Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) Therapists in Tower Grove Park, Saint Louis, MO

I am proud to work with fellow healthcare professionals, individuals from different cultural backgrounds, individuals in the LGBTQ+ community, and anyone who is new to therapy or has tried therapy before but without success. My ideal client is any adult who currently struggles with anxiety, depression, PTSD or other trauma, OCD, burnout, or relationship concerns who is ready to commit to treatment. I believe in meeting clients where they are. I view my job as being your guide to better manage symptoms that represent barriers to you moving forward in your life, following a path determined by your personal values.

You feel lost, like everything you’ve tried thus far hasn’t made you feel better. Your mind is clouded with anxiety, and you lack motivation to engage with those around you. You feel scattered, overwhelmed, and stuck. You long for a calm that feels…elusive. Cottage Door Counseling can help. I provide a warm, supportive environment where you’re able to gain deeper insight into yourself, conquer fears and obstacles with confidence, and create the balance you’ve been searching for.

My hope is that our work together can reignite those things that bring you the most joy and life. Often this process involves working through the impact of loss, pain, or trauma in a safe and supportive therapeutic relationship. I work extensively with artists, musicians, womxn and queer folx, and much of my experience centers around religious trauma and spiritual wounding. My work is informed by humanistic and existential perspectives of psychotherapy, and I often incorporate the use of mindfulness techniques. I am also trained in a number of evidence-based clinical treatments including IFS, ACT, and EMDR.

Hi, I am glad you're here. I know it can be overwhelming to reach out to a potential counselor, but by being here, you've already taken the first step and that is important. I have experience working with individuals from many different backgrounds dealing with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, relational conflicts, and other issues. I am a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community and also have a passion for working with those affected by issues that this community faces.

**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.

Many of us go our entire lives with the feeling of being unseen and unheard. Some of us experience this so fully that we may even feel trapped in the stories others have written for us. What would it be like to feel accepted as you are? To show up authentically and know that was enough? You don’t need to be strong, happy, or put-together. We can embrace your beautiful mess and find your story of triumph together. It will take effort and may be tough at times, but I will go with you! I have experience working with adolescents, students, and adults on a wide variety of issues, such as homesickness, depression and low self esteem.

Parenthood is a transformative and rewarding journey, but it comes with emotional challenges. I am passionate about assisting mothers and fathers through the complexities of pregnancy, postpartum, and the transition into parenthood and aim to provide a non-judgmental space for you to freely express yourself and process your emotions. Together, we can explore and address the emotional aspects of pregnancy and early parenthood, and foster a path toward healing and well-being.