Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Columbia, MO

I have been practicing for 17 years, primarily seeing adults and senior citizens. I operate from a person-centered, emotionally-focused basis. You are the expert on your life, and my goal is to help you with that. I utilize experiential and psychodramatic techniques.. These methods allow for role plays and visualizations. Such techniques increase your ability to get more deeply in touch with your issues and see situations clearly. When you reenact what happens at home, in the safety of the therapy office, solutions become clear and your voice becomes strong.

I’m Dr. Pearson, and I draw on over 30 years of counseling experience helping individuals, couples, marriages, families, teens, children, and organizations work through life’s challenges. I support clients dealing with depression, anxiety, stress, anger, relationship issues, family conflict, addiction and alcohol concerns, military-related stress, and major life transitions. My background includes working with people across many stages of life, including active-duty military members, veterans, DoD staff, military families, couples preparing for marriage, families under stress, and individuals seeking healthier ways to live at home, at work, and in their relationships. I believe therapy should offer hope, practical support, and a clear path toward healthy change.

Welcome! My name is Rebecca and I specialize in helping those that have experienced trauma. My interest in therapy rooted from being part of a military family and noticing people that were left to sort through the pieces trauma left behind. I completed my education at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and developed a lot of impactful tools since. I worked with survivors of violence for 5 years while working with a variety of other populations in private practice. I have a passion for my own ongoing education and bringing what I learn to session. I enjoy connecting with people and recognizing we're all doing our best.

I have been a SW for 29 years. I received my bachelors of social work from Southern University and A&M College and my masters of social work from Southern at New Orleans. As a SW, at DCFS/CW, I have served as in Investigations, Foster Care, Family Service, Adoption, and as a Child Welfare Supervisor, CW Trainer, and a CW Manager. PRN work included working in MH/SA, hospitals, hospice and school SW. I am a TBRI Pract. & adoption competent. I help people who seek help! I retired from DCFS on 01/21/2026. Please see link below on the impact I’ve made on people across the state and allow me to help you too. Please message me for an appointment. Thank you.

https://youtu.be/XQ9RdZwCRW8

Welcome!

I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and have been practicing 5 years. I’m a compassionate and down-to-earth therapist who values authenticity and connection. I treat client's age 5 and up with a variety of mental health disorders.

I care about real connection, steady progress, and creating a space where you can show up as yourself. I’ve spent years helping people sort through heavy thoughts, navigate big life changes, and rebuild a sense of direction. I won't rush you or force you into a mold, I help you understand what matters to you and take the steps to move towards it. I'm happy to be the calm, steady guide who will walk alongside you.

My name is Elizabeth Penniston, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a degree from Saint Louis University. Throughout my academic journey, I dedicated myself to gaining both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, which led me to complete my practicum and supervision at a respected Domestic Violence organization. This experience has allowed me to work closely with individuals who have faced challenging and complex situations, further enhancing my skills in trauma-informed care, advocacy, and therapeutic support.

I am deeply committed to providing compassionate and effective mental health care, utilizing evidence-based practices, and fostering a safe environment for my clients. My work has instilled in me a profound understanding of the unique needs of those affected by domestic violence and the importance of empowering individuals as they navigate their healing journey.

I get to know each client individually, so we can work collaboratively to come up with goals that we work toward at your pace, ebbing and flowing as your needs change. My clinical experience has included intensive in-home crisis stabilization therapy, complex trauma treatment, solution-focused brief therapy, and treatment of dual-diagnoses.

I moved to St. Louis, MO from Tampa, FL in 2019 to study Social Work at Washington University, and chose to make a home here with my husband, child, and pets. I spend most of my leisure time cooking, gardening, reading, hiking, and going on crafting sprees. I also love to travel away from home, in search of grand museums and new foods.