Compassion Focused Therapists in Clayton, MO
Hi there, My name is Lori Collins and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I'm a therapist with several years of experience working at an inner city hospital in both out-patient and in-patient capacities. After several years of inner-city work, I began practicing in rural areas, where life can be less hectic. My approach to therapy uses a Person In Environment (PIE) perspective where I explore how your environment might be impacting who you are and what you do.
Hi there, My name is Lori Collins and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I'm a therapist with several years of experience working at an inner city hospital in both out-patient and in-patient capacities. After several years of inner-city work, I began practicing in rural areas, where life can be less hectic. My approach to therapy uses a Person In Environment (PIE) perspective where I explore how your environment might be impacting who you are and what you do.
Melanie Shands
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Clayton, MO 63105 (Online Only)
My name is Melanie Shands, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I am a Registered Play Therapist and EMDRIA certified EMDR Therapist. I work with youth and adults in Missouri to help them reach their goals and improve their mental health. I believe every person has the ability to heal and improve their mental health when provided with a therapist who is invested in their success and takes the time to teach skills and process feelings, thoughts, and life events. I enjoy working with children and teens, as well as adults in all stages of life.
My name is Melanie Shands, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I am a Registered Play Therapist and EMDRIA certified EMDR Therapist. I work with youth and adults in Missouri to help them reach their goals and improve their mental health. I believe every person has the ability to heal and improve their mental health when provided with a therapist who is invested in their success and takes the time to teach skills and process feelings, thoughts, and life events. I enjoy working with children and teens, as well as adults in all stages of life.
Couples Therapy (whether you consider yourself traditional or non-traditional), Grief & Bereavement Therapy, Relationship issues, LGBTQIA+ Therapy, Adult Therapy, Anxiety, Disordered Eating
Couples Therapy (whether you consider yourself traditional or non-traditional), Grief & Bereavement Therapy, Relationship issues, LGBTQIA+ Therapy, Adult Therapy, Anxiety, Disordered Eating
Emily Balestra
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, RPT, MEd, MA, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Clayton, MO 63105
As a therapist I believe the answers we seek are within ourselves and it takes courage to find them. I want to support and guide people on their journeys to find answers and help them lead more fulfilling lives. I counsel children, adolescents, adults, and families. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, as well as Person-Centered techniques when working with clients. I am also certified in play therapy and use play as one method, when working with children, to communicate, explore, and express feelings.
As a therapist I believe the answers we seek are within ourselves and it takes courage to find them. I want to support and guide people on their journeys to find answers and help them lead more fulfilling lives. I counsel children, adolescents, adults, and families. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, as well as Person-Centered techniques when working with clients. I am also certified in play therapy and use play as one method, when working with children, to communicate, explore, and express feelings.
Kimberly Elder
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Clayton, MO 63105 (Online Only)
Congratulations on making the decision to bring positive change into your life! I have experience working with a wide range of clinical issues including but not limited to: depression, anxiety, self-esteem, PTSD, first responder trauma, post-partum depression, family conflicts, pre-marital counseling, polyamorous relationships, domestic violence, multiple personality disorder (DID), Asperger’s Disorder, relationship issues, identity crisis, LGBT specific problems and concerns, grief and loss, as well as people struggling with bipolar disorder. I also have experience in paranormal psychology. All sessions are telehealth/online!
Congratulations on making the decision to bring positive change into your life! I have experience working with a wide range of clinical issues including but not limited to: depression, anxiety, self-esteem, PTSD, first responder trauma, post-partum depression, family conflicts, pre-marital counseling, polyamorous relationships, domestic violence, multiple personality disorder (DID), Asperger’s Disorder, relationship issues, identity crisis, LGBT specific problems and concerns, grief and loss, as well as people struggling with bipolar disorder. I also have experience in paranormal psychology. All sessions are telehealth/online!
Carolyn Gracec
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Clayton, MO 63105 (Online Only)
Hello! My name is Carolyn Grace and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I am passionate about helping people process and heal trauma with the use of EMDR. I am a person centered focused therapist that uses EMDR to help people process and heal from traumatic experiences and attachment wounds. I also use CBT and TBRI in my work when appropriate. I work with clients who struggle with depression, anxiety, childhood trauma, and difficulty with adjusting to life stressors.
Hello! My name is Carolyn Grace and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I am passionate about helping people process and heal trauma with the use of EMDR. I am a person centered focused therapist that uses EMDR to help people process and heal from traumatic experiences and attachment wounds. I also use CBT and TBRI in my work when appropriate. I work with clients who struggle with depression, anxiety, childhood trauma, and difficulty with adjusting to life stressors.
