informed by child development, neurobiology, and the scientific research literature on child mental health.
Kientzle Counseling, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA NCC , LPC RYT, CCTP, EMDR-I
Creve Coeur, MO 63141
Not accepting new clients
Ms. Kientzle (she/they), MA NCC LPC CCTP, RYT, EDMR-I, has been practicing as a licensed professional counselor for over 12 years in the St. Louis Metro area. Her areas of focus are trauma, pediatrics, and working with the LGBTQIA+ community. Ms. Kientzle is especially passionate about assisting transgender clients navigate gender-affirming therapies and helping people achieve their full potential. Modalities: Art Therapy, yoga therapy, EMDR, and trauma-focused approaches are utilized both in-person and via telehealth.
Ms. Kientzle (she/they), MA NCC LPC CCTP, RYT, EDMR-I, has been practicing as a licensed professional counselor for over 12 years in the St. Louis Metro area. Her areas of focus are trauma, pediatrics, and working with the LGBTQIA+ community. Ms. Kientzle is especially passionate about assisting transgender clients navigate gender-affirming therapies and helping people achieve their full potential. Modalities: Art Therapy, yoga therapy, EMDR, and trauma-focused approaches are utilized both in-person and via telehealth.
Please note- I am currently a Graduate Intern at Creve Coeur Counseling.
I am passionate about supporting adults who are navigating challenges related to anxiety, depression, trauma-related symptoms, relationship concerns, and recovery from substance use. I hope to support individuals on their path toward growth, healing, and discovering their true self. At the core of my approach is the belief that you—the client—are the expert in your own life. My role is to walk alongside you, offering support, perspective, and encouragement as you uncover your path to change.
Please note- I am currently a Graduate Intern at Creve Coeur Counseling.
I am passionate about supporting adults who are navigating challenges related to anxiety, depression, trauma-related symptoms, relationship concerns, and recovery from substance use. I hope to support individuals on their path toward growth, healing, and discovering their true self. At the core of my approach is the belief that you—the client—are the expert in your own life. My role is to walk alongside you, offering support, perspective, and encouragement as you uncover your path to change.
More Therapists Nearby
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!
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.
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.
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 authentic “SELF” that too often go unnoticed due to the overwhelm of life in general. I will work with you to identify your authentic self while collectively working to understand your addiction. As a gay male living in recovery from alcohol, my life has prompted me to be the support for those with similar barriers in their life. In addition to my personal life experiences, I also teach an Addiction Counseling course at the graduate level.
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 authentic “SELF” that too often go unnoticed due to the overwhelm of life in general. I will work with you to identify your authentic self while collectively working to understand your addiction. As a gay male living in recovery from alcohol, my life has prompted me to be the support for those with similar barriers in their life. In addition to my personal life experiences, I also teach an Addiction Counseling course at the graduate level.
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.
See more therapy options for Creve Coeur
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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.