Helping People Find Therapists & Advocating for Ethical and Healthy Therapy & Marriage Counseling Practices

My Approach to Helping

I draw from a variety of therapeutic models in order to put in place a plan that is individually designed to meet client's needs. This plan will identify and build on strengths, in order to assist in achieving goals. Every person is unique, and is already equipped with resources, both inner and outer, that can help meet the challenges and traumas that life brings. I work collaboratively with client's to help them recognize these distinctive gifts and connect them with effective therapeutic techniques.

I use both spiritual and psychological methods for those who desire a Christian approach to counseling. I have found that when combined, this provides effective and long lasting results.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), who works with individuals, couples and families at a private practice located in Creve Coeur, Missouri. I have experience working in a broad variety of environments both secular and faith-based. I understand the issues faced by pastors, ministers, their families and other church professionals.

I have worked with children who suffer from: Bipolar Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Conduct Disorder, Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD), abuse, depression and anxiety. I am familiar with the challenges that parents face in dealing with schools and with the juvenile justice system, when children are struggling in these areas. I can help parents learn how to advocate for their children's mental health needs, and am knowledgeable about the many resources that are available.

I am also experienced in marital and family counseling and foster care and adoption issues. I have worked with individual adults in many areas including: depression, anxiety, PTSD, and spousal and family abuse.

I have a straight forward, positive approach coupled with a compassionate, non-judgmental listening style will assist client's in getting to the root of problems and help find solutions that produce lasting changes.

 

 

Specific Issue(s) I'm Skilled at Helping With

I feel particularly adept at working with child and parenting issues. I have over 30 years of experience, both volunteer and professional, in this area. I have spent extensive time in faith based and secular settings with a variety of mental health problems. I have worked with families from a broad spectrum of socio-economic and demographic groups that include rural Appalachia, single parent families, foreign and domestic adoptions, blended families, and pastor’s families. I have found that all families have unique strengths and qualities that can be used to work through disagreements and traumas. A family’s cultural or religious roots provide stability and endurance during times of hardship that can be drawn on. I assist parents and children in uncovering these roots and building on the positive aspects of their relationships. Personal experience with my own children and now grandchildren gives me a perspective that cannot come from education and study alone.

 

What I Love about Being a Psychotherapist

As a therapist I love working with a variety of people, finding out what is unique about them personally and seeing how that can be used to work through difficult sometimes tragic occurrences. I have a passion for a holistic approach because I want individuals, couples, and families to find optimum health, spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Many times mental health is connected to physical health. Finding ways to reduce trauma and stress in someone’s life improves not only their mental health but can affect their physical health in many positive ways. All people experience stress, hardship or trauma in some way during their lifetime, including therapists. In my personal journey I have come to believe that given the appropriate assistance people are able to find many inner resources that they were previously unaware of. Using these resources builds confidence and self esteem and equips people to be successful in their life choices. I am always excited to see people, couples , and families see accomplishments in becoming all that they can be.

 

Why Going to Therapy Does Not Mean You are Weak or Flawed

All people experience difficulties during their lifetime. These difficulties can be overwhelming. No one should be expected to have to handle everything alone. At times family and friends can be wonderful resources for help or advice. At other times these resources may not be enough and a caring professional can provide appropriate and confidential help. Knowing when to seek this help is a sign of personal awareness and strength.

Services I Provide

• Individual Therapy & Counseling
• Marriage, Couples, or Relationship Counseling
• Family Therapy

Ages I Work With

• Children
• Teens
• Adults
• Elders

Languages I Speak

• English

Therapy Approaches I Use

• Anger Management
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy /REBT
• Emotion Focused Couples Therapy
• Family Systems Therapy
• Gottman Method
• Journal Therapy
• Narrative Therapy
• Positive Psychology
• Psychodynamic
• Solution Focused Therapy

Concerns & Issues I Help With

• Abuse: Emotional, Physical, or Sexual
• Trauma
• Life Changes
• Family Problems
• Childhood & Adolescence
• Emotion Management
• Social Skills & Problems
• Anxiety, Fear, & Stress
• Attachment
• Depression & Mood
• Relationships & Marriage
• Addictions & Compulsions
• Occupational & Academic Issues
• Identity Issues
• Spirituality
• Self-Esteem & Confidence
• Self-Harm & Suicide