Strength-Based Therapists in University City, MO

Many women experience life changes, whether expected or unexpected, that result in feelings of restlessness, confusion and anxiety. Perhaps you feel stuck, consumed by negative thoughts or concerns, unable to complete goals and/or are looking for a change within yourself. Often we find ourselves at crossroads struggling for clarity or ways to find joy. Let me help you find a path of hope and confidence again.

Do you feel like no one understands what you're going through and like you have to constantly explain yourself? We all have bumps along the road and I am here to provide you with the support needed in order to get through them. I provide therapeutic services through a "person-centered" approach and allow for clients I am working with to take the driver's seat and determine where we go and what aspects of concern we will talk about in session. I am here to listen, help you create positive change in your life, and provide you with skills necessary to handle everyday hurdles you encounter.

The art of genuine conversation in a therapeutic space will support you through each season. If you are experiencing life transitions/stages that are causing you anxiety, depression, or uncomfortable feelings due to uncertainty about the future, let's discuss them together. Understanding how those transitions impact your personal life is worth navigating with the support of others. Even though the changes can be challenging, unpacking those emotions to improve your mental health can be a fantastic start on a new journey.

I hold two doctorates one in psychology and a master's degree in clinical mental health care, and professional counseling making me a highly qualified professional counselor, clinician, and therapist. Additionally, I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR). My expertise lies in providing talk therapy to individuals of all ages, including adolescents, adults, seniors, families, and groups. To ensure the best outcomes for my clients, I utilize cognitive-behavioral therapy as an initial approach. This allows me to effectively address their specific situations and circumstances.

Arie Baker utilizes a non-judgmental and empowering approach that helps clients build skills and recognize their internal strengths. She provides a warm and welcoming environment to process your experiences and life's difficulties.

Our patients are individuals, couples or groups who have been struggling with depression, anxiety, mood disorder and other behavioral challenges that have made ordinary day to day functioning impossible or extremely difficult. Through evidence-based clinical mental health therapy that includes EMDR, CBT, DBT, and SFBT, we assess, and diagnose individuals, couples and groups providing evidenced-based treatment plans.

Hello! A little bit about me...I tend to use a myriad of approaches when it comes to counseling, as I recognize that each person may need something different in their experience. I believe that every person is the expert on his/her/their own life, and I am simply another human sitting across from you specially trained to assist, validate, and empower you. I prioritize the creation of a genuine relationship with each client, lending itself to a place of solace and retreat, where clients can find unconditional support, trust, empowerment and solidarity.

Most will experience times in life when it seems everything is upside down and they're just hanging on. Sometimes it's just hard identifying the source of your pain. In either case, reaching out to a skilled therapist makes all the sense in the world. I work closely with clients affected by depression, anxiety, trauma, relational issues, grief, loss and racial injustice indignities. My focus is working with women through transitions in life, individuals desiring self-esteem development, and couples who want to heal and transform their relationship into a richer and more connected union.

It is my belief that as many paths to wholeness exist as were, are, or will be, people on this planet. Walking our individual paths in pursuit of meaning and purpose is a universal goal. Sometimes life presents us with vexing challenges just when we are determined to accomplish personally and or collectively valuable goals. Or our growth is impeded by painful events that happen to us during the course of living. The path & or goal becomes unclear. And so, my role in the therapeutic process is akin to a guide. Recommending, encouraging, questioning, witnessing you seek to find the best possible expression of your unique wholeness.

I am trauma-informed therapist that has experience working with a diverse population that includes children, adolescents and adults. Dedicated to creating an inclusive environment, I continue my training throughout the year to effectively serve marginalized communities, including those related to the LGBTQIA community. Born and raised in St. Louis City, I am aware of some of the treasures and challenges that come from living in the area. However, I remain committed to serving the systemic issues that face the clientele in other states, including California and Texas. I strive to provide a safe, client-focused environment.

I’ve spent over 20 years helping people go places they were reluctant to go, say things they were only thinking, and become the person they always wanted to be. You know what kind of person you want to be, but it’s hard to get there on your own. You want someone along for the ride. You and me. Let’s go places.

My clinical experience in the St. Louis area ranges from working with adults in inpatient treatment centers for mental health and substance abuse to non-profit community case management and trauma therapy. I specialize in working with survivors impacted by sexual, domestic, and community violence. As well as those diagnosed with mental illnesses such as anxiety, PTSD, and those impacted by grief.

Life can be challenging and stressful, but it doesn’t have to be done alone. I approach sessions as a place to build safety, trust, and relationship. In working from a client-centered approach, I truly believe that you are the expert in your own life. I also believe that asking for help or support is a sign of strength and feel that working together collaboratively is one step in creating positive change in your life!

You're feeling stuck, no matter what you do. Maybe you know something in your life needs to change, but you don't know what or where to even start. Maybe you've had some difficult relationships and you want to learn to create healthier connections, especially with yourself. Or maybe you've found yourself crying over laundry and you're curious about executive dysfunction or ADHD, but you're worried you won't be taken seriously by a professional because you learned about them on Tiktok.

Life can be unpredictable, stress can create toxic cycles in your life with relationships, your job, your health, and your emotions.

I enjoy partnering with adolescents and adults with a holistic approach, taking time to understand and value your unique experience. I am especially passionate about working with challenges of emotional regulation (particularly anxiety and anger), self-image and identity, and times of transition. My goal as a therapist is to help you understand yourself and equip you as you move towards healthier ways of relating with yourself and others. I approach this by mapping out relational dynamics and helping you build the skills needed to thrive in overwhelming situations.

I offer counseling to anyone over the age of 18. My goal is to provide a space where you can share your experiences and feel heard. My ideal client is someone who is wanting to be the best version of themselves and who is willing to put in the work to get there, but perhaps is feeling a little stuck. If that's the case, I will gladly join you, helping you to process your emotions, identify your goals, and understand how to keep moving forward in your journey. I will provide a safe space for you to be authentically you, and I will encourage you, help guide you, and be transparent with you during the process.

LaTonya Allen, lovingly referred to as "The Taboo Therapist," is a compassionate and committed practitioner originating from the southern United States, now rooted in the Midwest. Blending her genuine Southern charm with an assertive and straightforward style, she has built a renowned reputation as a therapist who fearlessly confronts delicate subjects and guides her clients through challenging life experiences.

We work with individuals on a variety of different issues directly impacting their lives: pregnancy, abortion, sexuality, gender identity, relationships, and the intersection of these experiences with religion/spirituality. The things we most need to talk about are often the things that make us uncomfortable, challenge our worldview, or are deemed “socially unacceptable”. Exploring these issues and our feelings in a safe environment expands our horizons and helps us to better understand ourselves and the world around us. Learning allows us to grow and develop as human beings. Personal growth can help us heal.