Therapists in Avondale, MO

Are you feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges, carrying burdens that seem too heavy to bear alone? I’m Gary Schmidt, an experienced LCSW telehealth therapist, and I’m here to help you find your way back to strength and clarity. Imagine a space where you can explore your inner world with care and understanding—a space where healing is possible and hope is real. Using a personalized approach grounded in Internal Family Systems (IFS), attachment theory, and mindfulness, I help you reconnect with your true self and restore the balance you deserve. I know reaching out can feel like a big step, but you don’t have to do it alone. Let’s take that first step together. Whether you need to talk, explore new strategies, or simply find a little relief, I’m here to support you. Connect with me today.

My 20 years as a clinical psychologist working with adult men and women have taught me a lot. First, that we all carry a burden. Second, our burdens are lighter when we share them with others. And finally, we can be set free from our burdens, or, regardless of them, live happily. I enjoy working with clients wanting to overcome depression, anxiety, alcohol and/or drug addictions, posttraumatic stress disorder, stress, panic disorders, or relationship challenges. My clients say that I am easy to talk to and give them a sense that “there is a way out.” Most clients leave the first session feeling greatly relieved that they have been understood. And, have the beginnings of a mutually agreeable plan of action that will give them relief. I have great respect for my clients. They have courageously come forward in spite of their burdens and made the first step toward getting the help and relief they desire. My therapeutic techniques are based on the American Psychological Association’s “Professional Practice Guidelines”. These criteria are designed to assist in the use of the best methods for addressing mental health issues. Let’s walk this road together.

I’m a therapist with over 20 years of experience and specialized training in grief therapy. I help people navigate all the messy, complicated emotions that come with grief—and let’s be honest, grief doesn’t just happen when we lose someone we love (including animals). It can also show up after a breakup, a job, a friendship, or even during major life transitions and crisis. Whatever your grief looks like, I’m here to support you as you figure out how to move forward. On a personal note, I was born with a birth defect, spina bifida and use a wheelchair full-time, which gives me a unique perspective on navigating life as a person with a disability. I understand some of the complexities and curveballs that come with it, and I’m here to provide a compassionate, understanding space for anyone on a similar path. My therapy style is laid-back and conversational. I use Person-Centered Therapy, which means I trust that you’re the expert in your own life, and I’m here to help you find your own answers. I also incorporate Brief Solution-Focused Therapy for when you’re looking for more immediate, practical tools. A few fun facts about me: I work from home, so you might hear or see one of my four dogs in the background. I love animals (and talking about them), and over the past few years, I’ve worked with many people grieving the loss of their furry (or feathered) family members. I’m also a firm believer that therapy should be a space where you feel comfortable and understood—no judgment, no pressure, just support. If you think I might be a good fit for you, I’d love to help you on your journey. And if for some reason I’m not the right therapist for you, I’ll do my best to help you find someone who is.

Hello and welcome! I am an individual Licensed Professional Counselor in Missouri with over 13 years in the mental health field. I help individuals of all ages including children, adolescents and adults. I have worked in private practice with adults and adolescents, in a hospital inpatient setting, as a crisis clinician for a crisis line, behavioral health insurance management, and as an EAP consultant. I have worked with clients with a wide range of struggles including depression, anxiety, parenting problems, work/life balance stress and more. My therapy style is person centered. I believe in treating everyone with respect and compassion, regardless of cultural and ethnic background, gender or sexual orientation. My approach is typically solution focused and often incorporate mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral techniques and a psychodynamic approach to help you understand your emotions and unconscious behaviors. I will provide support and treatment goals based on your unique and specific needs. I am so glad you are taking the steps towards making positive changes in your life. I am here to support you and empower you through your journey in life and I look forward to working with you! *AT THIS TIME I AM ONLY AVAILBLE FOR MESSAGING-NOT LIVE SESSIONS

I am licensed in Missouri with 34 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

I am licensed in Missouri with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, & parenting issues. I also have experience working with motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

I am licensed in Missouri with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

I am licensed in Missouri with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship and intimacy-related issues. I am also a Certified Mental Health and Nutrition Clinical Specialist, focusing on the whole person. We will explore your diet, sleep, and exercise, and how to balance out your gut so your brain feels better. You are the expert of your story and you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

I am a license clinical social worker with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, anger management, substance use, domestic violence, depression, and interpersonal issues. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I do not believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and rational-emotive therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

My name is Jessica Myers and my greatest passion in for helping people! I help by meeting each client, who include children, adults and families, to find healthy perceptions of themselves and strengthen their relationships by discovering each members strength and build resilience so they can know themselves as peaceful, complete, whole and safe. I do this through kindness and connections with individuals as well as resources. My educational background includes a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology with emphasis on marriage and family from Webster University. I have a Bachelors in Arts. in Psychology from Columbia College. I am a practicing Licensed Professional Counselor. My resume is colored with a wide variety of jobs working with diverse populations, from bartender to full time mother to directing a clinical program with a community mental health company, that deeply influence my work with people. I have been a crisis counselor and outreach counselor as well working with families with have a member who have a developmental delay, I have experience counseling in domestic violence shelters as well. I believe connecting people with resources and support can assist in all facets of relationships and allow for each person to gain additional knowledge and support. I allow each person to process and talk about any question or feelings in a safe place where we can work together to learn what will work for each person and client. I will be there to help guide each person with their own skill set to help with any challenging behaviors that may present and we will problem solve together. I’m not a nod-and-smile, sort of therapist, I love to find solutions and I stay current in all research so I can bring tools to help each person — you’ll find that I laugh loudly, wear leggings and love to find mindful moments in my day while looking for all the positive things I can find and I practice yoga, thankfully it’s the effort not the harder poses that count! I know if I’m not real, I can’t expect you to be either. And when you feel safe to be real with me, we can work on how that carries over into the rest of your life. I do that through a variety of approaches. I’m holistic, looking at all aspects of your life: mind, body and spirit. I’m eclectic, drawing from years of my own clinical training, graduate work, and experience. I’m a learner, continuing to research and attend trainings, and “geek-out” on resources to enhance my therapy and leadership skills. My clients appreciate that I offer a ton of support and make them feel safe in therapy, yet I don’t shy away from giving direct feedback and ideas, or challenging a thought or belief that might be getting in the way of progress. I like to hear about relationships, past and present, believing that they hold many keys to your breakthroughs. I’ll provide tools and strategies as needed, and perhaps a book recommendation… or two. Another thing you need to know about me? I truly believe your life and your relationships can get better! It will take work, and some time, but it ABSOLUTELY is possible, and I’m here to help you make that happen. As an avid world traveler, I enjoy working with clients from many different cultural and religious backgrounds. I have been on multiple multicultural competency committee at all places of employment. When you develop a relationship with a caring, attuned therapist and leader you will find new ways to solve problems, heal old wounds, and change the way you live your life. My Mission: Create a Safe Space Where All People Can Grow "We have to be vigilant about creating a culture in which relationship people feel safe, seen, heard, and respected." I am dedicated to creating an open and inclusive space that welcomes and reflects diversity of all kinds.