Emotionally Focused Therapists in Saint Louis, MO
I use a comprehensive Therapy Blueprint I developed, integrating developmental history, attachment, intergenerational patterns, emotionally focused therapy, relational neuroscience, and cognitive-emotional assessment to guide our work.
Did you know that the quality of your relationships is one of the strongest predictors of happiness, health, and overall wellbeing? If you are ready to move beyond relationship patterns that no longer serve you and step into a more aligned and fulfilling life, you are in the right place.
I am a therapist grounded in relational neuroscience and depth-oriented psychotherapy, integrating brain-based, emotional, and heart-based approaches. With over 25 years of clinical experience and doctoral-level training, I work with high-achieving professionals, executives, professional athletes, and individuals navigating major life transitions.
I use a comprehensive Therapy Blueprint I developed, integrating developmental history, attachment, intergenerational patterns, emotionally focused therapy, relational neuroscience, and cognitive-emotional assessment to guide our work.
Did you know that the quality of your relationships is one of the strongest predictors of happiness, health, and overall wellbeing? If you are ready to move beyond relationship patterns that no longer serve you and step into a more aligned and fulfilling life, you are in the right place.
I am a therapist grounded in relational neuroscience and depth-oriented psychotherapy, integrating brain-based, emotional, and heart-based approaches. With over 25 years of clinical experience and doctoral-level training, I work with high-achieving professionals, executives, professional athletes, and individuals navigating major life transitions.
My therapeutic framework is relational, interpersonal, emotionally focused and developmental.
I work with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families from a relational, trauma informed, attachment informed, developmental perspective. Trained in child psychotherapy, couples therapy and family therapy, I work to understand clients within the context of their primary and family relationships. I especially enjoy working with couples and families. I work to identify the emotional and interpersonal obstacles to further growth, and build on the strength and resilience of the individual, couple and family. .I have experience working with children and adolescents experiencing the full range of emotional, social and developmental difficulties.
My therapeutic framework is relational, interpersonal, emotionally focused and developmental.
I work with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families from a relational, trauma informed, attachment informed, developmental perspective. Trained in child psychotherapy, couples therapy and family therapy, I work to understand clients within the context of their primary and family relationships. I especially enjoy working with couples and families. I work to identify the emotional and interpersonal obstacles to further growth, and build on the strength and resilience of the individual, couple and family. .I have experience working with children and adolescents experiencing the full range of emotional, social and developmental difficulties.
Laura Miller Benchie
Counselor, LPC, NBCC, ATR-BC
2 Endorsed
Saint Louis, MO 63141
Waitlist for new clients
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and an Art Therapist. I have more than 25 years of experience assisting adults, adolescents and children to improve their mental health. Its important to me to provide effective individualized care specific to each client. I can offer traditional talk therapy with as well as art therapy. If you struggle with depression, anxiety, grief, relationships and many other challenges, I will work with you to identify your goals, build on your strengths and promote positive change where desired.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and an Art Therapist. I have more than 25 years of experience assisting adults, adolescents and children to improve their mental health. Its important to me to provide effective individualized care specific to each client. I can offer traditional talk therapy with as well as art therapy. If you struggle with depression, anxiety, grief, relationships and many other challenges, I will work with you to identify your goals, build on your strengths and promote positive change where desired.
You may feel stuck in anxiety, disconnection, or repeating relationship patterns. Trauma may still live in your body, making intimacy or self-trust hard. You want to feel calmer, more grounded, and more like yourself but aren’t sure where to start. Our work can be a space to slow down, listen inward, and begin healing the parts of you that have been silenced or forgotten.
You may feel stuck in anxiety, disconnection, or repeating relationship patterns. Trauma may still live in your body, making intimacy or self-trust hard. You want to feel calmer, more grounded, and more like yourself but aren’t sure where to start. Our work can be a space to slow down, listen inward, and begin healing the parts of you that have been silenced or forgotten.
Welcome! I'm Sylvia Lawson-Cook, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. With over 25 years of experience, I am dedicated to helping individuals navigate life's challenges and heal from trauma. I am part of the LGBTQIA+ community and have lived experience with trauma, which allows me to connect deeply with my clients.
Welcome! I'm Sylvia Lawson-Cook, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. With over 25 years of experience, I am dedicated to helping individuals navigate life's challenges and heal from trauma. I am part of the LGBTQIA+ community and have lived experience with trauma, which allows me to connect deeply with my clients.
New Dawn Family Healing-Creve Coeur, Missouri
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Saint Louis, MO 63141
We believe in creating an open, safe, non-judgmental, and compassionate therapeutic environment that is informed by structure to help you make the changes necessary to build the life that you want. We also believe in an equally kind and direct stylistic approach, coupled with a strong emphasis on collaboration. In our work together, we will provide you with scientifically studied tools to help move you in the direction you wish to go.
