Therapists in University City, MO

I hold two doctorates one in psychology and a master's degree in clinical mental health care, and professional counseling making me a highly qualified professional counselor, clinician, and therapist. Additionally, I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR). My expertise lies in providing talk therapy to individuals of all ages, including adolescents, adults, seniors, families, and groups. To ensure the best outcomes for my clients, I utilize cognitive-behavioral therapy as an initial approach. This allows me to effectively address their specific situations and circumstances.

One of my greatest joys is helping people from all walks of life, including couples, teens, young adults and families. My heart is to help each client understand themselves, their environment, as well as their relationships, in addition to the past and present, which sets the stage for fostering positive experiences and embracing new possibilities. I take a “down to earth” holistic person-centered approach to counseling, tailoring each client’s therapy with a unique mix of clinical theory and spiritual truth at the client’s pace. Psychoeducation and Bibliotherapy are integral to my approach, ensuring care for the spirit and soul!

In my practice I work with families and children who have experienced trauma and are having attachment difficulties. Many children I see have pre-verbal trauma from parental stress during pregnancy, adoption, neglect, or abuse. Some of the children I see are experiencing traumatic stress due to gender fluidity or gender dysphoria. Because trauma is the result of feeling helpless in a situation, many of the families I see have never thought of their child's behavior as a symptom of a life trauma. This shift in perspective is often the beginning of the healing process.

Our patients are individuals, couples or groups who have been struggling with depression, anxiety, mood disorder and other behavioral challenges that have made ordinary day to day functioning impossible or extremely difficult. Through evidence-based clinical mental health therapy that includes EMDR, CBT, DBT, and SFBT, we assess, and diagnose individuals, couples and groups providing evidenced-based treatment plans.

A basic theme in behavior can be viewed as a directional thought process. If we think it, believe it, we can become it. This thought process can apply to how one handles a problem. There are times that problems interfere with daily life in such a way that it grows into an overwhelming place of emotional discord in our personal and/or professional lives. Stress, anxiety, depression, and premarital/marital issues can be metaphorically high on the Richter scale for mental health therapy. These factors can also be connected to deeper issues related to human behavior. Welcome services are provided for individuals, couples, and families.

Unbeknownst to many, the stigma associated with therapy is lifting. Society is learning and realizing overall health needs to be a non-negotiable. My passion lies in supporting/educating clients on what trauma actually is (and is not) and how to effectively heal. My ideal client is ready to do some hard work and is willing to be challenged. You are curious and brave enough to look inside and identify road blocks, get honest with self, work on vulnerability, improve awareness, and face your fears. Together, we will identify and dig out the roots that no longer serve you and cultivate a healthier and more fulfilling path.

I have extensive training in trauma, addiction, depression and anxiety, as well as stress and adjustment. I address the whole person in treatment planning. Individuals that work with me are empowered and encourages to meet their selected goal to achieve balance in their lives. We work together to form goals and I help you navigate the journey to wellness. We will use the body as a resource, as well as art, movement and poetry if a person chooses.This is a veteran owned business. I served 27 years in the United States Navy as a Hospital Corpsman (Medic), I work with first Responders and thrir families, veterans and MST.

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.

It is my belief that as many paths to wholeness exist as were, are, or will be, people on this planet. Walking our individual paths in pursuit of meaning and purpose is a universal goal. Sometimes life presents us with vexing challenges just when we are determined to accomplish personally and or collectively valuable goals. Or our growth is impeded by painful events that happen to us during the course of living. The path & or goal becomes unclear. And so, my role in the therapeutic process is akin to a guide. Recommending, encouraging, questioning, witnessing you seek to find the best possible expression of your unique wholeness.

I have several years of experience and training in the field of sex addiction and betrayal trauma and am currently a Certified Sex Addiction Specialist (CSAT) through International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals (IITAP).

I’ve spent over 20 years helping people go places they were reluctant to go, say things they were only thinking, and become the person they always wanted to be. You know what kind of person you want to be, but it’s hard to get there on your own. You want someone along for the ride. You and me. Let’s go places.

Starting therapy can be anxiety-provoking and scary. You are already making the steps to finding someone to start the process of caring for yourself. I am dedicated to helping you gain control of your life and assist you in making changes to become the person you desire to be. I provide a secure and nurturing environment for you to explore deep into yourself and uncover past experiences or beliefs that could be hindering growth. I work a lot with people who have experienced trauma and understand the importance of the process of working through trauma including teaching relaxation and self-regulation techniques.

Therapeutic relationship has a pivotal role in facilitating clients' progress and growth. It allows for the development of trust, empathy, and rapport which are essential for promoting insight, healing, and positive change. During therapy, clients can explore the significance of transgenerational patterns, attachment experiences, internalized relational models, and core beliefs.

Are you struggling to prioritize your own needs, but you’re able to take care of everyone else’s? Are you exhausted but unable to rest peacefully? Do you doubt yourself and minimize your accomplishments? Mental health care is different for people of color and LGBTQIA+ individuals. You may face unique hardships, including discrimination, affecting your mental health. Traditional therapy can feel inadequate, but, as a black female therapist, Cherese M. Alcorn, MSW, LCSW, offers a profound understanding and empathetic approach. She aids high-achievers in balancing their mind, body, and spirit so they can lead effectively.

Are you struggling with Substance Use or Alcohol Use Disorders? Sana Lake Recovery Center is the place for you. At Sana Lake Recovery, we offer a full system of care without the long wait to see licensed providers. Addiction treatment is not a one-size-fits-all solution which is why we offer personalized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs.

Do you feel like no one understands what you're going through and like you have to constantly explain yourself? We all have bumps along the road and I am here to provide you with the support needed in order to get through them. I provide therapeutic services through a "person-centered" approach and allow for clients I am working with to take the driver's seat and determine where we go and what aspects of concern we will talk about in session. I am here to listen, help you create positive change in your life, and provide you with skills necessary to handle everyday hurdles you encounter.

What would it look like to feel safe in your body? What would it look like to be whole? What might it feel like to love yourself authentically and wholeheartedly? These simple but profound questions call out to us and point us toward possibility and hope. Nobody has life 100% down, but healing and ongoing well-being are genuinely possible. Let’s do this together! I have special interest and experience working with adolescents and adults surrounding perinatal mental health, depression, anxiety, relationships, and life transitions, as well as trauma and PTSD related to issues of race, and community violence.

LaTonya Allen, lovingly referred to as "The Taboo Therapist," is a compassionate and committed practitioner originating from the southern United States, now rooted in the Midwest. Blending her genuine Southern charm with an assertive and straightforward style, she has built a renowned reputation as a therapist who fearlessly confronts delicate subjects and guides her clients through challenging life experiences.

Feeling fractured from your once-strong sense of self can be confusing, isolating, and painful. Oftentimes these feelings can arise from societal pressures to conform, living in a sex-negative society, or relationship and systemic trauma. Sex & relationship therapy can be a good fit for improving the relational quality of your life and accessing desire as a tool for living well. I specialize in supporting individuals and relationships (of all styles) who struggle to access authenticity and wholeness in their daily lives. I work best with engaged clients who practice active self reflection.