Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) Therapists in Olivette, MO

As your therapist my goal is to help you work through whatever is in the way to the life you’ve always envisioned, tapping into your unrestrained potential. The “work through” part is not just talk therapy; it will include incorporating EMDR therapy, IFS (parts work), attachment theory (EFT), ACT somatic approach - all of which are wholistic methods that allow to attend and process on three levels: body, emotions, and mind.

When I was serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Ukraine, the comfort of someone speaking my language was immeasurable. Speaking your language is important to me. Whether it’s through humor, warmth, empathy, or directness, I strive to make therapy relieving rather than another foreign experience. When therapists discuss what type of therapy they do, is it just another set of abbreviations with absolutely no meaning? Let me be your translator. I deeply value education, so if you are unfamiliar with any of the therapies I list below, I will explain extensively as to how they work within session. If you like learning, I'm your person.

Hello there. Helping clients, and teaching them skills to empower themselves is my priority. I work with adolescents, adults, immigrants, and the BIPOC community. I specialize in school issues, emotional disturbances, life transitions, generational trauma, and more. I offer a sliding scale to accommodate clients' needs. I am committed to creating a just and compassionate society where everyone has easy access to the care they need to thrive.

I am a licensed psychologist offering online therapy in 39 states. I am an integrative psychotherapist and bring curiosity, warmth, compassion, and a sense of humor to the therapeutic relationship. I consider societal and cultural influences while helping clients to explore their relationship/intimacy issues, sexuality, identity, struggles with depression, anxiety, trauma, and other mental health concerns. I take a sex positive approach and am attuned to the needs of poly, non-monogamous, open, kink, and BDSM clients. I find Clients do best when they understand the science associated with their struggles and mental health.

**CURRENTLY HAVE WAITLIST FOR NEW CLIENTS** Melissa has been practicing clinical social work/psychotherapy with adolescents and adults for over 15 years, specializing in eating disorders, anxiety, depression, self-injury and grief/loss. She has an eclectic approach, drawing from psychodynamic, interpersonal and skills-based therapies including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy and mindfulness-based stress reduction. Her approach is compassionate, non-judgmental, collaborative and integrative. She has a profound respect for the complexity of people's lives and experiences.

Are you going through a major change in your life? Divorce, remarriage, blending a family, new job, new baby? Have you hit a road block in your career? Is anxiety keeping you from living an enriching lifestyle? Do you have unresolved trauma? Do you have a difficult to manage child? I can help you with these sudden roadblocks. During these transitional phases of life, we need a support system to help us gain strength, resilience and maintain a healthy living. I use EMDR, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) in working with adult clients and play therapy with my child clients. I act as an advocate, sounding board and gentle challenger.

The clients I serve are often in a moment of transition and are unsure what the path forward looks like. They are seeking clarity, as well as relief from their symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression and grief. Clients I enjoy working with understand that therapy extends beyond our scheduled time, and may include setting goals and practicing skills that grow reflection, insight and behavior change. I have seen that therapy and coaching can lead to greater self-understanding and a deeper, more dynamic framework for managing modern life and changing how we relate with ourselves and others.

On the outside, you look cool, calm and collected. On the inside...there is a whirling tornado of thoughts, sensations, emotions... You may be looking for guidance on your journey of learning the how's and why's behind the things you do and think. Maybe life can seem like a big, overwhelming, and never ending "to do" list that you are working hard to manage and looking for encouraging support to help you breathe, balance, decompress and re-focus. You are seeking a safe space to express yourself, collaborate and learn ways to cultivate self esteem, peace, and success with managing life.