S Bellomy Iliff
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, PLPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Clayton, MO 63105
I love to work with clients who are motivated to heal the trauma of their past. That trauma can be due to Family of Origin, abuse, neglect, LGBTQIA+ Struggles, medical trauma, religious trauma, sexual abuse, a single event, or a combination of these. Often this trauma contributes to or plays out as personality disorders or other difficult behaviors. Typically, my clients want to gain function in daily life as well as be able to relate to others in a way that works better than what they are currently doing. Together we use DBT skills, EMDR, and attachment work to gain that functioning they need.
I love to work with clients who are motivated to heal the trauma of their past. That trauma can be due to Family of Origin, abuse, neglect, LGBTQIA+ Struggles, medical trauma, religious trauma, sexual abuse, a single event, or a combination of these. Often this trauma contributes to or plays out as personality disorders or other difficult behaviors. Typically, my clients want to gain function in daily life as well as be able to relate to others in a way that works better than what they are currently doing. Together we use DBT skills, EMDR, and attachment work to gain that functioning they need.
Hi! My name is Susan Wise, PhD and I am a licensed psychotherapist. I am here to assist you in making the changes in your life that you have always wanted to make but have been afraid to do so. Change can be accomplished by building a therapeutic environment that focuses on empathy, acceptance, and mutual respect and trust. My approach to therapy uses a wide range of therapeutic modalities, and they include CBT, Art Therapy, Problem Solving, Coping strategies, communication skills, and more. I have extensive experience working with children, adolescents, and adults who are motivated to move forward.
Hi! My name is Susan Wise, PhD and I am a licensed psychotherapist. I am here to assist you in making the changes in your life that you have always wanted to make but have been afraid to do so. Change can be accomplished by building a therapeutic environment that focuses on empathy, acceptance, and mutual respect and trust. My approach to therapy uses a wide range of therapeutic modalities, and they include CBT, Art Therapy, Problem Solving, Coping strategies, communication skills, and more. I have extensive experience working with children, adolescents, and adults who are motivated to move forward.
Aby Malley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Clayton, MO 63124
Waitlist for new clients
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who approaches work with adults through a Psychodynamic, Trauma- Informed lens. I view symptoms as expressions of unconscious conflicts and painful core beliefs that need to be compassionately understood and metabolized in order to achieve therapy goals. When we understand and learn to love ourselves, we gain access to choices about who we are and how we want to live that we never thought possible. It is an honor for me to accompany people on this journey.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who approaches work with adults through a Psychodynamic, Trauma- Informed lens. I view symptoms as expressions of unconscious conflicts and painful core beliefs that need to be compassionately understood and metabolized in order to achieve therapy goals. When we understand and learn to love ourselves, we gain access to choices about who we are and how we want to live that we never thought possible. It is an honor for me to accompany people on this journey.
Empowered Movement
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Clayton, MO 63105 (Online Only)
Life is beautiful but often/sometimes challenging. Some days we feel confident and happy while other days we may feel alone or overwhelmed. The clients I work with are seeking new tools, skills, techniques and interventions to help them feel better, more in control and empowered on a daily basis. I work with adolescents, young adults, adults and elders experiencing life transitions, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, low self-esteem and more. Everyone deserves to have a safe space, with unconditional support that allows them to be authentically themselves, always.
Life is beautiful but often/sometimes challenging. Some days we feel confident and happy while other days we may feel alone or overwhelmed. The clients I work with are seeking new tools, skills, techniques and interventions to help them feel better, more in control and empowered on a daily basis. I work with adolescents, young adults, adults and elders experiencing life transitions, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, low self-esteem and more. Everyone deserves to have a safe space, with unconditional support that allows them to be authentically themselves, always.
Are you walking or possibly running through life and sometimes have thoughts of "why am I doing this?" Or are you on autopilot and don't even THINK about it at all until there is a problem or feeling that is uncomfortable. That is a sign we are disconnected. Disconnected from our true nature, the reason why we do what we do AND who we do it with. What has even more impact is when we are disconnected from ourselves. Then we hardly think or notice this disconnection until there is a problem. I can help you find your way.
Are you walking or possibly running through life and sometimes have thoughts of "why am I doing this?" Or are you on autopilot and don't even THINK about it at all until there is a problem or feeling that is uncomfortable. That is a sign we are disconnected. Disconnected from our true nature, the reason why we do what we do AND who we do it with. What has even more impact is when we are disconnected from ourselves. Then we hardly think or notice this disconnection until there is a problem. I can help you find your way.
