Mary Lakey is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) known for her compassionate and caring approach to therapy. She listens empathetically to the stories of her clients, helping individuals deal with a wide array of concerns such as anxiety, stress, depression, and anger. Mary is committed to serving diverse populations, including underprivileged groups, LGBTQIA individuals, African Americans, veterans, and those affected by various forms of oppression, including ageism, racism, and sexism. Her goal is to gently assist clients in overcoming their struggles, helping them reclaim confidence and self-esteem to lead fulfilling lives. With an eclectic approach to therapy, she collaborates with clients to identify the most effective treatment methods for their journey toward self-improvement. Mary possesses social agency alongside her compassion and empathy, advocating for what is right for each client’s unique cultural background. She offers low-cost counseling, utilizing a sliding scale based on income to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent access to essential mental health support.

Christina Ann Tisher, PhD, LPC, LCPC, embodies the essence of the Greek word 'paraclete,' which means to come alongside. She views her role as a counselor as supportive and collaborative, journeying alongside individuals as they navigate life's challenges. Whether clients face a crossroads, seek clarity, make important decisions, or wish to improve their relationships with themselves or others, Christina considers it a privilege to accompany them on their path. Her approach emphasizes that clients are in control of their own journeys, with Christina serving as a navigator dedicated to helping them achieve their goals. For those unsure of their direction, Christina offers a safe space to explore these uncertainties together. Understanding that the right fit between a client and counselor is crucial, she provides complimentary 5-10 minute phone consultations, allowing potential clients to feel comfortable and ask any questions before beginning their first session. Christina is licensed to practice in both Missouri and Illinois.

Christine Ottinger is a compassionate clinical social worker and therapist who specializes in helping adolescents navigate the challenges of home, school, and peer relationships. With an understanding that mood and behavior can create a turbulent environment for families, she believes in the power of education and encouragement. Christine works diligently to equip teens with the skills necessary to cope with stress, transition effectively through life's changes, and develop into resilient adults. With over 20 years of experience providing individual and family therapy in both acute hospital settings and alternative therapeutic schools, she is dedicated to identifying problems, setting achievable goals, and tailoring treatment plans to meet each family’s unique situation. Her areas of expertise include supporting adolescents with Depression, Bipolar Disorder, ADHD/ADD, and Anxiety Disorders. Additionally, Christine offers parent coaching, meeting with parents individually or in joint sessions with their adolescent to enhance the therapeutic process. She is recognized as a trusted provider by the Rockwood School District and is willing to attend school meetings to advocate for her clients' needs.

Sara Gibbs, a licensed professional counselor (LPC), warmly welcomes individuals to Mindhaven Counseling. She understands that attending therapy can feel daunting; therefore, she strives to create a safe and comfortable environment where clients can freely express themselves and confront discomfort. With a proactive approach, Sara assists her clients in identifying barriers, setting goals, and recognizing their progress. Her primary focus lies in working with adolescents and their families to tackle challenges such as stress, anxiety, depression, and substance use. Through the integration of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and motivational interviewing techniques, Sara collaborates with clients to help them discover peace. Drawing from her extensive experience in high school settings and intensive community treatment programs, she is dedicated to supporting clients on their journey toward a better quality of life.

Dena Henry, a Licensed Professional Counselor (MA, LPC), understands the challenges faced by individuals grappling with self-esteem, anxiety, and codependency. She recognizes how these struggles can manifest in various aspects of life, creating feelings of depression and overwhelming caretaking responsibilities. Dena is particularly attuned to the complexities of relationships that often breed codependency, including those involving loved ones with addiction, parenting, and postpartum challenges. Through her telehealth sessions, Dena creates a secure, HIPAA-compliant environment where clients can explore their feelings without judgment. With a focus on setting appropriate boundaries, enhancing communication skills, and prioritizing self-care, her therapeutic approach is both supportive and validating. Dena is dedicated to ensuring that her clients feel heard and understood, fostering a safe space that encourages authenticity and self-expression.

Ellen Witte, a pre-licensed professional with a Master's degree, understands that life can be particularly challenging. She specializes in supporting teenagers, adolescents, and young adults who are striving to identify the root of their troubles while collaboratively navigating towards a healthier mental state. Ellen's expertise encompasses a range of issues, including anxiety, grief, depression, life transitions, anger, trauma, behavioral concerns, and self-esteem challenges. Additionally, she provides guidance on college and career readiness, as well as organizational skills. Acknowledging that each individual is unique, Ellen tailors her therapeutic approach to meet the specific needs of her clients, aiming to cultivate a successful outlook on life. Through fostering self-awareness, she empowers individuals to pinpoint their challenges and equips them with skills to thrive beyond therapy sessions. Ellen recognizes that seeking help can be daunting, and she is committed to creating a welcoming and supportive environment to ease clients into the counseling process. Her goal is to work together to help clients become their best selves.

