Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapists in Saint Louis, MO
I am a graduate of the University of Missouri- St. Louis School of Social Work ('10) and was born and raised on the west side of St. Louis city. I’m a licensed clinical social worker whose focus leans heavily toward women in all stages of life and interpersonal growth, people with Mental Health diagnoses, those who continue to be plagued by things that “happened to them” and even those persons with relationship or work concerns. I have spent the last 10 years as an outpatient therapist working in talk therapy with children to adults in the area of attachment and trauma issues.
I am a graduate of the University of Missouri- St. Louis School of Social Work ('10) and was born and raised on the west side of St. Louis city. I’m a licensed clinical social worker whose focus leans heavily toward women in all stages of life and interpersonal growth, people with Mental Health diagnoses, those who continue to be plagued by things that “happened to them” and even those persons with relationship or work concerns. I have spent the last 10 years as an outpatient therapist working in talk therapy with children to adults in the area of attachment and trauma issues.
My therapeutic approach primarily stems from Family Systems Theory.
I am fluent in Spanish, Portuguese and French, and I have worked in different countries with multicultural families for the last 25 years. My own experience as an immigrant in various countries has helped me vividly understand the multiple stressful factors that can arise when living abroad. I enjoy working with multicultural and chronic illness clients.
My therapeutic approach primarily stems from Family Systems Theory.
I am fluent in Spanish, Portuguese and French, and I have worked in different countries with multicultural families for the last 25 years. My own experience as an immigrant in various countries has helped me vividly understand the multiple stressful factors that can arise when living abroad. I enjoy working with multicultural and chronic illness clients.
Sometimes we just need a space where we can be honest about how we’re really doing. I’m here to hold that space and meet you wherever you are. I also specialize in helping people navigate anxiety, OCD, depression, and stress. Many come in feeling overwhelmed or lost, and together we move toward living by your values rather than your fears.
Sometimes we just need a space where we can be honest about how we’re really doing. I’m here to hold that space and meet you wherever you are. I also specialize in helping people navigate anxiety, OCD, depression, and stress. Many come in feeling overwhelmed or lost, and together we move toward living by your values rather than your fears.
I draw from Somatic Experiencing, IFS, sex therapy, and relational frameworks to help you build new experiences of safety, trust, and intimacy, in and beyond the therapy room.
You may feel stuck in cycles of disconnection. Craving intimacy but feeling blocked by fear, past wounds, or protective walls. You hold back, pull away, or stay silent when closeness feels too risky. These patterns are exhausting, and deep down, you long for safe, nourishing, and real connection. Whether you’re healing from relational trauma, struggling with communication, or feeling disconnected from yourself or a partner, you're here because something in you still hopes for repair and intimacy, and that hope matters.
I draw from Somatic Experiencing, IFS, sex therapy, and relational frameworks to help you build new experiences of safety, trust, and intimacy, in and beyond the therapy room.
You may feel stuck in cycles of disconnection. Craving intimacy but feeling blocked by fear, past wounds, or protective walls. You hold back, pull away, or stay silent when closeness feels too risky. These patterns are exhausting, and deep down, you long for safe, nourishing, and real connection. Whether you’re healing from relational trauma, struggling with communication, or feeling disconnected from yourself or a partner, you're here because something in you still hopes for repair and intimacy, and that hope matters.
I offer Telehealth only services. I provide a practical approach to therapy that focuses on integrating mind and body connection. I believe the best way to heal is to embrace our uniqueness and live from a place of creativity. I work with my clients on how to self-regulate, trust their intuition, and release trauma in the body so they can make room for more joy!
I offer Telehealth only services. I provide a practical approach to therapy that focuses on integrating mind and body connection. I believe the best way to heal is to embrace our uniqueness and live from a place of creativity. I work with my clients on how to self-regulate, trust their intuition, and release trauma in the body so they can make room for more joy!
Our sessions may include the use of EMDR, CBT, DBT, Family Systems Therapy, Gottman Therapy, Positive Parenting, Narrative Therapy, and Life Coaching skills as needed.
Life transitions are the new beginning; unfortunately, past experiences, insecurities, trauma, and grief can influence the present behavior & actions. Making life transitions emotionally exhausting while getting the same results exacerbating feelings of stuck-ness in the rut. If you are tired of starting over and want to learn Why, When, & How you self-sabotage your success & relationships, If you want to gain mastery over your emotions, have clarity, focus, and commitment to your life goals. Grow personally/professionally, feel more in control, and less stressed than I am the therapeutic coach you need. Online and self-pay only.
Our sessions may include the use of EMDR, CBT, DBT, Family Systems Therapy, Gottman Therapy, Positive Parenting, Narrative Therapy, and Life Coaching skills as needed.
