Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in St. Louis, MO

As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I specialize in working with teens and adults who are navigating challenges such as stress, anxiety, depression, and relationship difficulties. I am passionate about helping clients recognize their strengths, overcome obstacles, and develop a stronger sense of identity.

As a lifelong Missouri resident and educator, I am very familiar with the specifics that come with living in this area.

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.

I am deeply committed to helping individuals discover meaning and purpose in their lives. With more than four decades of experience as a counselor, I specialize in guiding clients through recovery from addictions, anxiety disorders, and PTSD.

As an Associate Professor in the Online Department of Community Care and Counseling within the School of Behavioral Sciences at Liberty University, I facilitate courses designed to help students and clients rediscover their zest for life and cultivate lasting emotional well-being.

In my private practice, I work extensively with couples, equipping them with practical tools and proven techniques to restore joy, strengthen relational intimacy, and build fulfilling, resilient relationships.

I live in Lynchburg, Virginia, where I remain actively engaged in my community. My areas of specialization include trauma and complex trauma, anxiety, depression, child abuse recovery, and relational intimacy. I am also the author of Joy on the Same Page (2023), which outlines my Relational Intimacy approach.

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I believe in meeting my clients where they're at. They are the expert in their own story. I'm just here to listen, help process, maybe challenge, and encourage them in their journey. I went to Newman University for my Master's Degree and went on to get my Clinical License. I have worked with varying populations including teens, adults, geriatrics, the prison population, couples counseling, and Christian Counseling. I enjoy working with people who have been through trauma or grief or have experienced anxiety or depression.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master's degree in Professional Counseling from Grand Canyon University and 18 years of experience in behavioral health and addiction services. Throughout my career, I have worked with individuals facing substance use challenges, mental health concerns, life transitions, and personal struggles that can leave people feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from who they want to be.

I specialize in working with adults experiencing addiction, anxiety, depression, self-esteem concerns, men's issues, LGBTQ+ concerns, relationship challenges, trauma, and major life transitions. I am passionate about helping clients discover their strengths, develop healthier coping skills, and create meaningful, lasting change.

I believe that healing happens when people feel accepted, understood, and supported. My goal is to provide a safe, inclusive, and affirming environment where clients can explore their experiences without judgment. No matter how difficult things may feel today, I believe there is hope for growth, healing, and recovery.

My commitment to you is simple: I will listen carefully, communicate openly, and act with integrity in every interaction. I’ll take the time to understand your unique goals, challenges, and values, and I’ll tailor my approach to meet your needs rather than offering one-size-fits-all solutions. You can expect transparency from me at every step. I’ll explain not only what I recommend, but why I recommend it, so you always feel informed and empowered to make decisions.

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!

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.

Hi. I'm glad you found me!

I have been in the social work field for 30 years working with children and families. I have a BS in Psychology and a Masters in Social Work. I've been a social worker since 1995 and a licensed therapist since 2011. I believe it's important to have a safe and comfortable place to process how you are feeling.