Amanda Marie Gilman is a dedicated Clinical Social Worker and therapist with a passion for supporting individuals who face daily challenges with depression and anxiety. With over 16 years of experience in healthcare, Amanda specializes in helping clients who struggle with motivation in their daily activities, guiding them on a journey to rediscover their strength and resilience. She believes that by increasing self-awareness and identifying patterns of behavior, individuals can unlock their potential to navigate their struggles effectively. Amanda employs an integrative approach to therapy, often utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and a strength-based perspective. By facilitating individual and couples therapy, she offers a compassionate environment where personal growth and healing can flourish.

Ingrid McCarty is a compassionate Clinical Social Worker and Therapist with two decades of experience supporting individuals through challenging times. She understands that life can be overwhelming, leading to feelings of anxiety, depression, and complicated relationship issues. Her dedication to professional excellence is evident from her achievements as valedictorian in both her undergraduate and graduate programs. Ingrid specializes in addressing a variety of concerns, including Depression, Bi-Polar Disorder, Anxiety, OCD, Panic Disorder, grief, and family dynamics. She adeptly applies a range of therapeutic approaches, such as Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and the Gottman Method, tailored to meet the unique needs of her clients. As a mother of a child with a severe disability, Ingrid draws on her personal experiences to transform challenges into strengths, guiding her clients toward emotional well-being. She is committed to providing both faith-based and secular therapy, ensuring a holistic approach that aligns with her clients' values. With her expertise in working with teens, adults, and elders, Ingrid empowers individuals and families to navigate life's difficulties with grace and resilience.

Prudence Morris is a licensed professional counselor who is deeply committed to fostering positive change in the lives of school-aged children, teens, and adults facing various challenges. She excels at helping families connect and reconnect with one another, providing support in navigating the IEP/504 process by demystifying the complexities and advocating on behalf of children so they can receive the essential services they need. With a strong focus on building trusting relationships, Prudence aims to break down barriers and enable individuals to grow beyond their limitations, creating lasting transformations. Her therapeutic environment is rooted in care, safety, and respect, facilitating the healing and growth of both children and their families. By collaborating with clients, Prudence creates meaningful and practical goals from a non-pathologizing lens, employing innovative strategies that integrate recognized therapeutic modalities, including Internal Family Systems (IFS), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness techniques, and compassion-focused approaches. As a mother of three and a former educator, Prudence understands the unique challenges faced by families today and advocates for the mental wellness of both children and parents/caregivers. Her commitment extends beyond individual support; she also offers group sessions and engages in public speaking on mental health topics for schools and businesses.

Nicole Rae Buesser is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master’s degree and pre-licensed professional status. With over 15 years of experience as a counselor in the school setting throughout the St. Louis area, she has a profound understanding of the challenges faced by preteens, teens, and adults coping with issues such as depression, anxiety, and life transitions. Nicole's practice is centered around an eclectic, client-centered approach that emphasizes strengths and solutions, incorporating elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, trauma-informed care, and culturally sensitive methods. Her deep background in the education system allows her to effectively guide clients in navigating academic challenges while addressing mental health needs. Whether working on identity, motivation, or managing perfectionism and conflicts, Nicole is dedicated to assisting each individual in their journey toward well-being. With a heart for helping others, she strives to empower all her clients to achieve personal growth and resilience.

Erica Rosen-Mcginnis is a dedicated Clinical Social Worker and Therapist, specializing in supporting adults and elders in addressing anxiety, parenting challenges, and relationship issues. Passionate about creating a safe and confidential space, she empowers her clients to share their hopes, dreams, and fears. Erica believes that every individual possesses innate strengths and feels honored to accompany them on their journey toward a more fulfilling and healthy life. She is a fully licensed professional with extensive graduate training and supervised clinical experience in the mental health field, having studied at Washington University in St. Louis. Additionally, she has completed a rigorous two-year postgraduate program in Advanced Psychodynamic Psychotherapy at the St. Louis Psychoanalytic Institute. Erica’s eclectic approach incorporates various therapeutic modalities including Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Mindfulness Meditation, ensuring that her clients receive tailored support in both individual and couples settings.

Lauren Scheidegger is a compassionate and dedicated Licensed Professional Counselor, specializing in providing therapeutic support to children aged 2-12. As a Registered Play Therapist, she skillfully utilizes play to help children communicate their feelings and navigate their experiences. With expertise in various issues and diagnoses, she collaborates with both parents and children to address unique concerns, ensuring that family members can be involved in the healing process when necessary. In her inviting office, Lauren incorporates specially chosen toys and games, recognizing that play is a child's natural form of expression, facilitating a safe environment for them to explore their frustrations, fears, and thoughts. Additionally, Lauren is a certified Autplay Therapy Level II provider, focused on supporting children on the Autism Spectrum, as well as being certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and an ADHD-Certified Clinical Services Provider. Through her warm approach, Lauren is committed to fostering growth and development for children and their families.