We believe in creating an open, safe, non-judgmental, and compassionate therapeutic environment that is informed by structure to help you make the changes necessary to build the life that you want. We also believe in an equally kind and direct stylistic approach, coupled with a strong emphasis on collaboration. In our work together, we will provide you with scientifically studied tools to help move you in the direction you wish to go.
I use Internal Family Systems (IFS), Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT), and Person-Centered Therapy because together, they provide a compassionate, attachment-focused, and client-led approach that helps individuals and couples deepen self-awareness, heal emotional wounds, and build stronger, more authentic connections within themselves and in their relationships.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, navigating a big life transition, struggling in your relationships, or carrying the weight of unresolved trauma? You’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it out alone either. I’m a trauma-informed, person-centered therapist offering compassionate support for individuals and couples navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, work stress, relationship concerns, identity shifts, and reproductive health. I also integrate Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy to help clients explore parts of themselves—like the inner child, protective parts, or anxious parts—with curiosity and care.
I use Internal Family Systems (IFS), Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT), and Person-Centered Therapy because together, they provide a compassionate, attachment-focused, and client-led approach that helps individuals and couples deepen self-awareness, heal emotional wounds, and build stronger, more authentic connections within themselves and in their relationships.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, navigating a big life transition, struggling in your relationships, or carrying the weight of unresolved trauma? You’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it out alone either. I’m a trauma-informed, person-centered therapist offering compassionate support for individuals and couples navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, work stress, relationship concerns, identity shifts, and reproductive health. I also integrate Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy to help clients explore parts of themselves—like the inner child, protective parts, or anxious parts—with curiosity and care.
Elaine Krull
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, NCC
2 Endorsed
Saint Louis, MO 63143
Waitlist for new clients
My work is focused on creating a safe, warm, and inviting space for individuals and couples to receive therapy. Many of the couples I work with experience poor communication, lack of trust, and resistance to change. I believe those who are open to change and self-awareness are those who will benefit the most. I also enjoy working with individuals. You may be struggling with interpersonal issues. You may feel unsure of your identity and of the things you want in life. For both couples and individuals, my job is to walk with you on the path toward happiness and contentedness.
My work is focused on creating a safe, warm, and inviting space for individuals and couples to receive therapy. Many of the couples I work with experience poor communication, lack of trust, and resistance to change. I believe those who are open to change and self-awareness are those who will benefit the most. I also enjoy working with individuals. You may be struggling with interpersonal issues. You may feel unsure of your identity and of the things you want in life. For both couples and individuals, my job is to walk with you on the path toward happiness and contentedness.
Ashley Shipman, EMDR therapist in St. Louis
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LCPC
Saint Louis, MO 63132
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.
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.
I am trauma-informed therapist that has experience working with a diverse population that includes children, adolescents and adults. Dedicated to creating an inclusive environment, I continue my training throughout the year to effectively serve marginalized communities, including those related to the LGBTQIA community. Born and raised in St. Louis City, I am aware of some of the treasures and challenges that come from living in the area. However, I remain committed to serving the systemic issues that face the clientele in other states, including California and Texas. I strive to provide a safe, client-focused environment.
I am trauma-informed therapist that has experience working with a diverse population that includes children, adolescents and adults. Dedicated to creating an inclusive environment, I continue my training throughout the year to effectively serve marginalized communities, including those related to the LGBTQIA community. Born and raised in St. Louis City, I am aware of some of the treasures and challenges that come from living in the area. However, I remain committed to serving the systemic issues that face the clientele in other states, including California and Texas. I strive to provide a safe, client-focused environment.
Meet Jocelyn Throughout my life, I have experienced and witnessed the healing power of therapy in several different ways. It was through these personal experiences that I learned first hand how instrumental the relationship between a client and a therapist can be in facilitating healing and lasting change. These experiences solidified my desire to help others have similar positive experiences. I believe relationships we have with the people we love most, have a profound impact on our happiness, health and ability to thrive. Life can make it hard to take care of those relationships.
Meet Jocelyn Throughout my life, I have experienced and witnessed the healing power of therapy in several different ways. It was through these personal experiences that I learned first hand how instrumental the relationship between a client and a therapist can be in facilitating healing and lasting change. These experiences solidified my desire to help others have similar positive experiences. I believe relationships we have with the people we love most, have a profound impact on our happiness, health and ability to thrive. Life can make it hard to take care of those relationships.
