Bipolar disorder therapists & psychiatrists in Springfield, MO

It takes a lot of courage to reach out for help! Showing up that first time may be the hardest part of the journey. Being someone who has sat in that chair, I have a good idea how you are feeling. Being someone who has done her own personal work of therapy and helped hundreds of others with theirs, I also know how much better life can be! The emotional wounds may be heavy and the burden of experiences may seem like there is nothing that can be done to make it better. Medication may help, but the feelings can make living feel like swimming with a shot put ball. As a therapist, I strive to come alongside those struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, and bereavement to provide support and understanding, education and encouragement. I have worked with clients from age 5 to 103, and what I have found to be most important is the connection (or the “fit”) of the therapist and client. You need a therapist you can bring your authentic self to. You are hiring me to do a job, to help you think, feel, and behave better. You will be best served if we have a good connection. I want that for you, even if it is not me, so never be afraid to interview a few therapists before deciding! After all, if it is me, I will be in your corner and I will challenge you, at the same time. You want to know you chose wisely for yourself.

I work to provide you a safe, non-judgmental environment in which to work. Each of us are unique and complex. I see my job as helping you to develop tools and skills to deal with your complex life. I am able to help you in the areas of anxiety, depression, motivation, substance use concerns, self-esteem and confidence, grief/loss, and adapting to life changes, to name a few. My goal is to be approachable, accepting, and act as a guide through the process. Much of our power to be happy or unhappy depends on our ability to put our experiences in perspective and find our own path to heal.

We will focus on the strengths you have and how I can help you grow through changing self-defeating thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. We will work together to identify your goals, what the barriers are to moving forward, and developing needed skills to navigate through or around barriers. We are all human and at times need the help from an objective party to get through our struggles and to grow stronger!

My name is Vanessa Cox. I'm the Founder and CEO of Extensive Prevention Intervention Counseling Services (EPICS) LLC, a professional counseling practice, and the Founder and Board Secretary of EPICS J. R. Foundation. The driving force behind my lifework has been a personal mission to live with integrity and make a difference in the lives of others. With over 30 years of clinical and administrative experience,

I received my undergraduate degree in Psychology and graduate degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Missouri- St. Louis. I'm a licensed clinical therapist in Missouri and have spent the past 4 years working on an acute behavioral health unit seeing a wide range of patients with diverse backgrounds and symptomatic presentations. I have received certifications in trauma studies and believe in the psyche’s natural ability to heal and adapt.

Life can be challenging from time to time, rather than continuing to struggle reach out and I can help you obtain the necessary skills to be confident in the decisions you make.