Body Image Therapists in Saint Louis, MO
A. Elizabeth (Beth) Austin
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, BC-DMT, LCPC
6 Endorsed
Online Only
Being a Human is tough and the world we live in is a challenging place to navigate. Everyone needs support, care, and compassion in every stage of life. My goal for clients is to feel seen in the present moment, work together on embracing authenticity, and expand their presence in the world. In sessions we work together to find strengths, face challenges, explore identity, and recover from trauma and life changes. Therapy is hard work, and you are worth the hard work. For those that are wanting to go beyond just surviving, the opportunity to experience wholehearted living awaits.
Being a Human is tough and the world we live in is a challenging place to navigate. Everyone needs support, care, and compassion in every stage of life. My goal for clients is to feel seen in the present moment, work together on embracing authenticity, and expand their presence in the world. In sessions we work together to find strengths, face challenges, explore identity, and recover from trauma and life changes. Therapy is hard work, and you are worth the hard work. For those that are wanting to go beyond just surviving, the opportunity to experience wholehearted living awaits.
Does it ever feel like the world isn’t designed for you to be your authentic self who is seen, heard, and understood? My name is Eris and as a part of the LGBTQIA2S+ community and neurodivergent, I am here to provide a safe, crash-out approved space where you can exist without the pressures of the world. I am passionate about helping you reach your goals through compassion, empathy, and a down-to-Earth approach with my ideal clients being in the queer community wanting to take the next step in becoming their ideal self.
Does it ever feel like the world isn’t designed for you to be your authentic self who is seen, heard, and understood? My name is Eris and as a part of the LGBTQIA2S+ community and neurodivergent, I am here to provide a safe, crash-out approved space where you can exist without the pressures of the world. I am passionate about helping you reach your goals through compassion, empathy, and a down-to-Earth approach with my ideal clients being in the queer community wanting to take the next step in becoming their ideal self.
The struggles of life can become overwhelming, but change is possible. Stress, anxiety, and fear are just a few things you may be facing, but you do not have to face any of them alone. Reaching out for help is the first step towards restoration and growth.
The struggles of life can become overwhelming, but change is possible. Stress, anxiety, and fear are just a few things you may be facing, but you do not have to face any of them alone. Reaching out for help is the first step towards restoration and growth.
Dr. Alyssa Wood
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, NCC, BC-TMH
5 Endorsed
Saint Louis, MO 63118
For the ones who wanted heirlooms but inherited generational trauma instead.
You wanted diamonds but got depression? Not everyone ends up inheriting what they expected from their families, but just because you have anxiety or people-pleasing traits doesn’t mean you’re stuck with it.
We’ll focus on evidence-based therapy to help you reach your goal of living more effortlessly every single day, without the heartache, grief, and trauma that life can sometimes bring.
For the ones who wanted heirlooms but inherited generational trauma instead.
You wanted diamonds but got depression? Not everyone ends up inheriting what they expected from their families, but just because you have anxiety or people-pleasing traits doesn’t mean you’re stuck with it.
We’ll focus on evidence-based therapy to help you reach your goal of living more effortlessly every single day, without the heartache, grief, and trauma that life can sometimes bring.
Ilia (Eye-Lee-Uh) Silverman Esrig
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
2 Endorsed
Saint Louis, MO 63109
Waitlist for new clients
Noticing and shifting age-old unhelpful emotional and behavioral patterns can be overwhelming to do on your own. I take a collaborative and non-judgmental approach to support you to cultivate meaning, resilience, and change, even when doing so feels impossible. Together, we can strengthen your executive functioning skills, explore gender or sexual identity, process trauma, or practice self-compassion in an often invalidating world. We'll identify effective ways to move through life's most difficult moments - the past can't be changed, but we can shape how it influences our present and future.
Noticing and shifting age-old unhelpful emotional and behavioral patterns can be overwhelming to do on your own. I take a collaborative and non-judgmental approach to support you to cultivate meaning, resilience, and change, even when doing so feels impossible. Together, we can strengthen your executive functioning skills, explore gender or sexual identity, process trauma, or practice self-compassion in an often invalidating world. We'll identify effective ways to move through life's most difficult moments - the past can't be changed, but we can shape how it influences our present and future.
Gianna R Shockley
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, PLPC
Saint Louis, MO 63107
Waitlist for new clients
My ideal client is a young person navigating the complexities of adolescence and early adulthood, grappling with issues of identity, friendship, and the transition to maturity. Whether it's understanding their present circumstances, managing perceptions from family and society, or honing new life skills, I am here to offer guidance and support. I welcome those from marginalized backgrounds, helping them find affirmation and insight into how their race, gender, or sexual orientation intersects with their mental well-being.