Life transitions are the new beginning; unfortunately, past experiences, insecurities, trauma, and grief can influence the present behavior & actions. Making life transitions emotionally exhausting while getting the same results exacerbating feelings of stuck-ness in the rut. If you are tired of starting over and want to learn Why, When, & How you self-sabotage your success & relationships, If you want to gain mastery over your emotions, have clarity, focus, and commitment to your life goals. Grow personally/professionally, feel more in control, and less stressed than I am the therapeutic coach you need. Online and self-pay only.
I am trained in various modalities geared towards processing trauma and associated complex feelings such as IFS, Somatic psychology, and EFT.
Nothing you do seems to help you get out of this. You feel as if you are running in place, repeating yourself. It is time for another cook in the kitchen so to speak. I do not just want to be another person telling you things will be alright or it is fine; just push through. Whether it be depression, anxiety, family adjustment issues, or trauma related issues I am here to help you realize an internal strength you inherently possess.
I am trained in various modalities geared towards processing trauma and associated complex feelings such as IFS, Somatic psychology, and EFT.
Nothing you do seems to help you get out of this. You feel as if you are running in place, repeating yourself. It is time for another cook in the kitchen so to speak. I do not just want to be another person telling you things will be alright or it is fine; just push through. Whether it be depression, anxiety, family adjustment issues, or trauma related issues I am here to help you realize an internal strength you inherently possess.
You overthink texts, replay conversations for hours, and feel like you're constantly falling short, sound familiar? Maybe you’re the “strong friend” who seems fine on the outside, but inside, the pressure to be perfect is exhausting. I get it, I’ve been there too. Whether it’s anxiety, interpersonal relationships, or a loud inner critic, you just want to feel more secure, connected, and like you're actually enjoying life, not just managing it.
You overthink texts, replay conversations for hours, and feel like you're constantly falling short, sound familiar? Maybe you’re the “strong friend” who seems fine on the outside, but inside, the pressure to be perfect is exhausting. I get it, I’ve been there too. Whether it’s anxiety, interpersonal relationships, or a loud inner critic, you just want to feel more secure, connected, and like you're actually enjoying life, not just managing it.
I am EMDR certified and use IFS and Somatic Experiencing for trauma processing.
Please email only. When we're feeling hopeless and overwhelmed by the stresses of our lives, it can be really hard to take the first step- to do one more thing. It's a lot easier to cope when you're not alone. I work to develop collaborative relationships with my clients to alleviate symptoms and resolve underlying traumas as quickly as possible- with or with out homework- your choice.
I am EMDR certified and use IFS and Somatic Experiencing for trauma processing.
Please email only. When we're feeling hopeless and overwhelmed by the stresses of our lives, it can be really hard to take the first step- to do one more thing. It's a lot easier to cope when you're not alone. I work to develop collaborative relationships with my clients to alleviate symptoms and resolve underlying traumas as quickly as possible- with or with out homework- your choice.
My services may include the following modalities or approaches: Somatic Experiencing, Internal Family Systems Therapy, Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy & Integration, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (ACT), and Self-Compassion and Breathwork techniques.
I’m here to support you! I specialize in partnering with adults experiencing Anxiety, PTSD, Impaired Self-Esteem, Spiritual or Religious Stressors, Burnout and Compassion Fatigue. I provide Helping Professionals with a safe space to be vulnerable, explore a greater sense of Self (authenticity), address life concerns and improve self-care. My intuitive and inclusive style may also help you to feel seen, safe, and invited toward possibilities. I also specialize in supporting persons who identify as Empaths, Highly Sensitive and/or Neurodivergent.
My services may include the following modalities or approaches: Somatic Experiencing, Internal Family Systems Therapy, Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy & Integration, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (ACT), and Self-Compassion and Breathwork techniques.
I’m here to support you! I specialize in partnering with adults experiencing Anxiety, PTSD, Impaired Self-Esteem, Spiritual or Religious Stressors, Burnout and Compassion Fatigue. I provide Helping Professionals with a safe space to be vulnerable, explore a greater sense of Self (authenticity), address life concerns and improve self-care. My intuitive and inclusive style may also help you to feel seen, safe, and invited toward possibilities. I also specialize in supporting persons who identify as Empaths, Highly Sensitive and/or Neurodivergent.
I take my professionalism very seriously, but I'm not the vanilla therapist you see in movies; and I'm not everybody's flavor. I drink too much Diet Coke, my office has power recliners, I ask the hard questions, and I cuss a little. Levity and laughter is a tool for healing, and sometimes I do that too loud. I know if I’m not real, I can’t expect you to be either. It's important to me that I create a space you can be authentic in. A place you can become better equipped to navigate a world that feels emotionally unsafe. Being confident and calm in your body is your birthright and I believe, wholeheartedly, in your ability to heal.
