Existential Therapists in Des Peres, MO

Thank you for considering me as your counselor. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC). Additionally, I am a burden, humorous, annoying, musical, incorrect, artistic, wise, slow, and energetic. I welcome you to come in and allow us to accept our true nature, together. I take what I do seriously, but I don’t take myself seriously. I specialize in serving individuals suffering from obsessions and compulsions, anxiety-related issues, body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRB), depression and emotional dysregulation, and existential dilemmas.

Specializing in adolescent, adult, and family therapy, my mission is to help you and your family live your best lives—to close the gap between your "real self" and your "ideal self". To reduce conflict. To overcome negative behavioral patterns. To gain self-awareness, emotional insights, and regulation. To help you live in alignment with your values. Whatever your goals, I'm here to help you reach them—fully, presently, and with 100% commitment to you and this process.

Change is powerful. We all have the capacity to change, however many times people are overwhelmed by the unknown. I believe that you have the resources and problem-solving skills to affect change. Through the use of collaborative questioning I can aid in discovering solutions to your concerns. I believe change is always occurring and relatively small changes can lead to large changes. My systems base approach encourages positive thinking, for example what is working in your life, to establish therapeutic goals based on issues that are important.

I specialize in working with individuals seeking to know and rediscover who they are. Many times, life experiences such as dealing with a narcissist in your life, managing past trauma, and navigating relationship issues can result in unhappiness and disappointment in where we find ourselves in life, etc. It is important to recognize the answers are within us. To be listened to, heard, and validated is a human need. Therapy serves to fill that need to talk in a safe environment. I use a variety of methods to help you reach your goals.

Inquiring Minds Counseling & Consultation was founded under the inherent reciprocity between human connection. In our process together we will collaborate, inquire into your story, curiously reflect on the uniqueness that is you and the experiences that have led you to this point. Together we will work to piece together the webs of connection between your formative experiences, family, culture, gender identity, religious or spiritual orientation, community influences and trauma. Together we will find that you are not defective, broken or in need of repair—in fact, you are coming more fully into who you are meant to be.

Are you struggling to find meaning and purpose in your life? Maybe you struggle with negative, self-defeating thoughts and beliefs that may cause depression and/or anxiety.

Have you ever wondered if your past sexual experiences might be negatively affecting your current well being? My counseling practice centers around helping individuals and couples who have experienced sexual trauma and/or brokenness in any of its various forms. Whether it be due to past abuse, recent infidelity, or a history of sexual, physical and emotional betrayal and trauma, I consider it a privilege to walk with clients into the darkness of their stories. I enjoy coming alongside and advocating for those who are tired of just coping, dissatisfied with their quality of life, and desperate for deep change and healing.

Feeling overwhelmed? You might be at a crossroads, sensing there's more out there for you but unsure of how to reach it. You're not alone. Whether you're dealing with ADHD symptoms, frequent triggers, anxiety, or challenging relationships, I'm here to help. Do you often prioritize others and feel lost in the process? I can assist you in finding your path and reclaiming your power.

Our symptoms have something to say. Different symptoms bring people into psychotherapy: anxiousness, chronic sadness, creative and artistic block, loneliness, addictions, sexual obsessions. Symptoms are a language, and though they are often labeled as depression or anxiety, the meaning of a symptom is unique to the person who suffers with it. Symptoms are painful, but they are also startlingly creative, personal and specific. Sometimes the body is asked to express the scary, painful things that words cannot. When physical symptoms occur without a medical explanation, we can look to them to help us understand the mental and emotional landscape.

Are you looking for more clarity, insight, or healing? People often seek help or feel the need for change at a crossroads or while facing a challenging life situation. As your therapist, I will help you navigate situations like this while also allowing you to explore a deeper and more purposeful connection with yourself through a safe, meaningful therapeutic relationship. It's challenging to find someone with whom you can relate and connect while processing what is going on in your life. My goal is to help adults and couples get to the root of the issues that affect their daily lives and relationships.

Many individuals suffer under the heaviness of their anger, sadness, fear, and pain; others battle to feel anything at all. Self-esteem, relationships, or work can suffer when early cognitive, emotional, and behavioral patterns are applied to new situations. Although it may be intimidating, exploring your thoughts, feelings, and experiences within the context of a safe therapeutic relationship can increase your awareness and perception of control over your internal world. Throughout the therapeutic process, you will find your strength, resilience, purpose, and, ultimately, your freedom to shape your external world more effectively.

Life is often challenging and confusing. We get stuck and don’t know how things can change or if it is possible. We are tired, discouraged, and feel alone. Maybe you have been trying so hard for so long, or don’t even know where to start. But you cannot keep doing what you’ve always done…I believe a relationship that is safe, compassionate, and collaborative is the foundation of change. I work hard to understand you—your story, your goals, and your barriers so that you feel seen and known. I will commit to walking alongside you wherever you are while I provide clarity, insight, and support as you grow closer to who you want to be.

I provide compassionate, nonjudgmental counseling to individuals and families. I am particularly passionate about working with adolescents and their family systems. Learn more and contact me for a free consultation at www.markpatrickcounseling.com.