Adoption Therapists in Saint Louis, MO
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.
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.
One of my areas of expertise is in supporting individuals in the foster and adoption constellation.
For over a decade, I have supported individuals experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, PTSD, grief and loss, relationship wounds, and the complexities of parenting. I use a form of somatic psychotherapy called Brainspotting to address sources of pain that are lingering below your consciousness but that are negatively impacting your life. It gently taps into your body’s natural ability to heal and works to resolve these negative experiences— providing deep healing that traditional talk therapy alone often can’t reach.
One of my areas of expertise is in supporting individuals in the foster and adoption constellation.
For over a decade, I have supported individuals experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, PTSD, grief and loss, relationship wounds, and the complexities of parenting. I use a form of somatic psychotherapy called Brainspotting to address sources of pain that are lingering below your consciousness but that are negatively impacting your life. It gently taps into your body’s natural ability to heal and works to resolve these negative experiences— providing deep healing that traditional talk therapy alone often can’t reach.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
As an adopted person, I am passionate about working with individuals impacted by adoption/attachment issues to improve relationships and better know themselves.
When I began my Clinical Psychology degree, I was all about the research, the brain science and the data behind the practice. I still nerd out over the "brain stuff," but in my years of practice, I have come to appreciate the more human side, the things that we just can't measure. I believe that one of the most important aspects of the work is helping people navigate the pain and uncertainty of being a human, the longing to fit in, to feel safe, understood and to love and be loved. Unpacking our trauma and shame can be a lifelong project and I am honored to join my clients on their journey.
As an adopted person, I am passionate about working with individuals impacted by adoption/attachment issues to improve relationships and better know themselves.
When I began my Clinical Psychology degree, I was all about the research, the brain science and the data behind the practice. I still nerd out over the "brain stuff," but in my years of practice, I have come to appreciate the more human side, the things that we just can't measure. I believe that one of the most important aspects of the work is helping people navigate the pain and uncertainty of being a human, the longing to fit in, to feel safe, understood and to love and be loved. Unpacking our trauma and shame can be a lifelong project and I am honored to join my clients on their journey.
I work with individuals affected by trauma, difficulties in relationships, depression/post-partum depression, infertility, adoption, parenting, struggles in cultural adaptation and immigration, identity, self-esteem, sexuality, etc.
My work pivots around the basic premise that in order to reach a deeper understanding of oneself and grow through challenges, a space of safety and respectful reflection must be attained. I aim to define a unique relationship where together we can nurture curiosity and harvest increasingly satisfying ways for you to live your life.
I work with individuals affected by trauma, difficulties in relationships, depression/post-partum depression, infertility, adoption, parenting, struggles in cultural adaptation and immigration, identity, self-esteem, sexuality, etc.
My work pivots around the basic premise that in order to reach a deeper understanding of oneself and grow through challenges, a space of safety and respectful reflection must be attained. I aim to define a unique relationship where together we can nurture curiosity and harvest increasingly satisfying ways for you to live your life.
Are you feeling alone, overwhelmed, or just trying hard to maintain? Are you struggling in a relationship? Are you frustrated by the day to day conflict with your teenager? Do unresolved painful memories keep you from the happy fulfilled life you were meant to live? Let's work together to find the answers you need. Counseling is the first step in regaining control of your life. As a therapist, I love working with people, finding out what is unique about them personally, and seeing how that can be used to work through difficult circumstances. .
Are you feeling alone, overwhelmed, or just trying hard to maintain? Are you struggling in a relationship? Are you frustrated by the day to day conflict with your teenager? Do unresolved painful memories keep you from the happy fulfilled life you were meant to live? Let's work together to find the answers you need. Counseling is the first step in regaining control of your life. As a therapist, I love working with people, finding out what is unique about them personally, and seeing how that can be used to work through difficult circumstances. .
As a psychologist, my approach is based on the simple premise that change and growth through psychotherapy depends upon a trusting relationship between client and psychotherapist. As that trust deepens, so does one's ability to articulate what has not yet been been articulated, to make connections that have not yet been made, and to be aware of greater subtleties in one's internal emotional states. This newly felt understanding, in an emotionally sensitive and supportive context is what leads to change. In this way, change may be seen to occur as an outcome of emotional growth, rather than primarily effortful behavior.
As a psychologist, my approach is based on the simple premise that change and growth through psychotherapy depends upon a trusting relationship between client and psychotherapist. As that trust deepens, so does one's ability to articulate what has not yet been been articulated, to make connections that have not yet been made, and to be aware of greater subtleties in one's internal emotional states. This newly felt understanding, in an emotionally sensitive and supportive context is what leads to change. In this way, change may be seen to occur as an outcome of emotional growth, rather than primarily effortful behavior.
Starting therapy is no small task. It is hard to come to terms with needing help but you deserve to feel better. I strive to make clients feel welcomed, heard and understood in their thoughts and feelings. I provide a safe and affirming space for self-exploration and commitment to providing the best possible resources and interventions to make positive change and help to meet personal goals.
Starting therapy is no small task. It is hard to come to terms with needing help but you deserve to feel better. I strive to make clients feel welcomed, heard and understood in their thoughts and feelings. I provide a safe and affirming space for self-exploration and commitment to providing the best possible resources and interventions to make positive change and help to meet personal goals.