I take my professionalism very seriously, but I'm not the vanilla therapist you see in movies; and I'm not everybody's flavor. I drink too much Diet Coke, my office has power recliners, I ask the hard questions, and I cuss a little. Levity and laughter is a tool for healing, and sometimes I do that too loud. I know if I’m not real, I can’t expect you to be either. It's important to me that I create a space you can be authentic in. A place you can become better equipped to navigate a world that feels emotionally unsafe. Being confident and calm in your body is your birthright and I believe, wholeheartedly, in your ability to heal.
Andrea Gutiérrez-Glik
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
1 Endorsed
Saint Louis, MO 63105
Waitlist for new clients
I am certified in EMDR and trained in IFS for EMDR.
Trauma, OCD, and anxiety rob us of the ability to fully enjoy our lives and express our authenticity. Both trauma & OCD require specialized therapeutic approaches to help individuals avoid staying stuck or, in some cases, experiencing symptom escalation. This is where my expertise comes in. With 15 years of experience, I’ve dedicated my practice to helping clients reconnect with themselves after trauma, those struggling with rumination, obsessions, compulsions & body-focused repetitive behaviors. I specialize in working with women, queer & trans folks, mental health professionals, people in recovery and those on fertility journeys.
I am certified in EMDR and trained in IFS for EMDR.
Trauma, OCD, and anxiety rob us of the ability to fully enjoy our lives and express our authenticity. Both trauma & OCD require specialized therapeutic approaches to help individuals avoid staying stuck or, in some cases, experiencing symptom escalation. This is where my expertise comes in. With 15 years of experience, I’ve dedicated my practice to helping clients reconnect with themselves after trauma, those struggling with rumination, obsessions, compulsions & body-focused repetitive behaviors. I specialize in working with women, queer & trans folks, mental health professionals, people in recovery and those on fertility journeys.
Hello! I am currently on maternity leave and am not seeing clients at this time. If you would like to begin counseling with me in March 2026, please email me or leave me a voicemail. While you won't hear back from me immediately, I will reach out to you in February. I look forward to working with you!
Hello! I am currently on maternity leave and am not seeing clients at this time. If you would like to begin counseling with me in March 2026, please email me or leave me a voicemail. While you won't hear back from me immediately, I will reach out to you in February. I look forward to working with you!
My trained experience in EMDR, DBT, IFS and TF-CBT therapies provides integrated treatment to clients that need immediate and long-term treatment.
Confronting life’s problems is a painful process which most folks want to avoid. Unfortunately, avoiding the problems just results in more pain. I believe that learning to radically accept life as it happens helps us to manage and embrace the temporary distress that comes from life’s disappointments. When we learn to tolerate distress, we improve the quality of our lives. Improving our lives means that we exact peace and power during times of celebration and disappointment. It is my goal to validate my client's experiences while providing them the skills needed to fully embrace the peaks and tolerate the valleys of life.
My trained experience in EMDR, DBT, IFS and TF-CBT therapies provides integrated treatment to clients that need immediate and long-term treatment.
Confronting life’s problems is a painful process which most folks want to avoid. Unfortunately, avoiding the problems just results in more pain. I believe that learning to radically accept life as it happens helps us to manage and embrace the temporary distress that comes from life’s disappointments. When we learn to tolerate distress, we improve the quality of our lives. Improving our lives means that we exact peace and power during times of celebration and disappointment. It is my goal to validate my client's experiences while providing them the skills needed to fully embrace the peaks and tolerate the valleys of life.
There's this lingering sense of negativity, self-doubt, and not being good enough. Stress is accumulating and the demands you're facing are outweighing your resources. Your drive to reach goals, connect with others, and enjoy life is declining. You notice that same cycle of perfectionism, anxiety, and shame repeating itself, causing you to feel trapped, overwhelmed, and powerless. It's not just affecting your mind. It's also taking a toll on your body and your relationships. Avoid the burnout. Make a choice to make a change.
There's this lingering sense of negativity, self-doubt, and not being good enough. Stress is accumulating and the demands you're facing are outweighing your resources. Your drive to reach goals, connect with others, and enjoy life is declining. You notice that same cycle of perfectionism, anxiety, and shame repeating itself, causing you to feel trapped, overwhelmed, and powerless. It's not just affecting your mind. It's also taking a toll on your body and your relationships. Avoid the burnout. Make a choice to make a change.
Are you struggling with anxiety, codependency, and/or depression? Are you having a hard time navigating your loved one's substance use disorder or their recovery journey? 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.