You've always been there for everyone. You have so many responsibilities and goals and things that just have to get done and you don't have time to feel bad. Yet you wake up asking yourself, "Why does life feel so hard now?" At various time and to various degrees you're feeling overwhelmed, depressed and anxious or worn out. You push through your day, often coping in ways you know aren't healthy. There is also some pain from your past that you try to ignore and think, "Shouldn't I be over this? Why can't I just move on?" Some relationships have grown difficult. and you'd like to work on them but think: "Where would I even start?"
You've always been there for everyone. You have so many responsibilities and goals and things that just have to get done and you don't have time to feel bad. Yet you wake up asking yourself, "Why does life feel so hard now?" At various time and to various degrees you're feeling overwhelmed, depressed and anxious or worn out. You push through your day, often coping in ways you know aren't healthy. There is also some pain from your past that you try to ignore and think, "Shouldn't I be over this? Why can't I just move on?" Some relationships have grown difficult. and you'd like to work on them but think: "Where would I even start?"
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.
August 2026- Accepting new clients! Finding a therapist who actually gets it can feel like a full-time job. If you’re queer, trans, nonmonogamous, kinky, questioning, or just not fitting neatly into the boxes the world hands out, you might be used to doing a lot of explaining. You won’t have to do that here.
I specialize in working with queer folks, couples, and people in nontraditional relationships—including poly and nonmonogamous partnerships. I also support clients exploring sexuality, gender identity, and all the messy, meaningful, sometimes confusing parts of being human.
August 2026- Accepting new clients! Finding a therapist who actually gets it can feel like a full-time job. If you’re queer, trans, nonmonogamous, kinky, questioning, or just not fitting neatly into the boxes the world hands out, you might be used to doing a lot of explaining. You won’t have to do that here.
I specialize in working with queer folks, couples, and people in nontraditional relationships—including poly and nonmonogamous partnerships. I also support clients exploring sexuality, gender identity, and all the messy, meaningful, sometimes confusing parts of being human.
We will pay close attention to what you are experiencing in your body during session and utilizing breathe work, visualization and EFT tapping for a sense of inner calm.
Life can present us with a myriad of troubles. Sometimes we get stuck in survival mode; we’ve spent years just getting by or we’ve been knee deep in struggle. Maybe you’re tired? Tired of sadness, anger, hopelessness, physical pain, and anxiety. You’re ready for change, but need someone you can be honest with. Someone who won’t judge you, but will gently help you walk in new paths and gain the freedom and healing that you long for.
We will pay close attention to what you are experiencing in your body during session and utilizing breathe work, visualization and EFT tapping for a sense of inner calm.
Life can present us with a myriad of troubles. Sometimes we get stuck in survival mode; we’ve spent years just getting by or we’ve been knee deep in struggle. Maybe you’re tired? Tired of sadness, anger, hopelessness, physical pain, and anxiety. You’re ready for change, but need someone you can be honest with. Someone who won’t judge you, but will gently help you walk in new paths and gain the freedom and healing that you long for.
Something’s not right, and maybe it hasn’t been for a while, but you know it’s time to make some changes. If you (or you & your partner) need help making that change, I’d be honored to work with you. I take a flexible approach, bringing thoughtfulness and creativity to the process to meet you where you are. Here are areas I help with most often: anxiety & stress, depression, couples counseling (Gottman Method), trauma (Brainspotting), career & life design, substance use & addiction, men's issues, life transitions, anger, & grief. I also specialize in helping athletes and artists improve their performance through Brainspotting.
Something’s not right, and maybe it hasn’t been for a while, but you know it’s time to make some changes. If you (or you & your partner) need help making that change, I’d be honored to work with you. I take a flexible approach, bringing thoughtfulness and creativity to the process to meet you where you are. Here are areas I help with most often: anxiety & stress, depression, couples counseling (Gottman Method), trauma (Brainspotting), career & life design, substance use & addiction, men's issues, life transitions, anger, & grief. I also specialize in helping athletes and artists improve their performance through Brainspotting.
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, or stress? Going through a major life transition like a career change or academic challenges? If you’re feeling overwhelmed by life’s complexities and seeking clarity, personal growth, or emotional balance, you’re not alone. Many people face challenges around their identity, career, relationships, or life purpose. Your goal might be to better understand yourself, manage stress, and develop practical tools to navigate life’s ups and downs. You deserve to feel grounded, confident, and connected, working toward a greater sense of well-being and fulfillment.
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, or stress? Going through a major life transition like a career change or academic challenges? If you’re feeling overwhelmed by life’s complexities and seeking clarity, personal growth, or emotional balance, you’re not alone. Many people face challenges around their identity, career, relationships, or life purpose. Your goal might be to better understand yourself, manage stress, and develop practical tools to navigate life’s ups and downs. You deserve to feel grounded, confident, and connected, working toward a greater sense of well-being and fulfillment.
