Somatic Therapists in Creve Coeur, MO
Are you feeling stuck in patterns that anxiety, stress, fear, or past experiences continue to keep in place? You may have tried different approaches and still feel frustrated, overwhelmed, or disconnected from the calm and confidence you want to feel in your daily life. I help adults create meaningful change through a thoughtful blend of psychotherapy and clinical hypnosis in a safe, supportive, and deeply compassionate environment. Together, we work toward helping you feel more empowered, emotionally balanced, and connected to your own inner strength and ability to heal.
Are you feeling stuck in patterns that anxiety, stress, fear, or past experiences continue to keep in place? You may have tried different approaches and still feel frustrated, overwhelmed, or disconnected from the calm and confidence you want to feel in your daily life. I help adults create meaningful change through a thoughtful blend of psychotherapy and clinical hypnosis in a safe, supportive, and deeply compassionate environment. Together, we work toward helping you feel more empowered, emotionally balanced, and connected to your own inner strength and ability to heal.
Christine Filonow
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
1 Endorsed
Creve Coeur, MO 63141
Waitlist for new clients
Down to earth and genuine in my approach, I provide support, problem solving, and stress management for short-term issues and transitions, as well as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), eclectic, and somatic strategies for those addressing longer-term challenges such as anxiety disorders, depression and trauma.
My goal is for people to live their life optimally. My objective is help people or couples adjust to and cope with whatever they have to deal with, external or internal, and make the changes they need to feel better. I have experience addressing mild to severe anxiety and depression in adolescents and adults, as well as general stress and life transitions. I hope to help you move forward and regain a more positive outlook. I have served in this field for nearly 25 years and am familiar and comfortable working with a very wide range of life stressors, relationship challenges, and mental health issues. Everyone is welcome.
Down to earth and genuine in my approach, I provide support, problem solving, and stress management for short-term issues and transitions, as well as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), eclectic, and somatic strategies for those addressing longer-term challenges such as anxiety disorders, depression and trauma.
My goal is for people to live their life optimally. My objective is help people or couples adjust to and cope with whatever they have to deal with, external or internal, and make the changes they need to feel better. I have experience addressing mild to severe anxiety and depression in adolescents and adults, as well as general stress and life transitions. I hope to help you move forward and regain a more positive outlook. I have served in this field for nearly 25 years and am familiar and comfortable working with a very wide range of life stressors, relationship challenges, and mental health issues. Everyone is welcome.
Many of the people I work with feel stuck in patterns that don’t make sense (dissociation, addiction, difficulty functioning day-to-day). I specialize in trauma, neurodivergence (ADHD/autistic traits), and substance use. My approach focuses on understanding how your nervous system adapted and helping you build stability, autonomy, and self-trust. I aim to create a space that is direct, collaborative, and grounded in respect. I’m not here to judge how you’ve learned to survive. Instead we will work together to understand those patterns and create something that works for you.
Many of the people I work with feel stuck in patterns that don’t make sense (dissociation, addiction, difficulty functioning day-to-day). I specialize in trauma, neurodivergence (ADHD/autistic traits), and substance use. My approach focuses on understanding how your nervous system adapted and helping you build stability, autonomy, and self-trust. I aim to create a space that is direct, collaborative, and grounded in respect. I’m not here to judge how you’ve learned to survive. Instead we will work together to understand those patterns and create something that works for you.
My work blends somatic therapy and nervous system education in a way that’s collaborative, grounded, and deeply human—focused on helping clients feel understood, connected, and supported as they work toward meaningful change.
When life’s difficulties pile up, they can quietly carry us further from the person we want to be, until it all feels overwhelming. Though subtle, the relationship we hold with ourselves—particularly our emotions—is often the key to experiencing a genuine sense of happiness and fulfillment. I seek to support my clients in experiencing life from a more empowered stance, one that can be difficult to access when feeling buried by a traumatic past or even a traumatic present.
My work blends somatic therapy and nervous system education in a way that’s collaborative, grounded, and deeply human—focused on helping clients feel understood, connected, and supported as they work toward meaningful change.