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Laura Benchie
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Clayton, MO 63105 (Online Only)
Hello, my name is Laura Benchie and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Art Therapist (ATR-BC), and Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) based in St Louis, MO. I have over 25 years of experience working with children, teens and adults helping to improve their mental health and providing effective, individualized care to help my clients to make progress and start feeling better.
Hello, my name is Laura Benchie and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Art Therapist (ATR-BC), and Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) based in St Louis, MO. I have over 25 years of experience working with children, teens and adults helping to improve their mental health and providing effective, individualized care to help my clients to make progress and start feeling better.
Suzanne (Landis) Goldstein
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW , LCSW
Verified Verified
Clayton, MO 63105
Welcome to my practice! Are you looking for a confidential & safe place to turn? Are you feeling ready to make some meaningful changes in your (or your child’s) life? I’ve been working as an LCSW since 1999, supporting and helping adolescents, young adults & adults effectively navigate emotional health and wellness challenges. I believe the key to beginning the healing process is in finding someone you can build a safe, honest and insightful therapeutic relationship with. We all need someone who genuinely listens and understands. Together we can determine next best steps.
Welcome to my practice! Are you looking for a confidential & safe place to turn? Are you feeling ready to make some meaningful changes in your (or your child’s) life? I’ve been working as an LCSW since 1999, supporting and helping adolescents, young adults & adults effectively navigate emotional health and wellness challenges. I believe the key to beginning the healing process is in finding someone you can build a safe, honest and insightful therapeutic relationship with. We all need someone who genuinely listens and understands. Together we can determine next best steps.
Shannon Gartland
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Clayton, MO 63105
I am a licensed professional counselor who works from a client-centered approach. My goal is to provide a warm and compassionate environment where you can feel safe to share and process your experiences. I think of counseling as a place to gain greater insight and self-awareness around core beliefs. I will work with you to identify patterns of maladaptive coping and learn healthier ways to cope with life's challenges.
I am a licensed professional counselor who works from a client-centered approach. My goal is to provide a warm and compassionate environment where you can feel safe to share and process your experiences. I think of counseling as a place to gain greater insight and self-awareness around core beliefs. I will work with you to identify patterns of maladaptive coping and learn healthier ways to cope with life's challenges.
James P Ahearn
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, JD
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Clayton, MO 63105
The clients I serve are often at a crossroads in their life story and unsure of how to close one chapter and begin anew. Clients I enjoy working with recognize that counseling continues outside of the session in self reflection, exploring behavior change, and shifting how we think and relate to ourselves. I find that counseling helps meet goals and needs as diverse as the client, and sometimes goals arise throughout the course of the relationship. No one needs a "good reason" to come to counseling, for the desire to reach out and try will always be sufficient.
The clients I serve are often at a crossroads in their life story and unsure of how to close one chapter and begin anew. Clients I enjoy working with recognize that counseling continues outside of the session in self reflection, exploring behavior change, and shifting how we think and relate to ourselves. I find that counseling helps meet goals and needs as diverse as the client, and sometimes goals arise throughout the course of the relationship. No one needs a "good reason" to come to counseling, for the desire to reach out and try will always be sufficient.
SFC Cares, LLC - Renee McLaurine, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LMSW
Verified Verified
Clayton, MO 63105 (Online Only)
Embarking on the path to healing from trauma is a courageous and deeply personal journey. It requires individualized and compassionate support in a safe and confidential space that allows you to openly explore your emotions, thoughts, and concerns. Your journey is distinct, and together, we delve into the roots of trauma empowering you to process and integrate these experiences in a way that fosters lasting healing. Through our collaborative work, you will be awakened to your unique gifts and strengths so that you may face and overcome your fears and begin pursuing the life you want.
Embarking on the path to healing from trauma is a courageous and deeply personal journey. It requires individualized and compassionate support in a safe and confidential space that allows you to openly explore your emotions, thoughts, and concerns. Your journey is distinct, and together, we delve into the roots of trauma empowering you to process and integrate these experiences in a way that fosters lasting healing. Through our collaborative work, you will be awakened to your unique gifts and strengths so that you may face and overcome your fears and begin pursuing the life you want.
Kelly Sensoli
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Clayton, MO 63105 (Online Only)
Kelly Sensoli, LCSW. I have 13 years of experience as a therapist to clients of all ages, with an emphasis on adolescents, young adults and adults with mood disorders, ADHD, impulse control disorders and relationship issues. I'm passionate about helping you through exploring your strengths, aiding you in gaining insight into your problem areas, and helping you to learn the skills needed for emotional and behavioral wellness.