Dominique Begnaud
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-MO, LCPC-IL, LCPC-MD, ATR, RPT
2 Endorsed
Saint Louis, MO 63118
Waitlist for new clients
Life is challenging. So many ebbs and flows. I recognize that and would love to help you on your journey. We can all use a little support from time to time. Relationships can be difficult to manage. Setting (and keeping) boundaries at home, at work, or within relationships is hard work. If you or your child are looking for support with issues such as anxiety, depression, bullying, domestic violence, abuse, communication, or trauma, I'd love to help. I use creative therapy techniques in-person and via tele-health to support you or your child.
Life is challenging. So many ebbs and flows. I recognize that and would love to help you on your journey. We can all use a little support from time to time. Relationships can be difficult to manage. Setting (and keeping) boundaries at home, at work, or within relationships is hard work. If you or your child are looking for support with issues such as anxiety, depression, bullying, domestic violence, abuse, communication, or trauma, I'd love to help. I use creative therapy techniques in-person and via tele-health to support you or your child.
Lutheran Family & Children's Services of MO
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Saint Louis, MO 63132
Lutheran Family and Children’s Services (LFCS) offers FREE counseling for kids 3–19 in St. Louis County, St. Charles County, and Franklin County. We also provide FREE counseling for qualifying children and adults in Jefferson County, as well as FREE psychiatric services for kids 8–19 in St. Louis and Franklin counties. We offer services at multiple offices and satellite counseling locations to make care accessible across the communities we serve.
At LFCS, we are deeply committed to removing barriers to care and ensuring all individuals have access to the mental health support they need to thrive.
Lutheran Family and Children’s Services (LFCS) offers FREE counseling for kids 3–19 in St. Louis County, St. Charles County, and Franklin County. We also provide FREE counseling for qualifying children and adults in Jefferson County, as well as FREE psychiatric services for kids 8–19 in St. Louis and Franklin counties. We offer services at multiple offices and satellite counseling locations to make care accessible across the communities we serve.
At LFCS, we are deeply committed to removing barriers to care and ensuring all individuals have access to the mental health support they need to thrive.
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?
I offer a broad and deep set of trainings which in a very practical way help people grow: emotionally, behaviorally, spiritually. Potential
clients will find evidence based methods, flexibility of approach, and a willingness to listen collaboratively.
The goals that we develop together will feel sensible, clear, doable, and exciting. This is a very active therapy. From all my learnings I have developed my own form of psychotherapy
I offer a broad and deep set of trainings which in a very practical way help people grow: emotionally, behaviorally, spiritually. Potential
clients will find evidence based methods, flexibility of approach, and a willingness to listen collaboratively.
The goals that we develop together will feel sensible, clear, doable, and exciting. This is a very active therapy. From all my learnings I have developed my own form of psychotherapy
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.
Roberta
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, ASDCS, MS
Saint Louis, MO 63122
Waitlist for new clients
Not taking MHNET Medicaid, UMR, or Ambetter Bronze plans. 2/23/26: Have 12-2PM openings. In-person & virtual sessions. Sliding scale and some insurance; weekly or every other week sessions. My goals are to give clients & their families tools, and offer genuine support in daily and/or lifelong struggles. My belief is that change is possible for anyone, but the client and their loved ones need to have an open mind, and give love and support. Getting out of your comfort zone is a guarantee, and therapy is the first step. Therapy helps us make changes that lead to lifelong healthy habits of self care and thriving personal relationships.
Not taking MHNET Medicaid, UMR, or Ambetter Bronze plans. 2/23/26: Have 12-2PM openings. In-person & virtual sessions. Sliding scale and some insurance; weekly or every other week sessions. My goals are to give clients & their families tools, and offer genuine support in daily and/or lifelong struggles. My belief is that change is possible for anyone, but the client and their loved ones need to have an open mind, and give love and support. Getting out of your comfort zone is a guarantee, and therapy is the first step. Therapy helps us make changes that lead to lifelong healthy habits of self care and thriving personal relationships.
Open Arms Wellness Therapy and Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, PhD
2 Endorsed
Saint Louis, MO 63144
Frustrated with calling therapists and not receiving a call back? We pride ourselves in finding expert clinicians in each speciality in the greater St. Louis area and we have openings. We can help match you to a clinician that has proven success helping clients with similar issues. Our approach assists clients in exploring the source of their problems. We listen. We find unique strategies that build on your passions to bring healing to your life. You won't believe how much better it can get when you work with our handpicked professionals.
Frustrated with calling therapists and not receiving a call back? We pride ourselves in finding expert clinicians in each speciality in the greater St. Louis area and we have openings. We can help match you to a clinician that has proven success helping clients with similar issues. Our approach assists clients in exploring the source of their problems. We listen. We find unique strategies that build on your passions to bring healing to your life. You won't believe how much better it can get when you work with our handpicked professionals.
See more therapy options for Saint Louis
Nearby Adoption Therapists Searches for Saint Louis
- Affton
- Brentwood
- Clayton
- Des Peres
- Kirkwood
- Ladue
- Maplewood
- North County
- Olivette
- Richmond Heights
- 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.