My ideal client is a young person navigating the complexities of adolescence and early adulthood, grappling with issues of identity, friendship, and the transition to maturity. Whether it's understanding their present circumstances, managing perceptions from family and society, or honing new life skills, I am here to offer guidance and support. I welcome those from marginalized backgrounds, helping them find affirmation and insight into how their race, gender, or sexual orientation intersects with their mental well-being.
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.
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.
Are you feeling stuck or overwhelmed? Are you struggling with trauma, anxiety, or depression? Things are a lot right now, and it's okay to seek help. I offer holistic somatic therapy that can help you have a deeper connection to yourself, your body and emotions, for greater resilience for everything life throws at you. Somatic therapy facilitates healing from the inside out. I don't tell you to think more positively, or that you have "faulty thinking" - instead we can work with your body together so that you can actually experience a sense of safety, a sense of your self, and live a more fulfilling, embodied and connected life.
Are you feeling stuck or overwhelmed? Are you struggling with trauma, anxiety, or depression? Things are a lot right now, and it's okay to seek help. I offer holistic somatic therapy that can help you have a deeper connection to yourself, your body and emotions, for greater resilience for everything life throws at you. Somatic therapy facilitates healing from the inside out. I don't tell you to think more positively, or that you have "faulty thinking" - instead we can work with your body together so that you can actually experience a sense of safety, a sense of your self, and live a more fulfilling, embodied and connected life.
Britain Shaw
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
1 Endorsed
Saint Louis, MO 63118
Waitlist for new clients
Everyone has a story to tell. Sometimes it is filled with dark twists and turns, shadows, and the unexpected. Other times it is full of light, gentle breezes, and warmth. Stories are often full of both and it can be daunting to try and revisit some of the harder chapters alone. I offer a place of solace for your stories. A place where we can open and read each chapter of it together, learn from them, and gather tools to face the battles ahead. A place where we can challenge the things that still haunt us from these stories, and then put them on a shelf, a reminder of where you came from and what you’ve overcome.
Everyone has a story to tell. Sometimes it is filled with dark twists and turns, shadows, and the unexpected. Other times it is full of light, gentle breezes, and warmth. Stories are often full of both and it can be daunting to try and revisit some of the harder chapters alone. I offer a place of solace for your stories. A place where we can open and read each chapter of it together, learn from them, and gather tools to face the battles ahead. A place where we can challenge the things that still haunt us from these stories, and then put them on a shelf, a reminder of where you came from and what you’ve overcome.
Hi, I’m Sophie. I specialize in working with queer, trans, and non-monogamous individuals & couples. If you’re looking to deepen your understanding of your sexuality, identities, neurodivergence, or relational patterns, we may be a great fit! My clients often are well-practiced in self reflection but are seeking a non-judgmental therapist to collaborate with as they uncover and connect with their most authentic, grounded selves. Clients often come to me with identities that have left them feeling misunderstood in therapy, and are eager to finally work with a therapist who they don’t have to over-explain their experiences to.
Hi, I’m Sophie. I specialize in working with queer, trans, and non-monogamous individuals & couples. If you’re looking to deepen your understanding of your sexuality, identities, neurodivergence, or relational patterns, we may be a great fit! My clients often are well-practiced in self reflection but are seeking a non-judgmental therapist to collaborate with as they uncover and connect with their most authentic, grounded selves. Clients often come to me with identities that have left them feeling misunderstood in therapy, and are eager to finally work with a therapist who they don’t have to over-explain their experiences to.
Showing up as your authentic self in the world can be scary. Will I be accepted? Why am I the way that I am? What are these feelings I’m experiencing, and can I trust them? I provide a safe, non-judgmental space for you to explore and process all of these questions and more.
As a therapist I believe that you are the expert on the story you’re writing. I am simply here to come alongside you in your journey to grow and heal – to support you, to collaborate with you, sometimes to laugh or cuss or cry with you (sometimes all at the same time!).
Showing up as your authentic self in the world can be scary. Will I be accepted? Why am I the way that I am? What are these feelings I’m experiencing, and can I trust them? I provide a safe, non-judgmental space for you to explore and process all of these questions and more.