Her work often draws from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), EMDR, Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT), trauma-informed care, and attachment theory.
Many of us long for genuine connection and a true sense of safety—both within ourselves and in our relationships with others. We may seek to better understand who we are and where we come from, or we may long for tools and insight to feel more grounded as we face life’s challenges. Whatever brings you here, Emily considers it an honor to walk alongside you. She is committed to building a safe, trusting therapeutic relationship—one that fosters healing, growth, and meaningful change. Her approach is personalized, honoring each person’s uniqueness, dignity, and worth.
Her work often draws from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), EMDR, Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT), trauma-informed care, and attachment theory.
Many of us long for genuine connection and a true sense of safety—both within ourselves and in our relationships with others. We may seek to better understand who we are and where we come from, or we may long for tools and insight to feel more grounded as we face life’s challenges. Whatever brings you here, Emily considers it an honor to walk alongside you. She is committed to building a safe, trusting therapeutic relationship—one that fosters healing, growth, and meaningful change. Her approach is personalized, honoring each person’s uniqueness, dignity, and worth.
Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Missouri and Illinois. I have experience working with children, adolescents and adults from diverse backgrounds and in a variety of settings. Life comes with many challenges and we often find ourselves overwhelmed by what has come our way. I want to empower people and focus on internal strengths, improving resilience and changing your worldview. Whether you are looking for short-term or long-term counseling, I will work with you to achieve a greater self-fulfillment.
Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Missouri and Illinois. I have experience working with children, adolescents and adults from diverse backgrounds and in a variety of settings. Life comes with many challenges and we often find ourselves overwhelmed by what has come our way. I want to empower people and focus on internal strengths, improving resilience and changing your worldview. Whether you are looking for short-term or long-term counseling, I will work with you to achieve a greater self-fulfillment.
Hi folks! I'm Zori and I have a decade of experience and enjoy working one-on-one with teens and adults from diverse backgrounds and presenting issues, including those from the Black and/or LGBTQ+ communities. I offer a supportive, affirming space for all of my clients where you can explore intersecting identities, relationships, stress, and life transitions at your own pace. My approach is collaborative and grounded in understanding how culture, systems, and lived experiences shape how we feel and cope. Therapy with me is about feeling seen, building insight, and moving toward a life that feels more authentic and sustainable.
Hi folks! I'm Zori and I have a decade of experience and enjoy working one-on-one with teens and adults from diverse backgrounds and presenting issues, including those from the Black and/or LGBTQ+ communities. I offer a supportive, affirming space for all of my clients where you can explore intersecting identities, relationships, stress, and life transitions at your own pace. My approach is collaborative and grounded in understanding how culture, systems, and lived experiences shape how we feel and cope. Therapy with me is about feeling seen, building insight, and moving toward a life that feels more authentic and sustainable.
See more therapy options for Saint Louis
Nearby Emotionally Focused Therapists Searches for Saint Louis
- Affton
- Brentwood
- Clayton
- Jennings
- Kirkwood
- Ladue
- Maplewood
- Olivette
- Richmond Heights
- Sappington
- University City
- Webster Groves
Emotionally Focused Therapists
Who is emotionally focused therapy for?
Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) is for couples who are emotionally distressed, stuck in an unsatisfying relationship pattern or feeling deeply alienated. They may even believe the relationship is beyond repair. Very often, the partners display intense anger, fear, grief, loss of trust, or a sense of betrayal in the relationship. In addition, EFT is helpful to couples and individuals who have difficulty expressing emotions and those who have trouble regulating emotions.
Why do people need emotionally focused therapy?
People need emotionally focused therapy because the need for others is built into the brain, but the pressures of daily life can erode feelings of love, and couples often do not have the skills to find their way back to the comfort of each other. Instead, they may be stuck in repetitive patterns of anger, fear, grief, loss of trust, or a sense of betrayal. Emotionally focused therapy regards such strong negative feelings as expressions of protest over the loss of connection and turns them into pathways of reconnection.
What happens in emotionally focused therapy?
Over the course of eight to 20 weekly sessions, couples de-escalate their negative emotional reactivity to one another so that they can listen to each other and be responsive to each other’s needs. Then the deep emotional and physical bond is restored, giving partners a sense of comfort and security, which they can use to solve whatever problems come their way. The therapist plays an active role, helping partners understand how anger and withdrawal are actually misguided cries for connection.
What problems does emotionally focused therapy treat?
EFT is designed to help couples stuck in dysfunctional relationship patterns regain closeness and rebuild their relationship. Typically, such couples experience considerable distress, with partners feeling alienated and distrustful of one another, not certain their relationship can survive. EFT is also helpful to individuals experiencing attachment-related fears of loss; it helps them learn to use their fears as a way of eliciting the closeness they desire.