Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in O'Fallon, MO

I am a Christian counselor. I like to watch the Lord transform lives and bring order to the chaos in our lives. I am a grief specialist. I've been helping people walk through grief for almost 15 years. It's not 'goodbye' forever, it's just 'goodbye' for now. There is peace in knowing Jesus and that faith brings comfort in all types of struggle.

I work with Clients who may be struggling with anxiety, OCD and issues related to school, relationships or family. I am trained in SPACE therapy which teaches parents how to provide support to their children so that they can be successful in controlling their own emotions.

I'm glad you found your way here. I'm a dedicated therapist with a passion for helping individuals discover a life worth living. My therapeutic approach is centered around creating a strong therapeutic alliance, practicing unconditional positive regard, empathy, and creating a space where you can be vulnerable and feel validated as you work through challenges. I have developed a niche for working with self-harm, mood disorders, personality disorders, and trauma.

Many of the people I work with are successful, dependable, and high functioning on the outside- but privately they're carrying anxiety, unresolved trauma, burnout, ADHD or patterns that leave them feeling stuck despite their best efforts. I help adults move beyond coping and begin creating meaningful, lasting change.

I believe lasting healing begins with understanding, not judgement. My goal is to help you make sense of the experiences that shaped you, recognize the patterns that no longer serve you, and develop new ways of responding with greater confidence, clarity and self-compassion.

I have dedicated my career to helping others since graduating from Truman State University in 1994 and later earning my Master's degree from Lindenwood University. Throughout my career, I have been passionate about supporting individuals and families through life's challenges while helping them discover hope, healing, and resilience.

My experience in the social services field has provided me with the opportunity to work with a diverse range of populations and settings, including juvenile services, foster care, behavioral schools, residential treatment facilities, substance abuse programs, and career development services. These experiences have deepened my understanding of the unique challenges people face and strengthened my commitment to ensuring that everyone has access to quality mental health care.

I specialize in working with individuals experiencing trauma, anxiety, and depression. I am trained in several evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including EMDR, DBT, CBT, and TF-CBT. Because every person's journey is unique, I tailor my approach to meet each client's individual needs, drawing from a variety of therapeutic tools to help them achieve meaningful and lasting change.

Together, we work to build on existing strengths, develop healthy coping skills, and create pathways toward emotional wellness and personal growth.

When I am not working, I enjoy being the proud mother of two wonderful young men. I am actively involved in my church and community and cherish spending time with family and friends. I also enjoy watching basketball, swimming, and taking advantage of every opportunity to enjoy the sunshine and warm-weather activities.

Clients often describe me as approachable, practical, and easy to talk to. Therapy should be a collaborative process, and I strive to create a space where you feel comfortable being yourself without fear of judgment. My style balances support with practical problem-solving, helping clients gain insight while also developing strategies they can use in everyday life. Above all, I want you to feel heard, understood, and supported as we work toward your goals together.

With a career spanning nearly two decades in child welfare and clinical social work, Laura provides a specialized safe place for youth (ages 3–26) navigating life’s most difficult experiences. Her practice focuses on building inner coping and resilience by enhancing bodily awareness and active curiosity, ensuring that healing isn’t just a cognitive process, but a physical one.

Specialized Clinical Focus:

Childhood Trauma: Expert in childhood sexual abuse, abuse and neglect, grief, bullying, complex medical diagnosis/complications, and all the BAD, SAD, and SCARY things in-between.

Specialized Sexual Behavior Work: Extensive experience facilitating therapy for children and adolescents with inappropriate and illegal sexual behaviors.

Systemic Support: Navigating foster care, adoption, divorce, family and/or sibling dynamics, behavioral struggles, and school avoidance.

My work is grounded in the belief that healing happens when we feel seen, heard, and understood. I strive to meet each client with compassion and curiosity, honoring their unique story while helping them develop the tools they need to move forward. Whether I am working with children, teens, or adults, my goal is to help each person feel more confident in who they are and more hopeful about where they’re going.

Congratulations on beginning this journey, you're exactly where you need to be. I'm Ada Petty, LPC, dedicated to helping individuals navigate life's challenges with compassion and understanding. I hold a Master's degree in Professional Counseling from Webster University and a Bachelor's degree in Sociology from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. With over 8 years of experience, I specialize in supporting clients with anxiety, depression, trauma, and adjustment related challenges.