Optum Therapists in Saint Louis, MO

I am here for you as you are right now... I can imagine that right now things may not be the way you want them. Do you find yourself feeling unsettled? Feeling stuck and just can't seem to make important changes? Find that powerful emotions keep taking you off track from what you truly want? Have you had painful events occur and have noticed you're not quite the same anymore? ... For 10+ years I've been helping people build a life full of meaning. Which often means figuring out how to make important changes while also finding acceptance. This can mean resolving past painful events, boosting skills and/or resolving current problems.

I am a licensed clinical social worker who practices both individual and couples therapy. I have extensive experience working with client's from diverse backgrounds. My training as a social worker has given me the understanding of how both childhood and current life circumstances impact people. I work to assist client's in understanding how they deal with these problems. My goal is never to provide answers for people, but to help people to understand themselves so that they can function and operate independently of their conflicts and problems.

If your behavior does not reflect your core potential, make this your day to initiate personal growth & evolutionary change. Learn how to discover and employ your personal power to activate transformation! As a Personal Empowerment Coach, I help clients learn cognitive restructuring and behavior modification techniques to release their "authentic self" making change operational in their everyday life. I address physical, mental, emotional & spiritual issues through a wellness paradigm vs. symptom treatment approach. My philosophy is framed from a strength based perspective, "what's well with you" not "what's wrong with you".

I seek to provide counseling to couples and individuals, both adults and adolescents. I work with interpersonal, relationship issues including: family of origin dynamics, trauma and maladaptive coping patterns, marriage and pre-marital counseling, improving communication skills, self-image and identity, managing anger, and men's sexual addiction.

I provide services that strengthen individuals, couples, families, and adolescents.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor 20 years of experience working both as a therapist and doing community-based crisis intervention. I enjoy helping clients to maximize their potential by focusing upon their strengths and past successes. I believe that therapy is a cooperative endeavor that should assist the client in discovering his/her/their own abilities and coping strategies. I relish the opportunity to support clients through trying situations and to help them to process grief. I have spoken at conferences on HIV/AIDS, work with LGBTQIA clients, and other topics. I served on the HIV service funding Planning Council.

I have a diverse background in the evidence-based treatment of persons with trauma, eating disorders, co-occurring disorders, anxiety, mood disorders, LGBTQIA+ challenges and gender dysphoria. For clients with PTSD and other trauma, common goals include symptom reduction, coping, exploration and healing. With eating disorders, my practice is most appropriate for clients who have attended a higher level of care (e.g. Intensive Outpatient, Residential, PHP) and are looking to confront issues underlying the eating disorder. Clients seeking gender affirming care will find support with expression, transition, relationships and more.

***CURRENTLY OPERATING A WAIT LIST FOR NEW PATIENTS****. My style of counseling blends deep emotional work with tangible, behavioral change. I have over 18 years and 18,000 hours of experience helping people of diverse backgrounds to navigate through dark times in their lives. I have REAL hope that people can overcome depression, calm anxiety, be transformed through grief, and find their peaceful center in the midst of over-stimulation and busyness. I love helping angry, estranged couples find connection and re-create intimacy. I enjoy helping people find psychological relief in the presence of physical pain.

Unfortunately, in this world, people experience trauma and oppression daily. This constant stress impacts the way we feel and causes anxiety or depression. Additionally, we all need support from someone who understands our cultural experiences. Now, you can have mental health support from someone who understands your unique experiences. What do you have to lose? Give us a call today! Remember, we are providing services in Missouri, Illinois, Tennessee, New York, & Texas. Get your free consultation today. You belong here!