Are you struggling with anxiety, codependency, and/or depression? Are you having a hard time navigating your loved one's substance use disorder or their recovery journey? 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.
Hello! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with almost a decade of experience working with parents, young adults, and families with a variety of concerns. Adapting to life changes, parenting challenges, anxiety and depression, self harming thoughts and behaviors, trauma/abuse history, family conflict, and ADHD are areas that I feel most comfortable helping clients navigate through. I help support children and parents after trauma or abuse, experiencing anxiety, depression, grief or with autism, Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) and other mental health diagnoses or developmental delays.
Hello! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with almost a decade of experience working with parents, young adults, and families with a variety of concerns. Adapting to life changes, parenting challenges, anxiety and depression, self harming thoughts and behaviors, trauma/abuse history, family conflict, and ADHD are areas that I feel most comfortable helping clients navigate through. I help support children and parents after trauma or abuse, experiencing anxiety, depression, grief or with autism, Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) and other mental health diagnoses or developmental delays.
Also experienced in: Aging and Geriatric Issues, Cancer, Hospice and End of Life Counseling Clinical approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Family Systems Colleagues say of Kevin: He is quick witted!
Kevin has experience in helping clients with depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, anger management, communication skill building, coping with life changes, relationship issues, grief and loss, self-esteem, and stress. Kevin has significant work with persons living with grief and persons having relationship challenges. Currently, Kevin works full time as a counselor for LifeStance Health in St. Peter's Missouri both in office and online. Kevin believes in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. Kevin has repeatedly had offenders ask for him to be their counselor.
Also experienced in: Aging and Geriatric Issues, Cancer, Hospice and End of Life Counseling Clinical approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Family Systems Colleagues say of Kevin: He is quick witted!
Kevin has experience in helping clients with depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, anger management, communication skill building, coping with life changes, relationship issues, grief and loss, self-esteem, and stress. Kevin has significant work with persons living with grief and persons having relationship challenges. Currently, Kevin works full time as a counselor for LifeStance Health in St. Peter's Missouri both in office and online. Kevin believes in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. Kevin has repeatedly had offenders ask for him to be their counselor.
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.
I utilize cognitive behavioral therapy techniques, Internal Family Systems, and EMDR to help you address your negative and/or self-defeating beliefs and create more positive, realistic thoughts and beliefs.
Are you struggling to find meaning and purpose in your life? Maybe you struggle with negative, self-defeating thoughts and beliefs that may cause depression and/or anxiety.
I utilize cognitive behavioral therapy techniques, Internal Family Systems, and EMDR to help you address your negative and/or self-defeating beliefs and create more positive, realistic thoughts and beliefs.
Are you struggling to find meaning and purpose in your life? Maybe you struggle with negative, self-defeating thoughts and beliefs that may cause depression and/or anxiety.
See more therapy options for Saint Louis
Nearby Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapists Searches for Saint Louis
- Brentwood
- Clayton
- Des Peres
- Frontenac
- Kirkwood
- Ladue
- Maplewood
- Olivette
- Richmond Heights
- Sappington
- University City
- Webster Groves
Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapists
What is Internal Family Systems therapy?
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a type of talk therapy that focuses on sub-personalities, or “families,” within a person, which may be made up of wounded parts and unpleasant emotions like anger and shame. These sub-personalities can come into conflict with each other and with an individual’s core Self, leaving the person feeling detached from positive traits such as the “8 C’s” of confidence, calmness, creativity, clarity, curiosity, courage, compassion, and connectedness. By healing a patient’s wounded parts, a therapist aims to restore balance and bring on positive change.
How does Internal Family Systems therapy work?
An IFS therapist will work with a patient to identify their particular sub-personalities, recognize the emotions powering them, and release them. By doing so, the patient should become more able to address any underlying problems their sub-personalities may have been trying to protect them from. Ultimately, a patient discovers ways to manage internal and external conflicts on their own, through techniques such as relaxation exercises, journaling, and making charts depicting the relationships between their core Self and their distinct parts.
Does Internal Family Systems therapy work?
IFS therapy has been shown to help people address conditions such as depression, anxiety, panic, fears and phobias, trauma, and substance use disorders. Some research has also found that it can help individuals deal with symptoms of physical health conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, such as pain, everyday functioning, depressive feelings, and low self-compassion. There are some conditions for which IFS treatment, specifically discussions of one’s “parts,” may be less appropriate, such as schizophrenia or other states that involve psychosis or paranoia.
How long does Internal Family Systems therapy take?
As with most forms of talk therapy, there is no set duration or end point for IFS therapy. After becoming comfortable with a therapist and the core concepts of IFS, some patients quickly make progress. While experiences vary, most will find that it is a relatively longer-term therapy, involving months and sometimes years of sessions.