Therapists in Richmond Heights, MO

Hi, my name is River! I'm a therapist and I’m passionate about working with people who have been impacted by trauma and painful life experiences. I believe that our bodies and minds have innate wisdom and flexibility. When we are exposed to hardships we adapt to keep ourselves safe from danger. This may look like shutting down our emotions to cope, looking for warning signs everywhere we go, or being hesitant to trust those closest to us. These responses can become second nature, and we sometimes keep using them even after the danger is gone. In cases like these the behaviors that once protected us can start to cause pain instead.

I work with clients who are struggling to cope with issues related to life transitions, addictions, eating disorders, body image, trauma, caregiving and other life demands. Psychotherapy is a deeply personal experience that can be alternately challenging, rewarding and hopeful. As a therapist, my goal is to provide a nonjudgmental atmosphere for those who wish to find balance in their lives through and beyond times of crisis or transition.

I work with individuals who feel a full and meaningful life remains painfully out of reach despite all that may be otherwise going quite well for them. I work with those who are struggling with inhibition, self-sabotage, depression, and anxiety. I have worked with medical professionals, social workers, and other psychotherapists; artists and writers; professors, ministers, and community organizers. A common thread is a recognition that we each have an unconscious and could all use support in exploring what is occurring beyond our awareness, especially when our own efforts to shift painful patterns have not been fruitful.

I know that finding the right therapist can feel like an overwhelming process. That is where I come in. My goal is to provide you with a safe place to feel seen and heard. A place to thrive not just survive. I believe that therapy is designed to reflect a sense of honor and respect for someone’s story to achieve not only symptom remission but also a deeper, long-lasting sense of healing. I am passionate about working with individuals to improve their quality of life, increase internal connection, implement adaptive skills, and better their relationships with others, food, body, and movement.

Therapy is an experience where human beings learn to live differently. Differently is the key word. Different can look like less depression, more spontaneity, or deeper and more mutual relationships. Different can be learning to say "yes," "no," or "maybe." Different can be improved physical health, less anxiety, or sustained sobriety. When one begins treatment there's usually a percolating idea of what needs to be different. Helping you clarify the ways you'd like to live differently, what has gotten in your way up to this point, and how those changes can be made is psychotherapy.

When a clinician is asked what their specialty is, they often focus on specific diagnoses. Although helpful, I believe you are so much more than a diagnosis or collection of symptoms. I think it's important to respect the complicated nature of who we are and the lives we lead. It's about understanding why you are struggling and changing what is not working for you. I think that issues or problems need to be handled with curiosity and not judgement. Only then can we focus on what feels right for you and help you have those things in your life. I believe that, in choosing psychotherapy, one gives oneself a great gift.

People seek therapy for variety of reasons, ranging from difficulties with a specific life event or a general pursuit for greater purpose and connectedness. Psychotherapy offers an arena for self exploration unlike any other and can prove to be a profoundly moving experience. I work with individuals affected by trauma, difficulties in relationships, depression/post-partum depression, infertility, adoption, parenting, struggles in cultural adaptation and immigration, identity, self-esteem, sexuality, etc. Often I find that the most meaningful change comes from those who are open and willing to engage in the journey. The change you seek comes from you and will be our guiding force.

Helping clients, whether we meet individually, as couples or in groups, is my highest priority. As a compassionate active listener, I provide a safe, warm, non-judgmental space. Our close relationships within our lives can give us strength but can also create conflict, anxiety, and/or depression. The result may be physical discomfort, low self-esteem, even PTSD, as well as thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that can get in the way of making positive decisions. Working as a team, my clients and I identify behavioral patterns, set goals, and begin a plan to achieve resolution and healing.

What do you notice happening when life's demands feel too much? Do you begin to feel consumed by a critical voice? Perhaps hopelessness or shame takeover, and you aren't able to focus on what you need. You keep returning to coping strategies that aren't working, and the chaos of life leaves you exhausted. You know that you are ready for something different. I am here to listen and help you understand the "why" within your struggles. Our work will focus on allowing for all sides of you to have a voice, to be understood, and to have the space to grow.

I want to commend you on taking the first step in this journey and I am honored to walk this path with you. It takes courage to look at yourself and explore patterns that have not been working for you and challenging yourself to create new patterns for your future. My practice is in helping people change ineffective relationship patterns, old beliefs, and unhealthy behaviors. I encourage all clients to get to the core of the underlying issues, while focusing on new ways of living. I believe in helping you get in touch with emotions and your body, so you can manage symptoms and enjoy a more peaceful, joyful, and productive life.

Many of us face challenges that affect all aspects of our lives. If you are worried about your health or the health of a loved one, your financial situation, adjusting to working from home, currently not working or afraid that you will not be able to work, dealing with increased family tensions, feeling the loss of not being able to see your family members, or the grief of having lost someone, you don’t need to face these challenges alone.

I am co-owner of Psychological services of St. Louis, LLC, where I provide psychotherapy to individuals, couples, and groups, and conduct psychological assessments. I have helped people manage a wide variety of problems including anxiety and mood disorders, substance use issues, adjustment difficulties, social/relationship problems, self-esteem and assertiveness issues, anger and impulsivity, career and life direction issues, sexual orientation and gender-related problems, unusual experiences, and existential concerns. I believe strongly in taking the time to know and understand my clients so we can collaboratively find a treatment approach that fits and is as effective as possible.

Michelle enjoys working with Couples in distress, Individuals who are wanting to resolve problems expressing as depression, anxiety or problematic behaviors and Parent Guidance for children's problems within Family therapy. With past experience in Nursing and an undergraduate degree in Theology; Michelle approaches counseling with a broad understanding of what in a person's life and relationships might need a new kind of balance or understanding so that emotions can be healed, behaviors changed and relationships renewed. Michelle strives to combine a tender supportiveness with confident guidance to help people move actively towards their goals.