Family therapy and counseling in Columbia, MO

Partner 1: “I reach for you, but it feels like you’re already gone.” I’m left wondering if I matter to you at all.” Partner 2: “When you come close, I feel the pressure to be perfect, so I pull back to protect us both.” These unspoken messages leave couples lonely and stuck. I help break this anxious–avoidant cycle so partners feel safe, seen, and deeply connected again.

“I don’t understand why I want closeness so badly, yet feel disappointed when I have it. Why do I feel lonelier than others, even when I’m not alone?” Or: “I care deeply, but people say I’m distant or hard to read. When emotions get intense, I shut down—not because I don’t feel, but because it feels like too much.”

These quiet tensions live beneath awareness for many people. Longing and self-protection pull in opposite directions. Needs feel confusing, emotions feel overwhelming or unsafe, and core beliefs quietly form—I’m too much, I’m not enough, connection costs me something.

I help people loosen these patterns, reconcile the Self with more truthful and adaptive beliefs, and move toward self-acceptance and interdependence—where connection no longer threatens safety, but deepens it.

After nine years serving in the U.S. Coast Guard, I realized my deepest fulfillment came not from fixing systems, but from walking with people. Leaving the military was not a departure from service—it was a continuation of it. I pursued social work and theological training to better support people in their most important relationships. Today, my practice is devoted to couples counseling and trauma-informed care. Drawing primarily from Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and EMDR, I help couples slow conflict, understand what drives disconnection, and emotional safety. As a veteran and seminary-trained therapist, I bring structure, compassion, and steady hope—meeting clients with respect, grace, and a belief in lasting change.

Ana is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Perinatal Mental Health Certified (PMH-C) clinician at 816 Counseling Services, serving clients throughout Missouri and Kansas via telehealth. She works with children, teens, adults, and families navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, life transitions, relationship struggles, and emotional overwhelm. Ana’s approach is warm, supportive, and relationship-centered, helping clients feel safe, understood, and empowered to create meaningful change while building healthier connections and practical coping skills.

I’m a licensed therapist with a background in Marriage and Family Therapy. I work with individuals, couples and families who are navigating depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, or just feeling stuck. My approach is collaborative, supportive, and grounded in research—I’m here to help you make sense of what you’re going through and find a path forward. Whether you're facing a tough transition or looking to strengthen your emotional well-being, we’ll work together to create meaningful change.

I have 26 years of experience dealing with individuals, couples, families in therapy. We will work together to develop plans that are unique and right for you.

Brittany is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a master of social work degree from Walden University. With over seven years of experience in the field of social work, she brings a wide-ranging background that includes working with the Children’s Division, in hospital settings, with geriatrics, and school-based social work. This diverse experience has given her a deep understanding of individuals across the lifespan and the unique challenges they face. Helping others through therapy is more than just a career, it’s a calling. Brittany believes deeply in the power of trauma-informed care and support, and the healing that comes from having a safe, judgment-free space to process and grow. She also believes in the importance of identifying the root cause of symptoms, rather than just managing surface-level issues.

Hello, I’m Abby Pease, LCSW, QS! As a therapist, I strive to create a safe and welcoming space where clients feel truly seen and supported. I bring warmth, energy, and a touch of humor into my work, helping clients navigate challenges while also reminding them that healing doesn’t always have to be heavy. My goal is to walk alongside you with compassion and clarity as you move toward growth and resilience.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in both Michigan and Missouri with over a decade of experience specializing in mental healthcare and addiction counseling. Additionally, I proudly served 10 active-duty years in the world's greatest U.S. Navy, from where I bring valuable insights as an honorable veteran. In my capacity as a Sailor, I served as both the Command Drug and Alcohol Program Advisor and as a Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Victim Advocate. Aside from work, I enjoy time with my husband, our 4 wonderful children, and loving on our pug, Miss Pearl.My areas of expertise include assisting clients in managing stress, anxiety, addiction, grief, loss, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, depression, perimenopause, and serious mental illnesses. I specialize in addiction treatment in both substances and pornography/sexual addiction. I believe deeply that you are the expert of your own story, possessing numerous strengths that will empower you to overcome life's challenges.Taking the initial step toward a more fulfilling and purposeful life requires courage. My role is to support you throughout this journey, providing tailored guidance aligned with your individual goals and needs. Together, we will build insights and strategies to enhance your overall sense of purpose and well-being.

Welcome! I am so glad you are here and have taken this step for your health and well-being! My name is Susan and I am a licensed professional counselor in the state of MO. I have a Masters of Arts in Counseling degree (Colorado Christian University, 2018) and have over 5 years of experience as a counselor. I have experience providing therapy to children, teens, and adults in a variety of settings including community behavioral health, residential treatment center, private practice, and hospital clinic. I look forward to meeting you and supporting you in your journey where life has you right now.