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

Have you ever felt like your life is an emotional roller coaster? I certainly have. Those rides can be thrilling at times, but can also leave you tense and terrified afterwards. Maybe you feel hopeless, mentally exhausted, stuck in your relationship, or overwhelmed with unwanted intrusive thoughts. Perhaps you’re unsatisfied with where you’re at in life and are unsure of how to move forward. It may be that you & your partner are emotionally drained from not knowing how to overcome challenges in your relationship. Whatever brought you here is valid & together we can develop a roadmap, find clarity, & deepen connection.

It is my goal as a therapist to foster an empathetic and collaborative space that encourages self-awareness, self-advocacy, and self-acceptance for adults of all identities. I use a holistic queer-affirming approach that uses unique exercises tailored to my client’s strengths. I am passionate about helping my clients set boundaries, build confidence, and explore new perspectives. I am a Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor with a master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Missouri St. Louis.

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.

I work with families and individuals ages 12 and up who are seeking support with daily life challenges related to emotional, relational, spiritual or career concerns.

My goal is to help you raise your conscious awareness by living more radically open and learning to have a healthier relationship with your own thoughts. I will teach you how to be more curious about your thoughts instead of struggling against them, at the same time allowing yourself to learn something from them. I like to utilize, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Radical Openness DBT, and Cognitive Behavorial therapy. Finding your edge will be an important part of therapy.

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.

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. Life can be 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, and decompress. You are seeking a safe space to express yourself, collaborate and learn ways to cultivate self esteem, focus, and success with managing life.

Available remotely in: AL, AZ, AR, CO, CN, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, ME, MD, MI, MN, MS, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NC, ND, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY. I was introduced to psychology while going through a difficult time as a young college student and seeking the help of a therapist. The experience taught me so much about myself and how to manage my emotions during difficult times that I decided to learn more about the field. One intro to psychology class turned into two more, and then just 12 short years later (with a few twists and turns along the way) I completed my PhD in counseling psychology!

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.

Do you want to live more fully in the present moment making choices based on your life values and goals, rather than a life of negative thoughts and maladaptive behavior leading to anxiety, depression or conflict in your intimate, work, and family relationships?

**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.

It takes courage to walk in and sit down with someone to share your story. An honest story that includes stress, anxieties, sadness, grief, and emotional suffering. My intention as a therapist is to create a safe and inclusive space for clients. This space allows individuals to open up and be present with the emotions, thoughts, and feelings that make up the human experience. I currently specialize in working with adults struggling with depression, anxiety, grief and loss, life transitions, and relationship issues.

Have open availability for in-person and virtual sessions. Sliding scale and some insurance; can be weekly or every other week sessions. My goals are to give clients and their families tools, and offer genuine support in daily and/or lifelong struggles. My belief is that change is possible for anyone, but the client and their loved ones need to have an open mind, and believe in love and support. Getting out of your comfort zone is a guarantee, and therapy is the first step. Therapy helps us make changes that lead to lifelong healthy habits of self care and thriving personal relationships.

I believe that everyone can benefit from having an empowering, nonjudgmental therapist in their life. You may feel like you’re functioning okay on the outside but have disruptive thoughts, challenging relationships, or past situations that interrupt your life. I can provide you or your child with a space where you can be your authentic self while working towards making changes, overcoming difficulties, and coping with life’s variety of challenges. I specialize in OCD, anxiety disorders, depression, grief/loss, and emotional dysregulation.

I believe that every child has the right to feel loved, safe and heard. Working in the Counseling/ Social Work profession for 21 years, I have gained great insight in what helps children develop self-acceptance, self-awareness, self-regulation and many more essential qualities. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I engage children in play and art therapy to assist them with having their voices heard.

I have provided counseling and support for adults, adolescents, and families struggling with personal issues and relationship problems for over 25 years. I believe people are doing the best they can but sometimes need to reach out for help and support. I believe we have a purpose in life and sometimes we need help to find that purpose.

Whatever the reason that has led you to seek therapy services, I am here to listen. I offer a gentle, compassionate and non-judgmental environment, providing my clients with a safe space where they will feel heard and supported. Whether you are struggling with a significant life event, feeling unsatisfied in a relationship or job, coping with loss, or experiencing feelings of depression or anxiety, I believe that you are capable of making meaningful change. Employing a strengths-based, collaborative approach, together we will work toward developing a clear path to achieve your goals and lead a more purposeful and satisfying life.

I am here for you as you are right now. I can imagine that right now things may not be the way you want them. Do you find yourself feeling unsettled? Feeling stuck and just can't seem to make important changes? Find that powerful emotions keep taking you off track from what you truly want? Have you had painful events occur and have noticed you're not quite the same anymore? ... For 10+ years I've been helping people build a life full of meaning. Which often means figuring out how to make important changes while also finding acceptance. This can mean resolving past painful events, boosting skills and/or resolving current problems.

You're in the right place! You're ready for your mood and motivation to improve, your relationships to be better, your work to be more enjoyable, and your life to feel more meaningful. I work well with people who feel stuck or that things aren't as they could or should be. My clients want clarity about their experiences, their relationships, and the direction of their lives.