Kelly Sensoli, LCSW. I have 13 years of experience as a therapist to clients of all ages, with an emphasis on adolescents, young adults and adults with mood disorders, ADHD, impulse control disorders and relationship issues. I'm passionate about helping you through exploring your strengths, aiding you in gaining insight into your problem areas, and helping you to learn the skills needed for emotional and behavioral wellness.
Jacqulyn Phelps
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Clayton, MO 63105 (Online Only)
My name is Christy Phelps and I'm a licensed professional counselor. I use a person-centered approach to help you stop doubting yourself and live a full, authentic life. My favorite work is with trauma and couples. I find myself leaning towards person-centered, DBT and narrative therapy. My favorite clients are teens and couples. I find my passion for these individuals really shows up in session. I'm often told I'm warm and humorous. We will find balance with my engaging style. I love the rich fabrics of the stories of my clients. I show up every day to honor the strength and diversity of my clients.
My name is Christy Phelps and I'm a licensed professional counselor. I use a person-centered approach to help you stop doubting yourself and live a full, authentic life. My favorite work is with trauma and couples. I find myself leaning towards person-centered, DBT and narrative therapy. My favorite clients are teens and couples. I find my passion for these individuals really shows up in session. I'm often told I'm warm and humorous. We will find balance with my engaging style. I love the rich fabrics of the stories of my clients. I show up every day to honor the strength and diversity of my clients.
Life can be incredibly hard at times. We can't control or change what has happened to us, what we needed but didn't get, or how isolating and confusing things can be. Sometimes we don't understand why we feel the way we do, how people interact with us, our reactions, or what to do next. Maybe we don't feel much at all. We don't have to keep repeating the same patterns or relating to ourselves and others in the same ways, even though that might feel impossible right now. I know reflecting on our behaviors, thought patterns, and life experiences can be incredibly difficult, and I’m here to support you through that process.
Life can be incredibly hard at times. We can't control or change what has happened to us, what we needed but didn't get, or how isolating and confusing things can be. Sometimes we don't understand why we feel the way we do, how people interact with us, our reactions, or what to do next. Maybe we don't feel much at all. We don't have to keep repeating the same patterns or relating to ourselves and others in the same ways, even though that might feel impossible right now. I know reflecting on our behaviors, thought patterns, and life experiences can be incredibly difficult, and I’m here to support you through that process.
Hi, I’m Alli Gannon! I’m a licensed mental health therapist in St. Louis, Missouri with a passion for helping people live healthy, authentic, and meaningful lives. I specialize in anxiety, relationship conflicts, self-esteem, and trauma.
Hi, I’m Alli Gannon! I’m a licensed mental health therapist in St. Louis, Missouri with a passion for helping people live healthy, authentic, and meaningful lives. I specialize in anxiety, relationship conflicts, self-esteem, and trauma.
See more therapy options for Clayton
Nearby Compassion Focused Therapists Searches for Clayton
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Compassion Focused Therapists
How does compassion-focused therapy work?
Compassion-Focused Therapy is based on the idea that humans have at least three emotion regulation systems, including one that responds to threats and another that allows us to self-soothe. Those who experienced serious childhood adversity, the theory goes, have a hyperactive threat system and an underperforming self-soothing system, leaving them vulnerable to shame and a hypercritical mindset. CFT focuses on bringing these systems back into balance, helping the client be kinder to themselves and better able to accept kindness from others.
Is compassion-focused therapy a type of CBT?
Compassion-focused therapy is closely related to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and employs many of its techniques. In addition to CBT, CFT also draws from the fields of biology, evolutionary psychology, neuroscience, developmental psychology, and Buddhism. It also has similarities to some types of trauma-focused therapies.
Is compassion-focused therapy evidence based?
Evidence suggests that CFT can be helpful in the treatment of anxiety, mood disorders, eating disorders, personality disorders, psychosis, and other mental illnesses. It has also been shown to be beneficial for individuals who may not have diagnosable psychiatric disorders but who still struggle with persistent self-criticism and feelings of shame.
What are the limitations of compassion-focused therapy?
Compassion-focused therapy is still a relatively new therapy, and research on its efficacy is still in its early stages; while some studies have found positive results, many have suffered from quality issues or small sample sizes. And while most CFT clients find it difficult to practice self-compassion at first, some—especially those who actively fear compassion or are deeply uncomfortable being cared for—may not be fully open to the tenets of CFT, potentially limiting the therapy’s long-term effectiveness.