As a therapist I believe that you are the expert on the story you’re writing. I am simply here to come alongside you in your journey to grow and heal – to support you, to collaborate with you, sometimes to laugh or cuss or cry with you (sometimes all at the same time!).
I welcome everyone into my practice; however, I have particular experience working alongside members of the LGBTQ+ community and neurodivergent individuals. My practice supports clients dealing with a range of challenges, such as anxiety, depression, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), relationship struggles, trauma, gender dysphoria, and grief.
I welcome everyone into my practice; however, I have particular experience working alongside members of the LGBTQ+ community and neurodivergent individuals. My practice supports clients dealing with a range of challenges, such as anxiety, depression, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), relationship struggles, trauma, gender dysphoria, and grief.
Do you feel like you're treading water, barely holding it together, or sinking under stress, anxiety, or emotional exhaustion? Maybe you're worn out from pretending to be okay when you're not. You might be the caretaker, the strong one, the peacekeeper and always showing up for others but neglecting yourself. Deep down, you want to feel whole again, to reconnect with the vibrant, authentic version of you that’s been buried under pain, pressure, or past trauma. You deserve to come home to yourself.
Do you feel like you're treading water, barely holding it together, or sinking under stress, anxiety, or emotional exhaustion? Maybe you're worn out from pretending to be okay when you're not. You might be the caretaker, the strong one, the peacekeeper and always showing up for others but neglecting yourself. Deep down, you want to feel whole again, to reconnect with the vibrant, authentic version of you that’s been buried under pain, pressure, or past trauma. You deserve to come home to yourself.
Hey there! Facing life's challenges can feel overwhelming, and it's normal to not have all the answers. Whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, struggles in your relationships, changes in your health, or simply feeling stuck, I understand the emotional rollercoaster you might be experiencing. My goal is to provide you with tools and insights that enable you to live a more satisfying life. In our work together we can focus on trauma recovery, empowerment, building healthy relationships, or exploring new possibilities for growth.
Hey there! Facing life's challenges can feel overwhelming, and it's normal to not have all the answers. Whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, struggles in your relationships, changes in your health, or simply feeling stuck, I understand the emotional rollercoaster you might be experiencing. My goal is to provide you with tools and insights that enable you to live a more satisfying life. In our work together we can focus on trauma recovery, empowerment, building healthy relationships, or exploring new possibilities for growth.
You may be feeling disconnected from your partner, uncertain about trust, or struggling with intimacy or sexuality in ways that are difficult to name. Perhaps something has shifted—betrayal, secrecy, or emotional distance—and you're trying to understand what it means and how to move forward. You want clarity, stability, and a way to feel grounded again in your relationship or within yourself.
You may be feeling disconnected from your partner, uncertain about trust, or struggling with intimacy or sexuality in ways that are difficult to name. Perhaps something has shifted—betrayal, secrecy, or emotional distance—and you're trying to understand what it means and how to move forward. You want clarity, stability, and a way to feel grounded again in your relationship or within yourself.
Hey—warm welcome. I’m truly proud of you for taking the step to explore therapy. Finding the right therapist can feel daunting, and I’m honored you’re considering me to support you. As a Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor, I strive to create a safe, affirming space to explore how you arrived at this point in your life, deepen insight into your thoughts and emotions, and work together to move forward, cope more effectively, and reshape how you engage with the world. Whether you are navigating depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, mood disorders, identity-related stress, or other challenges, we will walk this path.
Hey—warm welcome. I’m truly proud of you for taking the step to explore therapy. Finding the right therapist can feel daunting, and I’m honored you’re considering me to support you. As a Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor, I strive to create a safe, affirming space to explore how you arrived at this point in your life, deepen insight into your thoughts and emotions, and work together to move forward, cope more effectively, and reshape how you engage with the world. Whether you are navigating depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, mood disorders, identity-related stress, or other challenges, we will walk this path.
You're parenting while healing from your own childhood wounds. You yell, shut down, or respond in ways that don't feel aligned with the parent you want to be. The mental load of household management and child-rearing isn't fairly distributed in your home and something needs to change. You're struggling with constant family conflict around screens, routines, and limits. You're helping a child heal from trauma while managing your own fear, anger, or grief. You're embarrassed or anxious about your child's behavior in public- you dread public meltdowns and calls home from school. Your kid's already in services and they're not working.