When life’s difficulties pile up, they can quietly carry us further from the person we want to be, until it all feels overwhelming. Though subtle, the relationship we hold with ourselves—particularly our emotions—is often the key to experiencing a genuine sense of happiness and fulfillment. I seek to support my clients in experiencing life from a more empowered stance, one that can be difficult to access when feeling buried by a traumatic past or even a traumatic present.
The one thing I’d like people to know about reaching out is that the first step is just a conversation. You don’t need to know anything, or bring anything. If you are uncomfortable with small-talk, leave it at home. My recommendation for first and all appointments:
“Come as you are."
Whether you are looking for a warm place to express yourself, a sounding board, structured education, trauma processing, or identity exploration, I work with you on what you need- even if you have no idea what that is right now. We will start with a brief phone call to meet voice-to-voice, and I can generally begin sessions within a week.
The one thing I’d like people to know about reaching out is that the first step is just a conversation. You don’t need to know anything, or bring anything. If you are uncomfortable with small-talk, leave it at home. My recommendation for first and all appointments:
“Come as you are."
Whether you are looking for a warm place to express yourself, a sounding board, structured education, trauma processing, or identity exploration, I work with you on what you need- even if you have no idea what that is right now. We will start with a brief phone call to meet voice-to-voice, and I can generally begin sessions within a week.
Many people who find me are thoughtful, capable, and tired of carrying too much alone. You may be living with complex trauma, dissociation, chronic illness, or neurodivergence while still trying to function in everyday life. Some clients notice distinct parts of themselves or shifts in how they respond under stress. Others arrive after therapy that helped but didn’t reach what still feels stuck. Together, we slow things down, understand what your system learned to survive, and build steadiness, connection, and new choices that fit your life now.
Many people who find me are thoughtful, capable, and tired of carrying too much alone. You may be living with complex trauma, dissociation, chronic illness, or neurodivergence while still trying to function in everyday life. Some clients notice distinct parts of themselves or shifts in how they respond under stress. Others arrive after therapy that helped but didn’t reach what still feels stuck. Together, we slow things down, understand what your system learned to survive, and build steadiness, connection, and new choices that fit your life now.
Couples and individuals frequently struggle with both challenging emotions and the skills to work together through tough times. Learning effective management of your emotions and the relationship can both help couples. Together we can open doors to create a better more enjoyable life. People often come to our practice seeking relief from life's challenges and leave with both a new perspective and living happier than ever. I specialize in RO-DBT, Radically Open - Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and work with a variety of clients using DBT, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Mindfulness skills, and a variety of other techniques and skills.
Couples and individuals frequently struggle with both challenging emotions and the skills to work together through tough times. Learning effective management of your emotions and the relationship can both help couples. Together we can open doors to create a better more enjoyable life. People often come to our practice seeking relief from life's challenges and leave with both a new perspective and living happier than ever. I specialize in RO-DBT, Radically Open - Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and work with a variety of clients using DBT, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Mindfulness skills, and a variety of other techniques and skills.
Using CBT, IFS, and Somatic Therapy, we will connect how your story is held in both your mind and body.
As your guide and partner, I help you navigate life’s heaviest seasons and quiet the inner noise. Together, we’ll reclaim your narrative and transform challenges into strengths, identifying the patterns holding you back, while building the tools needed for the lasting hope, clarity, and happiness you truly deserve and are ready for!
Using CBT, IFS, and Somatic Therapy, we will connect how your story is held in both your mind and body.
As your guide and partner, I help you navigate life’s heaviest seasons and quiet the inner noise. Together, we’ll reclaim your narrative and transform challenges into strengths, identifying the patterns holding you back, while building the tools needed for the lasting hope, clarity, and happiness you truly deserve and are ready for!
I use somatic therapies to help clients discover and restore trust with themselves, face life's challenges, and make intentional choices about the people they want to be.
When life isn’t going well, it can feel like your mind, body, and emotions are problems to deal with rather than resources to help you thrive. Do you find your emotions are getting the best of you and causing challenges in your relationships? Maybe you lack energy for the things you love, or feel disconnected from yourself or someone important to you.
