Find a Therapist in Cottleville, MO

Dondra Agovino is a Licensed Professional Counselor who specializes in guiding individuals and couples through challenging times in their relationships. With extensive training in Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Dondra helps couples identify underlying patterns of conflict, fostering new ways of connecting and relating to one another. Her approach is collaborative, as she works with clients to explore and understand the disruptions in their lives and relationships, paving the way for lasting transformation. Specializing in trauma intervention, she is also trained in EMDR, effectively addressing issues related to PTSD. Dondra is dedicated to supporting clients from diverse backgrounds facing a range of difficulties, ensuring a warm and empathetic environment for growth and healing.

Leslie Appelbaum is a dedicated pre-licensed professional who emphasizes the importance of mindfulness and self-connection in the healing process. Inspired by her first experience in therapy, she champions the belief that everyone can achieve inner peace by sitting with themselves and embracing the present moment. Leslie is passionate about helping individuals discover their 'why' for change, fostering a transformative journey through her expertise. Her therapeutic practice draws on Somatic Experiencing, a gentle yet focused approach that enhances the connection between mind and body, facilitating deeper awareness and insight. Additionally, she employs motivational interviewing techniques to empower clients to set personal goals and uncover their intrinsic motivations. With experience in both intensive and outpatient settings, Leslie supports clients facing challenges such as eating disorders, substance abuse, developmental and attachment issues, and mood disorders. Her warm demeanor and genuine commitment to personal growth nurture a safe space for exploration and healing.

Change is possible for everyone, and Nathan Beck understands the struggles that individuals may face—be it depression, anxiety, relational issues, or trauma. With expertise in working with children, teens, and adults, Nathan is trained in EMDR (Eye-Movement-Desensitization-and-Reprocessing) therapy, among other therapeutic modalities, including Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. He believes that counseling is a collaborative relationship where clients can explore their stories, uncover meaning, and harness their inherent strength to heal and grow. Nathan values who each individual is, including their abilities, frustrations, hurts, and dreams. He offers a curious, kind, and caring presence, making him well-capable of guiding individuals on their path to transformation.

Susan James is a dedicated Licensed Professional Counselor who specializes in helping individuals navigate the challenging dynamics of toxic relationships, including constant putdowns, controlling behavior, and physical violence. She understands the profound impact these experiences can have, leading to unrelenting self-doubt and difficulties in establishing healthy boundaries. With a compassionate approach, Susan empowers her clients to reclaim their power, take responsibility for their lives, and cultivate strength and compassion for themselves and others. As an EMDR therapist, she works with survivors of domestic violence, childhood abuse, and bullying, addressing persistent memories and negative core beliefs through a variety of therapeutic modalities including trauma-focused care, attachment-based therapy, and emotionally focused approaches. Committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment, Susan is passionate about guiding her clients toward growth and healing. For those ready to embark on a transformative journey towards becoming their best selves, Susan looks forward to walking alongside them every step of the way.

Samantha Johnson is a compassionate and dedicated pre-licensed professional (MA, PLPC) who deeply connects with individuals who feel hopeless, silenced, and bruised. As a trauma and DBT-informed therapist, she is committed to fostering a safe and confidential environment where individuals, teenagers, and families can process their experiences, heal, and develop practical skills for a high-quality life. Samantha specializes in areas such as sexual abuse and trauma, compassion fatigue, anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders. She creates a welcoming space for clients to explore their challenges and offers guidance rooted in understanding and empathy. Inspired by Brené Brown's quote, 'When we deny the story, it defines us. When we own the story, we can write a brave new ending,' Samantha encourages each individual to embark on the journey of self-ownership and restoration, affirming that they are worth the effort to create a new chapter in their lives.

Taylor Keen, a licensed professional counselor (MA, LPC), understands that hardship is a universal experience. Whether it manifests as grief, anxiety, or relationship difficulties, Taylor considers it a profound privilege to walk alongside individuals in their times of struggle. With a focus on building meaningful connections, Taylor is passionate about helping clients cultivate stronger, more enduring relationships in their lives. This dedication extends to families and couples seeking to enhance their interactions, as well as adults and teens navigating life’s challenges. Taylor aims to be a safe haven for individuals facing current troubles, having successfully worked with teenagers, families, couples, and individuals grappling with issues such as anxiety, family communication, intimacy concerns, grief, depression, addiction, and spiritual confusion. By collaborating with clients, Taylor helps them process and understand the underlying patterns that may contribute to their conflicts or issues. With a special interest in the intersection of faith and spirituality within life stories, Taylor prioritizes creating a safe and nurturing environment for individuals to explore and process their unique narratives and difficulties. Furthermore, Taylor offers flexible hours and is committed to working with clients across various income levels.

Randy McLaren is a dedicated licensed professional counselor who understands the complexities of human relationships. Known for his insightful approach, he is committed to guiding individuals towards developing relational skills that can transform old patterns of behavior. With a deep-rooted passion for relational and family dynamics, Randy equips his clients with valuable tools and strategies to effectively navigate issues such as stress, anxiety, anger, and depression—all of which can hinder healthy and flourishing connections. Utilizing the narratives that shape our lives as a framework, Randy applies his expertise in therapy and workshops, covering topics including parenting adult children and strengthening marriages. He is also in the process of developing a workshop aimed at identifying and eliminating threats to intimacy in romantic partnerships, particularly in marriage. Focusing on collaborative goal-setting and fostering self-awareness, Randy helps clients apply their newfound knowledge to enrich important relationships. With extensive experience in assisting couples facing marital and family challenges, Randy looks forward to supporting individuals on their journey of personal growth through life's obstacles.

Keith Puellman, a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master’s degree and 17 years of experience in the counseling field, is dedicated to helping individuals, couples, and families navigate the complexities of life and fulfill their potential. Having spent the first seven years focusing on addiction counseling, he brings a wealth of knowledge, insight, and compassion to those struggling with substance use issues. His passion extends to assisting couples in fostering strong, healthy, and trusting marriages. As an adoptive father, Keith has a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by adoptive parents and their children. Additionally, he is skilled in addressing concerns such as depression, anxiety, anger, grief, and codependency. His approach emphasizes the importance of understanding one’s narrative, as he believes that healing begins with recognizing the stories that shape our relationships, thoughts, beliefs, and actions. In therapy, he focuses not only on addressing behavioral or relational problems but also on uncovering and healing the root causes of the client's experiences.

Shauna Weaver is a compassionate counselor who understands that life does not always go as planned. She recognizes that our minds adapt in brilliant ways, yet sometimes those adaptations can hinder personal growth. Perfectionism, over-analyzing, people-pleasing, mental exhaustion, feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness, low self-esteem, conflicting thoughts and feelings, and unexplained physical symptoms are all signals that seeking professional help can be beneficial. With a focus on the whole person and their unique experiences, Shauna creates a safe and nurturing environment for her clients to share and process their challenges under her expert care. Utilizing creativity, attachment theory, and elements of Internal Family Systems, she guides clients toward clarity and relief, promoting well-being and empowerment. Whether individuals prefer to meet in person or connect from the comfort of their homes, Shauna is dedicated to collaborating with them to establish and achieve their goals on their mental health journey.