I specialize in counseling individual adult clients. You are welcome to invite a loved one to join your session, if you desire. With twenty years of experience, I have walked alongside many hurting individuals presenting a wide variety of struggles. My current areas of focus are anxiety, depression, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), relationship concerns or enrichment, life and career transitions, grief/loss/bereavement, chronic illness, setting boundaries and spiritual concerns. I also work with a limited number of clients who have PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). A particular passion of mine is serving those in the helping/care-giving professions, those in ministry and people who have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.
As I accept new clients, I manage the number of clients I serve at any one time and the types of presenting issues. This allows me to take care of my clients by giving them the attention they need and deserve while also caring for my own health and well-being. Being fully present with, listening intently, having compassion for, and walking alongside a client takes more than just clinical techniques or knowledge; it requires my mental, emotional, physical and relational health. As I teach, guide and encourage my clients to care well for themselves, I practice what I teach!
My Master's degree in Counseling is from Covenant Theological Seminary. I chose Covenant for the exceptional clinical studies offered, as the program was developed and led by a psychiatrist, and co-led by a PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy/Licensed Clinical Social Worker. The addition of theological studies allowed me to deepen my faith. In pursuing my own whole-person health I incorporate my faith, time with family and friends, staying intellectually engaged, and caring well for my emotional and physical health. The captions on the website photographs reference passages that have had a profound influence on my life. The foundation of my faith rests in a God who loves and knows me, Who gives me strength, hope, courage, perseverance, joy, contentment and peace.
I am a second-career counselor, having spent thirteen years in business before pursuing my Master's degree. I draw upon my business background, and the experience of my own career change, to assist those who seek counsel regarding their own career or life transition.
Member of:
As I accept new clients, I manage the number of clients I serve at any one time and the types of presenting issues. This allows me to take care of my clients by giving them the attention they need and deserve while also caring for my own health and well-being. Being fully present with, listening intently, having compassion for, and walking alongside a client takes more than just clinical techniques or knowledge; it requires my mental, emotional, physical and relational health. As I teach, guide and encourage my clients to care well for themselves, I practice what I teach!
My Master's degree in Counseling is from Covenant Theological Seminary. I chose Covenant for the exceptional clinical studies offered, as the program was developed and led by a psychiatrist, and co-led by a PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy/Licensed Clinical Social Worker. The addition of theological studies allowed me to deepen my faith. In pursuing my own whole-person health I incorporate my faith, time with family and friends, staying intellectually engaged, and caring well for my emotional and physical health. The captions on the website photographs reference passages that have had a profound influence on my life. The foundation of my faith rests in a God who loves and knows me, Who gives me strength, hope, courage, perseverance, joy, contentment and peace.
I am a second-career counselor, having spent thirteen years in business before pursuing my Master's degree. I draw upon my business background, and the experience of my own career change, to assist those who seek counsel regarding their own career or life transition.
Member of:
- Missouri Chapter of the American Counseling Association
- International OCD Foundation
- EMDRIA (Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing International Association)
- MA - Master of Arts degree (in counseling, graduated with honors)
- LPC - Licensed Professional Counselor, State of Missouri, license number 2001018060
- NCC - National Certified Counselor, National Board for Certified Counselors, number 68116
Counseling Approach
Because each client has a unique personality and needs, there is no one-size-fits-all therapy. I frequently use cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and family systems theory to be of help to clients. CBT has been studied for years and remarkable success is shown in treating anxiety, depression and other issues. Family Systems Theory is a way to look at how one interacts in relationship with others. Exposure and Response/Ritual Prevention Therapy is a well researched and proven method for the treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. As a professional member of the International OCD Foundation, I have completed the first level of training through their Behavioral Therapy Training Institute (BTTI) and continue my studies to best serve those with OCD. I am also an EMDR Therapist. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Therapy is a recognized therapy method that can benefit those struggling with trauma history. See below for more information.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) helps identify your thoughts, feelings, behaviors, physical reactions and the environment in which you are living/working. Once identified, incorporating change in the areas where negative or unhealthy processes are taking place results in a positive effect to the whole. Applying CBT techniques to complex situations takes some work and practice, but it can have a very positive impact on your life.