I use somatic therapies to help clients discover and restore trust with themselves, face life's challenges, and make intentional choices about the people they want to be.
When life isn’t going well, it can feel like your mind, body, and emotions are problems to deal with rather than resources to help you thrive. Do you find your emotions are getting the best of you and causing challenges in your relationships? Maybe you lack energy for the things you love, or feel disconnected from yourself or someone important to you.
At some point in every person's life, therapy is helpful. Those who seek therapy are engaging in a healthy, proactive approach towards their life. They are typically seeking to implement positive, lasting life change and growth. Counseling, or therapy, is considered a collaborative, cooperative, problem-solving process, involving both the client and counselor, to bring about emotional or behavioral improvement.Counseling is a proactive and healthy way to manage life stress, work through trauma, develop coping skills, improve behavior, communication and more. Our goal is to help you live your best life.
At some point in every person's life, therapy is helpful. Those who seek therapy are engaging in a healthy, proactive approach towards their life. They are typically seeking to implement positive, lasting life change and growth. Counseling, or therapy, is considered a collaborative, cooperative, problem-solving process, involving both the client and counselor, to bring about emotional or behavioral improvement.Counseling is a proactive and healthy way to manage life stress, work through trauma, develop coping skills, improve behavior, communication and more. Our goal is to help you live your best life.
I use Somatic Experiencing and an attachment-based approach to help women get to the root of their anxiety, body image struggles, and perfectionism.
If you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from your body, you’re not alone. I help women who are ready to explore what’s beneath the surface. Whether you're navigating trauma, anxiety, attachment wounds, or simply seeking a deeper connection with yourself, our work together will honor your nervous system and your unique healing journey. We’ll work with your body’s wisdom to help you feel safer, more grounded, and fully alive.
I use Somatic Experiencing and an attachment-based approach to help women get to the root of their anxiety, body image struggles, and perfectionism.
If you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from your body, you’re not alone. I help women who are ready to explore what’s beneath the surface. Whether you're navigating trauma, anxiety, attachment wounds, or simply seeking a deeper connection with yourself, our work together will honor your nervous system and your unique healing journey. We’ll work with your body’s wisdom to help you feel safer, more grounded, and fully alive.
You look like you have it together. You show up, push through and take care of everyone else, but internally you are exhausted. Overthinking everything. Second-guessing yourself. Carrying emotions that do not even feel like yours. Most of my clients are high-functioning, self-aware, and still feel stuck, especially those in high-pressure roles where there is little room to fall apart. Patterns like people-pleasing, emotional burnout, and feeling responsible for everyone else keep showing up. They have tried to just think differently. They have tried to push through, but the patterns keep returning. That's when we do different work.
You look like you have it together. You show up, push through and take care of everyone else, but internally you are exhausted. Overthinking everything. Second-guessing yourself. Carrying emotions that do not even feel like yours. Most of my clients are high-functioning, self-aware, and still feel stuck, especially those in high-pressure roles where there is little room to fall apart. Patterns like people-pleasing, emotional burnout, and feeling responsible for everyone else keep showing up. They have tried to just think differently. They have tried to push through, but the patterns keep returning. That's when we do different work.
I help people pleasers - exhausted by the endless pursuit of perfection - find their version of good enough. I am the right counselor for you if you are doing everything you can to achieve, follow the rules, and do well...yet you do not feel good enough, seen, or valued. Are you ready to stop sacrificing your needs, thoughts, and feelings for the comfort of others?
I help people pleasers - exhausted by the endless pursuit of perfection - find their version of good enough. I am the right counselor for you if you are doing everything you can to achieve, follow the rules, and do well...yet you do not feel good enough, seen, or valued. Are you ready to stop sacrificing your needs, thoughts, and feelings for the comfort of others?
I use an EFT, Gottman, and somatic approach.
Relationships are hard! Is your family stuck in a rhythm of conflict that leaves you feeling misunderstood, criticized 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.