You're parenting while healing from your own childhood wounds. You yell, shut down, or respond in ways that don't feel aligned with the parent you want to be. The mental load of household management and child-rearing isn't fairly distributed in your home and something needs to change. You're struggling with constant family conflict around screens, routines, and limits. You're helping a child heal from trauma while managing your own fear, anger, or grief. You're embarrassed or anxious about your child's behavior in public- you dread public meltdowns and calls home from school. Your kid's already in services and they're not working.
I also welcome conversations about body image and food with compassion.
I believe in the healing power of a strong therapeutic relationship and collaborative conversations. Our time together should feel authentic and warm rather than clinical. Genuine human connection can be healing all by itself, and I'm here to help you take that experience a step further in whatever direction you want us go.
I also welcome conversations about body image and food with compassion.
I believe in the healing power of a strong therapeutic relationship and collaborative conversations. Our time together should feel authentic and warm rather than clinical. Genuine human connection can be healing all by itself, and I'm here to help you take that experience a step further in whatever direction you want us go.
We all go through times in our lives when we feel lost and overwhelmed. In our individually focused therapy sessions we will work together to gain insight into your current struggles. I want you to feel safe and comfortable so that real change can be made. When a person feels safe, they are able to be open and honest about their feelings.
We all go through times in our lives when we feel lost and overwhelmed. In our individually focused therapy sessions we will work together to gain insight into your current struggles. I want you to feel safe and comfortable so that real change can be made. When a person feels safe, they are able to be open and honest about their feelings.
You may look functional on the outside but feel stuck inside, struggling with intimacy, trust, communication, or repeating relationship patterns. You might carry trauma or attachment wounds and feel emotionally overwhelmed at times. You want deeper, healthier connections without losing yourself. Your goal is healing, clarity, and relationships rooted in safety, choice, and authenticity.
You may look functional on the outside but feel stuck inside, struggling with intimacy, trust, communication, or repeating relationship patterns. You might carry trauma or attachment wounds and feel emotionally overwhelmed at times. You want deeper, healthier connections without losing yourself. Your goal is healing, clarity, and relationships rooted in safety, choice, and authenticity.
See more therapy options for Saint Louis
Nearby Body Image Therapists Searches for Saint Louis
- Affton
- Brentwood
- Clayton
- Des Peres
- Kirkwood
- Ladue
- Maplewood
- Olivette
- Richmond Heights
- Sappington
- University City
- Webster Groves
Body Image Therapists
How does body image affect mental health?
Poor body image can influence mental health because it can reduce self-esteem and decrease functioning in other areas of one's life. Negative body image may hinder someone's ability to perform daily tasks, including professional and social responsibilities, because they may feel self-conscious or shame surrounding their appearance; a desire to change one's body as a result of negative body image can also trigger behaviors such as extreme dieting, excessive exercise, or obsessive social media comparison. Poor body image is associated with a number of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and eating disorders, although many people experience negative body image even in the absence of meeting the diagnostic criteria for any mental health disorders.
What does it mean to have a positive body image?
Body image refers to how one internally perceives their appearance and internally "talks" to themself about their body. Positive body image is therefore indicative of a positive perception of one's self and positive internal self-talk that underscores one's strengths. People who have good body image often have higher self-esteem, self-worth, and self-confidence, and they also often recognize how external factors, such as social media or relationship patterns, can influence body image. While body image can change at different life stages and in response to various triggers, practicing self-acceptance and a body-positive mindset can help maintain a more stable sense of positive body image.
Is body image the same as self-esteem?
Body image and self-esteem are often related, but they are distinct concepts. Self-esteem is a broader term that can be shaped by a number of factors outside of body image, including one's functioning at school or in the workplace; it refers to one's capacity to handle various life challenges. Poor body image can be one way in which one's self-esteem is reduced. Reduced self-esteem as a result of poor body image can cause individuals to feel negative about their appearance, withdraw from social interactions, and/or rely on harmful behaviors as a coping mechanism. A "body positive" approach to body image therapy is therefore often used to encourage a more positive view of one's self and thus encourage better self-esteem.
What type of therapy is best to foster a positive body image?
The type of therapy best suited to improve body image depends on each person, as there is not a single therapy specific to body image improvement. That said, many individuals with poor body image benefit from therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based therapy. CBT can be used to help challenge distorted or negative thoughts about one's body, while ACT and mindfulness practices can facilitate a more positive body image through self-acceptance and identification of one's personal strengths. Regardless of treatment type, clients should look for body image therapists who encourage the development of a sense of self outside of their external appearance and help clients reduce unwanted behaviors developed as a result of poor self-esteem, such as dieting or disordered eating patterns.