Exposure and Response/Ritual Prevention (ERP) Therapy
ERP is intentionally exposing yourself to the specific sources of your fear repeatedly, and not acting out the compulsive thoughts/behaviors that you use to neutralize or stop the fear. All of this is done in a supportive, planned way designed and guided by you. By repeatedly facing something you are afraid of, you train your brain to recognize the irrationality of the fear and the anxiety diminishes greatly so you no longer respond or potentially goes away completely.
The following excerpt is taken from the International OCD Foundation website at iocdf.org/about-ocd/treatment/erp/:
"It is possible that you may have heard of Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) before. CBT refers to a group of similar types of therapies used by mental health therapists for treating psychological disorders, with the most important type of CBT for OCD being Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP).
The Exposure in ERP refers to exposing yourself to the thoughts, images, objects and situations that make you anxious and/or start your obsessions. While the Response Prevention part of ERP refers to making a choice not to do a compulsive behavior once the anxiety or obsessions have been “triggered.” All of this is done under the guidance of a therapist at the beginning — though you will eventually learn to do your own ERP exercises to help manage your symptoms."
EMDR Therapy
EMDR Therapy helps those who struggle with traumatic events or memories, particularly those who have Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. EMDR Therapy is a way to reduce the emotional intensity of the response to the traumatic events, so one no longer feels triggered or held captive by the memories. For more information go to www.emdria.org. Another website with excellent information is EMDR Training Center at https://emdrtrainingcenter.com, look under the About EMDR Therapy tab.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) helps identify your thoughts, feelings, behaviors, physical reactions and the environment in which you are living/working. Once identified, incorporating change in the areas where negative or unhealthy processes are taking place results in a positive effect to the whole. Applying CBT techniques to complex situations takes some work and practice, but it can have a very positive impact on your life.
Exposure and Response/Ritual Prevention (ERP) Therapy
ERP is intentionally exposing yourself to the specific sources of your fear repeatedly, and not acting out the compulsive thoughts/behaviors that you use to neutralize or stop the fear. All of this is done in a supportive, planned way designed and guided by you. By repeatedly facing something you are afraid of, you train your brain to recognize the irrationality of the fear and the anxiety diminishes greatly so you no longer respond or potentially goes away completely.
The following excerpt is taken from the International OCD Foundation website at iocdf.org/about-ocd/treatment/erp/:
"It is possible that you may have heard of Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) before. CBT refers to a group of similar types of therapies used by mental health therapists for treating psychological disorders, with the most important type of CBT for OCD being Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP).
The Exposure in ERP refers to exposing yourself to the thoughts, images, objects and situations that make you anxious and/or start your obsessions. While the Response Prevention part of ERP refers to making a choice not to do a compulsive behavior once the anxiety or obsessions have been “triggered.” All of this is done under the guidance of a therapist at the beginning — though you will eventually learn to do your own ERP exercises to help manage your symptoms."
EMDR Therapy
EMDR Therapy helps those who struggle with traumatic events or memories, particularly those who have Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. EMDR Therapy is a way to reduce the emotional intensity of the response to the traumatic events, so one no longer feels triggered or held captive by the memories. For more information go to www.emdria.org. Another website with excellent information is EMDR Training Center at https://emdrtrainingcenter.com, look under the About EMDR Therapy tab.
Family Systems Theory
Family Genogram
Family Systems theory looks at the complex array of relationships in which you are involved and how those relationships affect you. Understanding the influence you have on others' lives, as well as who has had an influence in your life, can open a door to greater emotional and relational health. It may also lead to setting appropriate boundaries with those who negatively affect you. The genogram (picture to the left) is like a family tree, but with a focus on patterns of relating, as well as character and personality traits that are passed down from generation to generation. Once patterns are identified, you can decide if you'd like to make changes.
Website Photographs - Kathryn L. Riesmeyer. All rights reserved. © 2020