I use an EFT, Gottman, and somatic approach.
Relationships are hard! Is your family stuck in a rhythm of conflict that leaves you feeling misunderstood, criticized 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.
Welcome. With over 25 years of experience working as a therapist in St. Louis, I would be honored to help you. The work of healing begins as we listen to what is occurring in our inner life. By utilizing a client-centered approach to counseling I help others find their personal strengths which can lead to growth and self-acceptance. I will assist you in accessing the wisdom & resources you need in order to cope and feel better. I will be present with you and help support you on your path.
Welcome. With over 25 years of experience working as a therapist in St. Louis, I would be honored to help you. The work of healing begins as we listen to what is occurring in our inner life. By utilizing a client-centered approach to counseling I help others find their personal strengths which can lead to growth and self-acceptance. I will assist you in accessing the wisdom & resources you need in order to cope and feel better. I will be present with you and help support you on your path.
My methods include Somatic Experiencing – a body-centered approach that addresses physiological dysregulation resulting from trauma, EMDR – which works with the brain’s natural healing mechanisms to reprocess traumatic experiences.
Heather (she/her) practices a holistic approach when working with clients. She desires for every client to know they have a voice, and their story is important. Heather offers a safe place where clients can find authentic healing by engaging with their story and helping their mind and body to recognize that the old threat has passed. It is safe to live in the present reality. Heather walks with clients to help them understand, experience, and accept the reality of life – with all of its desires and sorrows – and leads them to a life of healing and flourishing.
My methods include Somatic Experiencing – a body-centered approach that addresses physiological dysregulation resulting from trauma, EMDR – which works with the brain’s natural healing mechanisms to reprocess traumatic experiences.
Heather (she/her) practices a holistic approach when working with clients. She desires for every client to know they have a voice, and their story is important. Heather offers a safe place where clients can find authentic healing by engaging with their story and helping their mind and body to recognize that the old threat has passed. It is safe to live in the present reality. Heather walks with clients to help them understand, experience, and accept the reality of life – with all of its desires and sorrows – and leads them to a life of healing and flourishing.
My work draws from IFS, somatic therapy, attachment therapy, and relational cultural therapy (RCT) emphasizing understanding and accepting all parts of the self and our place in the world.
If you’re looking to feel more confident in yourself, improve your relationships, or find balance with food, body, or athletic performance and quiet that perfectionism or anxiety, I’m here to help. I work with all genders and bring years of experience with eating disorders, body image, OCD, couples, and athletes. Our sessions are direct & compassionate, giving you a safe, nonjudgmental space to understand yourself, make meaningful changes, and move toward the life you want. I provide a warm, collaborative experience that balances professionalism with genuine connection.
My work draws from IFS, somatic therapy, attachment therapy, and relational cultural therapy (RCT) emphasizing understanding and accepting all parts of the self and our place in the world.
If you’re looking to feel more confident in yourself, improve your relationships, or find balance with food, body, or athletic performance and quiet that perfectionism or anxiety, I’m here to help. I work with all genders and bring years of experience with eating disorders, body image, OCD, couples, and athletes. Our sessions are direct & compassionate, giving you a safe, nonjudgmental space to understand yourself, make meaningful changes, and move toward the life you want. I provide a warm, collaborative experience that balances professionalism with genuine connection.
I use ACT, EMDR, mindfulness, somatic experiencing, and attachment theory alongside other modalities to help foster self compassion and greater understanding.
Life experiences come with a mixture of intense emotions. Weaving your way through is complicated. Experiences such as divorce, trauma, death or illness, career and relationship challenges, and other significant life transitions can be debilitating and leave us feeling stuck. My main goal in therapy is to help clients move through challenging times, reduce unnecessary suffering when possible, and reconnect with a purposeful and meaningful life. If you are grieving or experiencing depression, anxiety, loneliness, and/or isolation, there is a path forward. It takes courage to reach out. When you are ready, support is here.
I use ACT, EMDR, mindfulness, somatic experiencing, and attachment theory alongside other modalities to help foster self compassion and greater understanding.
