Therapists in Richmond Heights, MO

Are you struggling to function? Are you dealing with stress and/or anxiety? Is your home chaotic? Let me help you learn to deal and cope with stressors, heal relationships, and prioritize wellness in a safe space! I work with clients 6 and up, and specialize in couples therapy, family therapy, and substance use counseling. I look forward to walking alongside you on your journey to wellness.

Part of being human is the inevitability of encountering difficulty. Most of us accept this quite easily, but it is harder for us to accept *ourselves* while we face that difficulty! So many of our experiences in our families and our culture train us to ignore or get rid of our emotions, so space or compassion for ourselves seem next to impossible. Together and with mutual vulnerability and creativity, my heartfelt wish is to effectively nurture and challenge you, and to help you discover resources within and without to meet your experiences with strength, clarity, and hope.

I offer counseling to anyone over the age of 18. My goal is to provide a space where you can share your experiences and feel heard. My ideal client is someone who is wanting to be the best version of themselves and who is willing to put in the work to get there, but perhaps is feeling a little stuck. If that's the case, I will gladly join you, helping you to process your emotions, identify your goals, and understand how to keep moving forward in your journey. I will provide a safe space for you to be authentically you, and I will encourage you, help guide you, and be transparent with you during the process.

Sometimes life can send us down a path that we never expected to be on. Often the unexpected path can leave us feeling lost, isolated, and hopeless. Whatever it is that started you down this path, know you do not have to walk alone. I utilize a collaborative approach to help clients move along this unexpected path and overcome challenges along the way. The true joy is seeing clients recognize that while this path isn't one they would have set out on their own, there are truly beautiful steps taken on their journey to healing.

Each of us has a unique history that shapes how we make sense of our inner and outer world. I have over 15 years of experience working in mental health with diverse clients who have a variety of concerns they bring to our relationship. Some of the typical issues that I have helped clients address include depression, anxiety, mania, trauma histories, and substance use. In addition, I have a personal passion working with clients who are exploring their gender identity and/or sexuality. Often because of the concerns that my clients bring up, I help people with life changes, career questions, self-esteem, and relationship issues.

I offer short-term & long-term therapy focusing on depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, LGBT and gender identity exploration, adoption and parenting issues, PTSD, complex stress and trauma, & substance use. As a clinician, I approach my work from a holistic, trauma-informed lens. An individual's mental health and overall happiness are based on a number of different factors that are unique to that individual. Therapy is a collaborative effort that takes compassion, reflection, & creativity. Therapy is a financial commitment, but it's also an investment in your emotional well-being, relationships, and quality of life.

Today our lives are full of challenges and obstacles that can feel difficult to overcome. Are you feeling stuck and unsure which direction to turn? Entering counseling can feel scary but it is also a courageous step in the right direction. As your counselor, I will provide you with a safe, non-judgmental space to process what is preventing you from moving forward in life. My goal is to help you make the most of your life and find a sense of purpose and peace.

My style is informed by EMDR therapy, psychodynamic therapy, Jungian and depth psychology, and positive psychology. I am a licensed professional counselor, a certified EMDR clinician, and a board certified coach. My training and experience has prepared me to help clients with trauma, anxiety, addictions, depression, disordered eating, body image dissatisfaction, life's additions, My approach helps people recognize and change counterproductive patterns in their lives. relationship issues, life transitions, anxiety, and depression. I want to assist people to develop newer, healthier patterns in their lives.

I look forward to meeting you! I was born and raised in St. Louis, & obtained my undergraduate degree with honors in Counseling and Education followed by a Master of Arts in Counseling for Licensure in Professional Counseling from MBU. I utilize empirically proven interventions (such as Motivational Interviewing, CBT, DBT) interwoven with compassionate wisdom for the therapeutic goal of coming alongside you in your unique journey and extending the opportunity and hope for healing & growth through the situation you find yourself in. My desire is to provide an authentic and compassionate environment that fosters continuous healing.