Life experiences come with a mixture of intense emotions. Weaving your way through is complicated. Experiences such as divorce, trauma, death or illness, career and relationship challenges, and other significant life transitions can be debilitating and leave us feeling stuck. My main goal in therapy is to help clients move through challenging times, reduce unnecessary suffering when possible, and reconnect with a purposeful and meaningful life. If you are grieving or experiencing depression, anxiety, loneliness, and/or isolation, there is a path forward. It takes courage to reach out. When you are ready, support is here.
Accepting new clients with evening and weekend availability! Do you often feel overwhelmed, depressed, anxious, or dissociated? Are you someone who has learned in adulthood that you may be dealing with symptoms of ADHD, Autism, or other neurodivergent concerns? If you are seeking a safe space to explore these concerns and learn tools to manage this new understanding of yourself better, counseling may be what you are looking for. By creating a safe space and a strong therapeutic relationship, I believe we can better understand our genuine selves while developing skills to help manage life.
Accepting new clients with evening and weekend availability! Do you often feel overwhelmed, depressed, anxious, or dissociated? Are you someone who has learned in adulthood that you may be dealing with symptoms of ADHD, Autism, or other neurodivergent concerns? If you are seeking a safe space to explore these concerns and learn tools to manage this new understanding of yourself better, counseling may be what you are looking for. By creating a safe space and a strong therapeutic relationship, I believe we can better understand our genuine selves while developing skills to help manage life.
Ashley Shipman, EMDR therapist in St. Louis
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LCPC
Serves Area
EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, Polyvagal, and parts work are some approaches that I use.
Have you ever found yourself wondering, "How did I get here?" Maybe you feel disconnected from yourself, struggle to understand why you keep repeating the same patterns, or perhaps spent so much time caring for others that you've lost touch with your own voice. I am passionate about helping women reconnect with themselves, heal from past trauma, understand the relational patterns that shape their lives, and develop a stronger, more confident sense of who they are. I also work with couples and families who want to better understand the patterns that keep them stuck and create healthier, more secure relationships.
EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, Polyvagal, and parts work are some approaches that I use.
Have you ever found yourself wondering, "How did I get here?" Maybe you feel disconnected from yourself, struggle to understand why you keep repeating the same patterns, or perhaps spent so much time caring for others that you've lost touch with your own voice. I am passionate about helping women reconnect with themselves, heal from past trauma, understand the relational patterns that shape their lives, and develop a stronger, more confident sense of who they are. I also work with couples and families who want to better understand the patterns that keep them stuck and create healthier, more secure relationships.
See more therapy options for Creve Coeur
Nearby Somatic Therapists Searches for Creve Coeur
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- Ladue
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- Maryland Heights
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Somatic Therapists
How does somatic therapy work?
Somatic therapy is a form of treatment that focuses on how the body and mind are interconnected. In this approach, physical symptoms are addressed because they may in fact signal emotional distress. Somatic therapists combine mindfulness, talk therapy, breathwork, yoga, dance, and physical manipulations of the body to help patients become more attuned to what their body is telling them.
Is EMDR a somatic therapy?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a form of somatic therapy, as it incorporates mental and physical principles. EMDR involves remembering a traumatic experience while allowing one’s eyes to track a side-to-side visual stimulus from a therapist. This lateral eye movement is believed to diminish the painful power of the memory so that it can be discussed with a therapist.
Is somatic therapy evidence-based?
Somatic therapy has been researched and studied, and some forms of somatic therapy are found to be effective in treating a wide range of conditions. Because somatic therapy encompasses many techniques, some, such as EMDR and meditation, have been studied more than others.
What is somatic trauma therapy?
Somatic trauma therapy is based on the idea that when people experience trauma, they can become stuck in the “freeze” part of a “fight, flight, or freeze” response. In this state, trauma can manifest itself both mentally and physically—through tension in the muscles, anxiety, and stress. Popular forms of somatic trauma therapy include EMDR, sensorimotor therapy, and somatic experiencing.